How To Get To Texel Island, the Netherlands
Texel is the largest Dutch Wadden Island. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands if you’re a nature lover. Approximately one third of the surface area on Texel is actually a nature reserve!
If you’re planning a trip to Texel, you might be wondering how to get here. As I’ve visited Texel since I was little, I’ve traveled to the island many times. In this article you will find everything you need to know about getting to this charming Dutch island!
There are a couple of options when it comes to getting to Texel. There is even a small airport on Texel Island, however in this article I will only cover the most convenient ways to reach Texel.
The easiest ways to get to Texel include traveling either by car or by public transport. Read on to find out exactly how to get here.
How to get to Texel Island
The most convenient ways to reach Texel are either by public transport or by car:
By public transport
First, you will have to make sure to get to Den Helder. You can reach Den Helder by train.
If you’re coming from Castricum, Amsterdam or Alkmaar, you can get a direct train to Den Helder.
Once you get to Den Helder, you will have to reach the Ferry point. You can get to the ferry by walking from the Den Helder train station or you can catch a bus.
From Den Helder train station it will take half an hour to get to the ferry by foot. If you choose to get here by bus, it will take 10 minutes.
To reach the ferry point from Den Helder train station, you can take bus number 33. Bus 33 operates between Den Helder train station and the ferry terminal, providing a convenient connection.
You can already purchase your ferry ticket online. This costs 2.50€ in total and is a retour ticket, as you don’t have to show a ticket when coming back. Children under the age of 4 years travel for free.
Once at the ferry, you can scan the QR code of your purchased ticket to get though the gate to enter the ferry.
The ferry takes around 20 minutes in total. The boat always surprises me. It’s very spacious and clean. You can even get something to eat or drink here.
You can sit inside or outside. If you want a calm ferry ride, I would suggest sitting inside.
However, if you want to feel the sea breeze and look at all the sea gulls that will fly alongside the boat, then you should go and sit outside!
You should stand on the right side of the boat when you leave, as this is quicker to get to the bus stop. A lot of the times, there are only 5 minutes between the arrival of the boat and the departure of the bus.
When you get off the ferry, you will step foot on the beautiful Texel Island!
Perhaps you want to go to De Koog, then you can take bus number 28. Bus 28 operates between the Texel ferry terminal (at ‘t Horntje) and De Koog.
It provides a direct connection between these two locations, allowing you to easily reach De Koog from the ferry point. It takes around 20 minutes to reach de Koog from the ferry arrival point. The bus schedule is usually coordinated with the ferry arrivals and departures.
If you’re staying at Camping Kogerstrand, one of the best campings in Texel, you can get off at the bus stop called Badweg. From here it’s a 5 minute walk uphill to the camping. This is a camping in the dunes and is one of the best campings in Texel.
If you want to get to Den Burg from the Texel ferry point, you can also take Bus 28.
To reach Oudeschild from the Texel ferry point, you can take Bus 29.
By car
If you want to reach Texel Island by car, you will have to follow the next steps.
First, reach the ferry point in Den Helder. Den Helder is located on the mainland and serves as the departure point to the Island.
You cannot reach Texel Island without going on the ferry. However, the ferry is more expensive if you travel with a car.
If you have a car with you, it costs around 39 euros. If your vehicle is longer than 6.5 meters, it will cost you around 57.05 euros. This is at the time of writing.
If you travel on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, you get a 30% discount!
This is a retour ticket, as you don’t have to show a ticket when you leave Texel Island.
The ferry is the same ferry that foot passengers take and it only takes 20 minutes. During the crossing, you can choose to stay in your car or explore the ferry’s passenger areas.
Once you arrive on Texel, you can of course easily drive to the place where you’re staying.
What is the best way to get to Texel Island?
Personally, I think traveling to Texel by public transport feels more adventurous. It’s also a more affordable and sustainable travel option. You can always hire a bicycle on Texel to get around.
However, if you want to have a lot of flexibility on the island or if you have a lot of baggage with you, then I would suggest traveling by car.
So, it completely depends on your preferences whether you should travel by car or by public transport.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, reaching Texel Island by car or public transport is very convenient. By car, you can drive to Den Helder and board the ferry to Texel. The short ferry ride offers scenic views before arriving at the island.
Alternatively, public transport, such as buses or trains, can take you to Den Helder, where you can catch the ferry to Texel.
Once on the island, both car, public transport and rental bikes allow you to explore Texel’s attractions and natural wonders at your own pace.
Whether you prefer the freedom of a car or the affordability and sustainability of public transport, Texel Island awaits with its natural charm.
Have you ever been to Texel? Let me know in the comments!
Away with Danae
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