Leaving the car at home? You can easily reach the ferry by public transport and cycle straight into your midweek break on the island. During your holiday, you can easily get from A to B by bike, bus or Texelhopper.

By public transport to the ferry

Take the train to Den Helder station and change there for a short bus ride on the 33 to the ferry terminal. From Den Helder, you can travel to Texel as a pedestrian with TESO. The ferry runs every 60 or 30 minutes and connects perfectly with the bus. A return ticket for the ferry costs €3 per person and includes any luggage and pets. Once you arrive on the island, take bus route 28 to Den Burg or De Koog. If you are heading to another part of the island, continue your journey with the Texelhopper. You can find more information on our page about public transport to Texel.

Hiring a bike on Texel

Of course, you can also choose to hire a bike directly from Fietsverhuur Veerhaven and cycle to your accommodation. This is handy if you have little luggage and want to get going straight away. Would you rather go to your accommodation first? Then take bus route 28 or the Texelhopper and hire a bike from one of the bike hire companies on the island. You can collect your bike in one of the villages, but sometimes it can also be delivered to your accommodation. It’s a good idea to book your bike in advance.

Great bike rides for a midweek break

Texel has around 140 kilometres of cycle paths, so you can head in a different direction every day. On the day you arrive, choose a short ride and save a longer trip for later in the week, or for the best day of the weather. Using the cycle junction network, you can decide for yourself how many kilometres you want to cycle. If you would prefer a marked route, choose one of the free cycle routes on Texel. In the blog ‘5 fun places to check out by bike’, you will find extra ideas for routes that end at a special spot.

Is the dog coming along?

Your dog can come on the ferry and is included in your passenger ticket. Do book accommodation where dogs are welcome and let them know when booking that your dog is coming along. While cycling, your dog does not have to walk alongside the bike: on Texel, you can also hire a dog bike trailer, basket or (electric) dog cargo bike. Make sure you book these in advance.

Smart luggage management

It is a good idea to think carefully about your luggage in advance. It is better to take a rucksack or two smaller bags than a heavy wheeled suitcase. Choose accommodation close to a bus stop, or travel first with the Texelhopper to your accommodation, and only then hire your bike. If you are hiring a bike at the ferry terminal, check in advance whether luggage delivery is available (only for hires of 3 days or more). That will make your arrival day a lot easier. Ask your accommodation if you can drop off your luggage early if you want to go for a bike ride on your first day.

Places to eat and drink along your cycle route

You can cycle past all the villages and beach pavilions. So make sure to allow plenty of time for your route and choose a nice spot along the way for coffee, lunch or dinner. If you’re cycling from Den Hoorn towards the beach, Strandpaviljoen Paal 9 is beautifully situated at the end of the Hoornderslag. Does your route take you through the woods? Then stop for pancakes at Catharinahoeve. From De Koog, enjoy a lovely cycle through the countryside towards Club 17 for a cocktail. On the east side of the island, Oudeschild is a natural place to stop: from the cycle path along the Wadden Sea, you will soon reach De Kombuis, with a view of the harbour. If you are cycling in the north, Strandpaviljoen Kaap Noord near De Cocksdorp is a lovely stop at the end of your route. That way, your cycle ride naturally turns into a day out!

Practical tips before you set off

• Book the Texelhopper in advance if you are not travelling on route 28.
• Hire your bike online in advance.
• Bring a windbreaker, even in summer.
• Bring a power bank if you’re using your phone for routes or the Texelhopper.
• Find out where you can charge your bike along the way. Natuurcentrum De Marel, Museum Kaap Skil and VVV Texel, among others, have charging points.
• Check the wind direction before setting off and start your longer cycle ride into the wind. That way, you’ll have a tailwind on the way back.
• Download an offline map or route onto your phone. In the dunes and along the coast, you won’t want to be constantly searching for a signal.
• On your last day, allow plenty of time to return your bike and get to the ferry.

More about cycling on Texel