Rotterdam to London Sea Distance Calculator

Calculate the exact nautical distance from Rotterdam, Netherlands to London, United Kingdom. Plan your maritime journey with our professional route calculator.

Distance
177.1 nm
nautical miles
Under Sail
35 hours
at 5 knots
Under Power
18 hours
at 10 knots
Best Time
May-September
Typical Sailing Season

Distance follows a sea-lane route. Sailing times are estimates at fixed cruising speeds and vary with vessel, weather, and currents.

Interactive Route Map

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Distance: 177.1 nautical miles
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This map shows the direct sea route from Rotterdam to London. The actual sailing path may vary based on weather conditions and navigation requirements.

Passage details

This is a near-direct coastal passage: the navigable route runs 3% longer than the 172 nm direct line, its heading turning from west-southwest to west. It is an international crossing between two countries.

Sea distance
177.1 nm (328.1 km)
Direct line
171.6 nm3% longer
Great-circle bearing
263° (west)
Geographic extent
0.6° × 4.6°
Crossing
Cross-border · Same region
From
Rotterdam (Netherlands) 51.9244, 4.4777
To
London (United Kingdom) 51.5000, -0.0833
Route basis
Sea-lane route
Passage timeEstimated passage time by cruising speed
Cruising speedDuration
5 kn35 hours
8 kn22 hours
10 kn18 hours
12 kn15 hours

Distance follows a sea-lane route generated from marine traffic lanes; passage times are computed at fixed cruising speeds.

Read the methodology — How we calculate sea distances

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

About Rotterdam to London Route

Linking Rotterdam and London, this single-day crossing cross-border crossing between two major harbours sits in the Northern Europe region — a passage shaped by persistent low cloud and reduced visibility on shoulder-season passages.

The lane links Rotterdam (Netherlands) and London (United Kingdom), between neighbouring ports of the same region.

Navigation Tips

  • •A single-day crossing cross-border passage in the Northern Europe region typically requires planning for persistent low cloud and reduced visibility on shoulder-season passages.
  • •A single-day crossing leg in Northern Europe benefits from waypoint planning and verified fuel availability.
  • •Confirm operating hours and clearance procedures for this cross-border crossing between neighbouring ports of the same region, since rules vary by port.
  • •Verify that emergency equipment matches the demands of a single-day crossing leg in Northern Europe.
  • •Documentation requirements differ for cross-border passages between neighbouring ports of the same region; verify cruising permits in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is it from Rotterdam to London by sea?

Approximately 177.1 nautical miles separate Rotterdam and London by sea, making this a single-day crossing leg in Northern Europe.

How long does it take to sail from Rotterdam to London?

Expect about 18 hours – 35 hours for a single-day crossing run of 177.1 nautical miles between neighbouring ports of the same region.

What's the best time to sail from Rotterdam to London?

Peak sailing season here is May-September; year-round, Northern Europe routes contend with persistent low cloud and reduced visibility on shoulder-season passages.

Plan Your Perfect Maritime Journey

Use our advanced calculator above to customize your route, add waypoints, calculate fuel costs, and share your journey plan with crew members.

Plan another route with our Sea Distance CalculatorNavigation Guide