Your Guide to Taking the Ferry Between France and England
Wondering how to cross the English Channel by ferry? As someone who has taken the ferry across the channel many times for both business and pleasure, let me break down all your options and answer any questions you may have about traveling between France and England by boat.
Popular Ferry Routes
The most commonly used ferry routes connect the following ports:
- Dover, England to Calais, France – One of the shortest and busiest crossings, taking only 1-2 hours each way.
- Newhaven, England to Dieppe, France – Slightly longer at 2.5 hours each way but fewer passengers so a more relaxing ride.
- Portsmouth, England to Caen, Cherbourg or Le Havre, France – Longer crossings of 3-5 hours but you can drive straight onto the ferry in your vehicle.
Each company operates different schedules with sailings throughout the day, but the routes to Calais have the most options with departures every couple hours usually.
Booking and Costs
You can book directly through the major ferry companies like P&O Ferries or DFDS. Fares vary a lot based on flexibility – booking further in advance saves you like 50% versus getting a last-minute ticket. As a rule of thumb, vehicle plus passengers will run £100-300 return depending on route, dates and car size.
Pro tip: Look for discount code blogs to save even more dinero on the crossing. Some travel sites also bundle ferry + Eurotunnel fares which can be a decent deal too basically.
Traveling by Car or as a Foot Passenger
Most folks cross with their vehicles, in which case you just drive onboard, park up, and relax for the duration of the crossing. Foot passengers have lounges and cafes to chill in for the trip. Kids may dig checking out the deck to spot ships and wildlife if the weather permits.
If bringing your motor, you’ll need your driving license, vehicle documents like insurance and registration, plus packing a few essentials like shoes and toiletries in case you end up spending the night onboard due to delays. I’ve seen that sorta thing happen before, so it pays to prepare!
Facilities on Board
The bigger ferries have restaurants, bars, lounges, play areas for kids and even cinemas. Food options range from sandwiches to hot meals, and you can even order cocktails or bottles of vino for the voyage. Got work to do? Most ships now have free WiFi too to keep you connected.
Cabins start from basic berths perfect for a snooze up to pretty swanky suites that wouldn’t look out of place in a boutique hotel. You can even book ones with private bathrooms and sea views, making the crossing feel more like a floating mini-break! Anyway, they’re surprisingly reasonable cost-wise.
Traveling with Pets
Dogs and cats can come along as long as you follow any pet passport rules, keep them on leads while onboard, and reserve specific pet-friendly cabins. I witnessed a guy who smuggled his enormous Great Dane onboard in a basket one time – kind of felt sorry for the poor pooch squished in there! But yeah, best to check regulations to avoid any kinda grief from staff.
Is it Worth It?
Compared to Eurostar trains or flying, ferries might take marginally longer out of your day but they provide way more flexibility in terms of departure times and booking at short notice. And man, do I love kicking back with a beer and just chilling while watching the coastlines drift by.
Plus, you can bring along as much luggage and goods as will fit in the car without extra charges. Sometimes it works out cheaper than plane tickets once you factor in bags, transfers, and so forth. Overall, the ferry has always been a pleasant and stress-free travel option in my experience anyhow.
So whether you’re heading over for a weekend city break, beach holidays, camping trips or just visiting relatives across the Channel – the ferry is a totally viable way to get between our beloved neighbors France and England if time and budget allow.
Any Other Questions?
Hope this breakdown of the ferry journey has covered most of what a first-timer needs to know! Things can differ slightly depending on which operator and route you take, but in general this should answer most questions about travel between France and England by boat. Feel free to shout if any other queries come up though.
Bonne chance with your trip planning, and hopefully the sea Gods smile upon you with calm waters for a relaxing crossing. Who knows, with a bit of luck maybe you’ll even spot a pod of dolphins frolicking alongside like I did once – it was amazing! Although I guess that sort of thing is totally hit or miss. Anyway, au revoir for now and safe travels.
Ferry Options for Traveling From France to England
| Port | Company | Sailing Time | Vehicle Space | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calais | P&O Ferries | 1.5 hours | Cars, motorcycles, vehicles up to 5.5m | From £150 |
| Dover | DFDS Ferries | 2 hours | Cars, motorhomes, vehicles up to 7m | From £150 |
| Cherbourg | Brittany Ferries | 4 hours | Cars, motorhomes, campervans, caravans | From £200 |
| Roscoff | Brittany Ferries | 3.5 hours | Cars, motorhomes, campervans, caravans | From £150 |
| Le Havre | Brittany Ferries | 4.5 hours | Cars, motorhomes, campervans, caravans | From £200 |
FAQ
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When are the ferry times from France to England?
Ferries generally run daily and depart throughout the day, mainly during early morning, mid-day, and evening. Times vary by company and route, so be sure to check schedules ahead of time.
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How long does the ferry trip take?
Ferry crossings usually last anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, relying on things like route, ferry size, and weather. The English Channel crossing from places like Calais to Dover basically takes around 2 hours. Other routes like Cherbourg to Poole can take closer to 5 hours.
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What documents do you need for travel?
Whether you’re driving a vehicle or not, make sure to bring a passport that’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. You might also need IDs for kids or proof of residency. Check companies for their exact requirements, as they sometimes differ a tad. It’s best to prepare right away to avoid stress later on.
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Do ferry companies have pets policies?
The majority of ferry operators will transport pets, but some have size or quantity limits. Small animals like cats and dogs usually just need to be in a suitable carrier. Larger pets may need an extra ticket purchased. Policies can vary company to company, so double check rules before booking a spot for your furry friend on the ferry!
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How much do ferry tickets typically cost?
Ticket pricing is based on many factors like route, travel period, vehicle size. But as a general idea, expect to pay anywhere from €50-150 per adult in high season. Taking a vehicle usually means shelling out a few hundred more, depending. Booking early may score discounts, while last minute fares are notoriously pricey. With research and flexibility, affordable crossings can still be found.
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What are the main ferry routes between France and England?
The most common ferry connections include Calais to Dover, Dunkirk to Dover, Caen to Portsmouth, and Cherbourg to Poole. Others go from Roscoff/St. Malo to Plymouth or Portsmouth, or Le Havre to Portsmouth. There are essentially options up and down the French coastline. Choosing the right port based on your travel plans basically affects the time saved over road travel directly.
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What vehicle sizes can ferry companies accommodate?
Most operators allow cars, motorhomes/RVs, and smaller commercial vehicles. For cars, expect no issues regardless the size. As for motorhomes, capacity tops out around 7 meters usually. Some ships may also have weight restrictions around 3.5 tons. It’s always best to verify your specific vehicle’s stats match company policies to avoid surprises.