A stay or holiday on Texel is inseparable from the ferry to Texel. The Texel ferry brings you safely and pleasantly from the mainland in Den Helder to one of the most beautiful Wadden islands in the Netherlands. The ferry Texel service has been provided by the TESO ships since 1907. In full this stands for Texels Eigen Stoomboot Onderneming (Texel’s Own Steamboat Company). There are crossings with two ships. The Doctor Wagemaker offers space for 300 vehicles, while the Texelstroom can carry as many as 340 passenger cars.
Reserving a place on the ferry to Texel is not possible. Extra capacity and crossings are used during busy periods. During the high season and during school holidays, a short waiting period can occasionally arise.
Your pet can travel on the ferry to Texel for free; however, you must keep your pet on a leash during the crossing. It is in principle allowed to leave the pet (unattended) in the car during the crossing, provided the pet cannot jump out of the car.
Table of contents
Ferry Texel
Of course the ferry to the island also offers places for pedestrians, cyclists and moped riders. The crossing from Den Helder to Texel with the ferry guarantees a pleasant stay. The ferry Texel is fully equipped and gives you a fantastic view over the beautiful Wadden Sea. Within 20 minutes the ferry brings you pleasantly from Den Helder to Texel. In addition, the ferry to Texel is equipped with various facilities that you can use during the crossing.
Current Departure Times Ferry Texel
Ferry Texel today & tomorrow
| To Texel | To Den Helder |
|---|---|
| 07:00 | 07:30 |
| 08:00 | 08:30 |
| 09:00 | 09:30 |
| 09:30 | 10:00 |
| 10:00 | 10:30 |
| 10:30 | 11:00 |
| 11:00 | 11:30 |
| 11:30 | 12:00 |
| 12:00 | 12:30 |
| 12:30 | 13:00 |
| 13:00 | 13:30 |
| 13:30 | 14:00 |
| 14:00 | 14:30 |
| 14:30 | 15:00 |
| 15:00 | 15:30 |
| 15:30 | 16:00 |
| 16:00 | 16:30 |
| 17:00 | 17:30 |
| 18:00 | 18:30 |
| 19:00 | 19:30 |
| 20:00 | 20:30 |
| 21:00 | 21:30 |
| To Texel | To Den Helder |
|---|---|
| 07:00 | 07:30 |
| 08:00 | 08:30 |
| 09:00 | 09:30 |
| 10:00 | 10:30 |
| 11:00 | 11:30 |
| 12:00 | 12:30 |
| 13:00 | 13:30 |
| 14:00 | 14:30 |
| 15:00 | 15:30 |
| 16:00 | 16:30 |
| 17:00 | 17:30 |
| 18:00 | 18:30 |
| 19:00 | 19:30 |
| 20:00 | 20:30 |
| 21:00 | 21:30 |
Departure times ferry Texel – timetable
The ferry to and from Texel has many departure times. There are hourly crossings to and from Texel with the TESO timetable. The (double-deck) ferry to Texel leaves Den Helder once per hour. The boat trip takes about 20 minutes. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, there is a discounted rate for the crossings. In both Den Helder and Texel, bus connections are available for all normal sailings.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.30 | 6.30 | 6.30 | 6.30 | 6.30 | 6.30 | 6.30 |
| 7.30 | 7.30 | 7.30 | 7.30 | 7.30 | 7.30 | 7.30 |
| 8.30 | 8.30 | 8.30 | 8.30 | 8.30 | 8.30 | 8.30 |
| 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.30 |
| 10.30 | 10.30 | 10.30 | 10.30 | 10.30 | 10.30 | 10.30 |
| 11.30 | 11.30 | 11.30 | 11.30 | 11.30 | 11.30 | 11.30 |
| 12.30 | 12.30 | 12.30 | 12.30 | 12.30 | 12.30 | 12.30 |
| 13.30 | 13.30 | 13.30 | 13.30 | 13.30 | 13.30 | 13.30 |
| 14.30 | 14.30 | 14.30 | 14.30 | 14.30 | 14.30 | 14.30 |
| 15.30 | 15.30 | 15.30 | 15.30 | 15.30 | 15.30 | 15.30 |
| 16.30 | 16.30 | 16.30 | 16.30 | 16.30 | 16.30 | 16.30 |
| 17.30 | 17.30 | 17.30 | 17.30 | 17.30 | 17.30 | 17.30 |
| 18.30 | 18.30 | 18.30 | 18.30 | 18.30 | 18.30 | 18.30 |
| 19.30 | 19.30 | 19.30 | 19.30 | 19.30 | 19.30 | 19.30 |
| 20.30 | 20.30 | 20.30 | 20.30 | 20.30 | 20.30 | 20.30 |
| 21.30 | 21.30 | 21.30 | 21.30 | 21.30 | 21.30 | 21.30 |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 |
| 7.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 |
| 8.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 |
| 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 |
| 11.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 |
| 12.00 | 12.00 | 12.00 | 12.00 | 12.00 | 12.00 | 12.00 |
| 13.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 |
| 14.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 |
| 15.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 |
| 16.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 |
| 17.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 |
| 18.00 | 18.00 | 18.00 | 18.00 | 18.00 | 18.00 | 18.00 |
| 19.00 | 19.00 | 19.00 | 19.00 | 19.00 | 19.00 | 19.00 |
| 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
| 21.00 | 21.00 | 21.00 | 21.00 | 21.00 | 21.00 | 21.00 |
Note: For current departure times, please check our detailed timetable or contact the ferry infoline.
Prices Texel ferry
What is the cost for a ticket for the ferry to Texel? Tickets can be purchased online at the ferry terminal or through the TESO website. Take a look at the ferry Texel departure times to plan your trip as well as possible.
Compared to other days, the Texel ferry costs are higher from Friday through Monday. In order to stimulate travel outside the busy weekends, this lower rate is set. By entering the peak and off-peak rates, waiting times are avoided as much as possible.
Tickets
A boat ticket to Texel is always a return ticket for both the outward journey and the return journey. You can buy the ticket before departure via the TESO website (e-ticket) or at the counter in the port of Den Helder. If you use the boat to Texel more often, it is worth buying a multi-return ticket. The price per return is much lower.
Ferry to Texel price list
| Roundtrip for | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian¹ | € 2,50 | € 2,50 |
| Pedestrian² | € 2,50 | € 2,50 |
| Passenger Car¹ | € 31,00 | € 31,00 |
| Passenger Car² | € 46,50 | € 46,50 |
| Motorcycle (incl. 2 passengers)¹ | € 10,50 | € 10,50 |
| Motorcycle (incl. 2 passengers)² | € 13,50 | € 13,50 |
| Long Vehicle, per meter¹ | € 7,30 | € 7,30 |
| Long Vehicle, per meter² | € 9,75 | € 9,75 |
| Bicycle¹ | € 6,00 | € 6,00 |
| Bicycle² | € 6,00 | € 6,00 |
| Dog¹ | € 0,00 | € 0,00 |
| Dog² | € 0,00 | € 0,00 |
Note: For current prices, please check our detailed price table or contact the ferry infoline.
The facilities on the ferry to Texel
The ferry Texel from Den Helder to Texel naturally has a number of practical facilities. This way your crossing becomes even more pleasant. The ferries are naturally equipped with ample parking spaces, so you can leave your vehicle safely during the journey. On the top deck of the boat to Texel you will find a Texel shop, a buffet for a delicious meal and various coffee and snack vending machines. Of course, the ferry is also equipped with various sanitary facilities and toilets for the disabled.
In addition, you will find an elevator on the boat that will take you from the parking deck to the upper deck of the ship without difficulty. On the ferry Texel, general information regarding the crossing is also available and you can of course use wireless internet. To ensure your safety, both the ferries and the ferry ports in Texel and Den Helder are equipped with an AED. Of course, during the crossing on the ferry to Texel you can also enjoy the beautiful view that the Wadden Sea has to offer.
Parking Den Helder
When you travel with the Texel ferry, you can park for free in Den Helder at the ferry port. This can be done next to the terminal. Follow the route ‘P Texel’, ‘Pick up + Drop off’.
You can park your car at the unguarded car park; reservations are not possible. The number of parking spaces is limited, so it may happen that the area is full on busy days. You can also park in the vicinity of the ferry port. Take a walk of about 10 minutes into account. The parking lot of the Marine Museum is not a public car park.
If the free parking area is full, you can also park in the immediate vicinity, for example at the parking lots Willemsoord-Noord and Willemsoord-Zuid.
Parking garage Den Helder
In downtown Den Helder you can park your car in either of the two parking garages. This can be done in parking garage Koningckshoek or in parking garage Sluisdijk.
Den Helder street parking
There are blue zones at the shopping centers in the center of Den Helder. This relates to the Sluisdijk neighborhood and to the Van Galenbuurt south-east. With a blue parking disc you can park here for limited hours on weekdays.
Parking disabled Den Helder
Disability car permit holders can park on special disabled parking spaces and in the paid parking areas with their permits.
Parking Texel
On Texel there is paid parking in all towns and at all beach areas. Paid parking applies daily during daytime hours. Do you want to park on Texel without any worries? This is possible with a so-called e-vignette, which is a digital parking card. When you left your car behind in Den Helder but need a ride on Texel, you can reserve a taxi on Texel online. The taxi can be canceled free of charge, if necessary.
Parking on Texel, pay by the hour
Of course you can also buy a traditional parking ticket and pay by the hour. Cash payment is not possible; you can only pay with your debit or credit card. Do you have a parking app such as Yellowbrick on your mobile phone? With this you can also pay.
Buy e-vignette Texel
You can buy an e-vignette at the parking meter or online.
How to use the e-vignette
The Texel parking attendants scan the registration number of your car and can check whether you have a valid Texel e-vignette. There are a number of places within the village centers where a maximum parking time applies. You can use a blue parking disc at those locations.
Disabled parking card
You do not need to purchase a Texel e-vignette if you have a European disabled parking card. However, you must use both the parking ticket and the blue parking disc at parking places and parking spaces where parking is limited. This indicates your time of arrival.
Taxi Texel
When you leave your car behind in Den Helder but need a ride on Texel, you can reserve a taxi on Texel online. The taxi can be canceled free of charge, if necessary.
Ferry from Texel to Vlieland
Are you visiting Texel and do you also want to visit Vlieland? In the summer it is possible for tourists to take the ferry from Texel to Vlieland. Vice versa is also possible of course. The ferry De Vriendschap is only available for pedestrians and takes you by ferry from Texel to Vlieland. After arrival, there is a free transfer by a large truck that will take you to the Wadden Island of Vlieland via the beach.
You can take your bike with you when you book a trip with the ferry from Texel to Vlieland. Many cyclists make use of this possibility to make bike trips across the islands. This makes the ferry from Texel to Vlieland a very nice way of traveling, because the ship is not too big and that makes the crossing an adventure in itself.
Tickets for the ferry from Texel to Vlieland
It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance. If you prefer to buy tickets on Texel, you can do so at De Noorman in De Cocksdorp. This is near beach pole 33 and opposite the rescue station of the KNRM. This is also the location of the jetty where the boat moors.
Transport from the jetty
A ticket includes transport (with the Vliehors Express) from the jetty to Het Posthuys on Vlieland. From there you can continue on your bike; there is also a bus. You can’t bring your car on the ferry from Texel to Vlieland.
Water Taxi Texel
Missed the ferry to Texel? Or do you have to rush back to Den Helder, or to Texel? It is possible to make the crossing safely and comfortably with the Texel water taxi in a maximum of 20 minutes. During the quick crossing you can stay in the cabin, but also enjoy the beautiful Wadden Sea outside. Maybe you’ll see a few seals on the way…
The water taxi Texel is available 24/7
Do you want to go to Texel early in the morning and can’t wait for the first departure of the Texel ferry? The water taxi Texel is also suitable for this. The boat is available 24 hours a day.
When you have to go to Texel or Den Helder in the late evening and the regular Texel ferry is not available anymore, just call the water taxi Texel. This is possible on weekends, but of course also on weekdays. To use the water taxi you have to make a reservation in advance.
If you miss the last ferry to Texel and decide to stay on the island, book a hotel on Texel.
Water taxi Texel price
Booking by phone is mandatory and keep in mind that it is not possible to use your debit card at the counter or on board the water taxi. You can bring your dog on the water taxi for free.
Disabled people
The water taxi is also suitable for disabled passengers. However, call ahead about the possibilities. It is not always possible to get on board with a wheelchair.
Seal tour Texel
The company that provides the water taxi Texel also offers a seal tour off the coast of Texel. Step on the Zeehond and experience an unforgettable day during a seal tour off the coast of Texel.
What to do on Texel
Room for walking and cycling is plentiful; there are over 130 kilometers of cycling paths and hiking trails on Texel. There is also a lot of nature on Texel. More than 25% of the island consists of the National Park Dunes of Texel.
With a width of 12 kilometers and a length of no less than 25 kilometers, Texel is the largest Wadden Island in the Netherlands. The beautiful beaches of Texel have a total length of 27 kilometers.
Texel has a lot of green nature for a relatively small island. The Texel nature is unique because of the diverse landscapes that the island offers. From the dune areas full of colors to heathland, long walking beaches, pine forests and of course the mudflats. Because of the many fields, polders and meadows, Texel is an ideal habitat for a large number of bird species, including migratory birds.
National Park Dunes Texel
In the northwest of Texel you will find the National Park Dunes of Texel, which is more than 43 square kilometers in size. In the dune area there are different pieces of nature such as De Muy, De Hors and of course De Slufter. The area is a varied landscape with dry dunes, moors, forests, salt marshes and vast beach plains, as well as many marshy dune valleys.
Hugging and cuddling with lambs
For both young and old, visiting the sheep farm on Texel is highly recommended. It is one of the best things to do on the island. The young sheep are crazy about attention and love to be hugged and cuddled. The sheep farms are open year-round. Maybe you’ll see a sheep with five legs…
Texel Beach
The Texel beach, on the western side of the island, is about 30 kilometers long. The seaside resort of Texel is the village De Koog. On the beaches of Texel you can take beautiful walks and then have a nice rest at a beach pavilion. You can also surf on the beautiful beaches.
Of course there are several beach pavilions on Texel. Most are named after the corresponding beach pole. A beach pole indicates the location along the beach and can be used for orientation. Enjoy the delicious food and the beautiful view of the beach and sea.
Texel is a paradise for surfers. At beach poles 17 and 19 are the most popular places to surf on Texel. At pole 17, on one of the most beautiful surf beaches in the country, a surf school has been established for more than 10 years. With a bit of luck you can spot seals while surfing.
Mudflat hiking to Texel
The hike on the mudflats to Texel takes about 3.5 hours; the total length is about 11 kilometers. The trip goes along nature reserve De Schorren where you can admire the flora and fauna of the Wadden Sea. Mudflat hiking to Texel is not difficult because you walk on hard sand plates. This makes the trip suitable for older kids (from 10 years).
Cycling on Texel
Cycling on Texel is very popular; by bike is the best way to discover Texel. Renting a bike on Texel is therefore no problem, as there are many bike rental companies. Immediately after arriving by ferry to Texel and also in most towns you will find several bike rental places. With many bike rental places you can book a bicycle online; the bike is then even delivered to your hotel.
There are many cycle paths on Texel with a total length of almost 150 kilometers. The paths take you on a discovery tour through forests, villages and the Texel dunes. You can bring your own bike on the boat or rent a bike from one of the many bike rental companies on Texel. You can also do some hiking on Texel, so do not forget to bring your hiking shoes.
Hiking on Texel
You can really relax while hiking on Texel. Enjoy the beautiful dunes, forests and nature parks. Hiking on Texel is possible through various hiking routes, from paved roads to untouched paths through nature. Hiking on Texel is the perfect way to spot (the more than 300 species of) birds and discover the trees, nature and plants.
All routes for hiking are in the Duinen van Texel nature reserve. This National Park is located on the northwestern side of the island and is approximately 43 square kilometers in size. In this dune area there are various nature reserves such as De Muy, De Hors and of course De Slufter.
Towns
There are seven towns on Texel. Each of these towns has its own coziness and character. There are also many restaurants, shops, cafés and much to do on Texel. Take time to discover De Cocksdorp, Oosterend, De Waal, Den Burg, Oudeschild, Den Hoorn and De Koog.
Museums Texel
Texel has many special and interesting museums about fishing, war and culture. Take some time to discover the various museums on Texel.
Restaurants
Lovers of delicious food and drinks are in the right place on Texel. Restaurants on Texel are abundant and there is a lot of choice. From cozy coffee shops to hip cocktail bars and burger bars, to cozy living room restaurants and fantastic star restaurants. After a hike or bike ride, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the Texel restaurants.
Sustainable crossing to Texel by ferry
TESO has a high priority for sustainability. By letting the ships sail on environmentally friendly fuel, an important contribution is made to the preservation of the beautiful Wadden area. A crossing with the ferry to Texel is not only pleasant, but also sustainable.
In addition to the use of biodiesel, the boat from Den Helder to Texel is provided with even more environmentally-friendly facilities. For example, the urinals inside the ship are waterless, resulting in a drinking water saving of no less than 150,000 liters per year. The crossing from Den Helder to Texel with the TESO ferry is therefore a unique experience in every respect.
Ferry Texel
The ferry from Den Helder to Texel departs hourly throughout the day. Tickets for the crossing with the ferry to Texel can be easily purchased online or at one of the ticket offices at the terminals.
Crossing by ferry and the Texel e-vignette
A large parking lot can be found at both ferry ports. After the crossing from Den Helder to Texel you can safely park your car here. Cars are allowed on the island. However, there is a paid parking policy in many places on Texel. Not only in the villages but also at the beaches you pay an hourly rate.
With the Texel e-vignette you can park anywhere on the island. This digital parking vignette can easily be purchased online and works on the basis of license plate registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price for my car including occupants?
All occupants must be in the vehicle when the vehicle passes the counter. The price for the car includes a maximum of 9 passengers. An additional payment must be made for a trailer, caravan or bicycle carrier. There is no need to pay for bicycles on a roof rack.
Are the Texel ferry costs for a single trip?
All mentioned rates are for a return ticket. You can’t buy a one-way ticket.
Can I book a reservation for a passenger ferry ticket?
Reserving a spot on the ferry to Texel is not possible. Extra capacity and crossings are used during busy periods. During the high season and during school holidays, a short waiting period may occasionally arise.
Can I get a group discount?
No, TESO does not offer a group rate. Based on its sustainability philosophy, TESO strives for an attractive rate for all pedestrians and cyclists, regardless of whether this is a group of travelers.
How much does parking cost?
In Den Helder you can park for free at the ferry terminal (right next to the terminal). For Texel parking rates, please check our current pricing information.
What time should I be at the terminal?
It is advisable to be at the terminal at least half an hour before departure of the ferry.
How do I get to my destination on Texel?
Buses and taxis are available on Texel. You can also rent bikes on Texel.
How long does the crossing take?
The crossing takes about 20 minutes.
What is the maximum vehicle height?
The maximum vehicle height on the ferry to Texel is 4.20 meters.
Is there free WIFI available on the boat to Texel?
Yes, free wireless internet (WIFI) is available in the salons of the ferries and at the terminal.
What is a TESO pass?
The TESO pass is a reloadable chip card that you can use for traveling on the ferry to Texel.
The ferry Texel – from Den Helder to Texel was last modified on by Emma Northoff. Published:
