Your Guide to Traveling Between France and the UK by Car Ferry
Wondering how to get your car across the English Channel? As someone who has taken the car ferry between France and the UK several times, let me walk you through all your options for transporting vehicles on this popular international route.
Choosing a Port
The first decision is selecting which ports you’ll depart from and arrive at. The main passenger and vehicle ferry routes connect:
- Dover, UK to Calais, France
- Portsmouth, UK to Caen, Cherbourg or Le Havre, France
- Newhaven, UK to Dieppe, France
Dover to Calais is by far the busiest crossing, with up to 12 sailings per day. It’s the shortest route at around 90 minutes each way. Portsmouth offers connections farther along the French coast, extending the journey to 2-3 hours but providing more destination options once in France.
Booking and Costs
Most major ferry companies operate these routes, like P&O Ferries, DFDS, and Brittany Ferries. You can book tickets on their websites or through agencies like Eurotunnel. For a car plus 2 people, expect to pay £90-150 each way depending on dates, times, and operator. It’s usually cheapest to book in advance.
Fares increase during summer holidays, long weekends, and around major events in either country when cross-channel travel surges. Be flexible with your dates if possible to save money. Rates also vary based on vehicle size – larger RVs or campervans will cost significantly more.
Arriving at the Port
Get to the port 1-2 hours before your scheduled departure. Upon arriving, head to check-in where staff will inspect your vehicle, check tickets, and direct you to the car holding area for loading. During peak periods, prepare for waits of up to an hour here. It pays to be early!
Staff will call lanes of traffic forward when it’s time to board. Pack any valuables or luggage you may need during the trip before parking in your designated car deck space. Then head to the passenger areas upstairs to find cafes, shops or just relax as the ferry makes its way across the channel.
Traveling with Pets
Many travelers transport dogs or cats on ferry crossings. Be sure any pets are microchipped, vaccinated, and have paperwork in order to travel between the UK and EU. Most operators allow a maximum of two pets per vehicle in carriers underneath seats or in the boot during travel. Check individual company policies for rules and booking pet spaces in advance.
Arriving in France
Once in French waters, the ferries arrive at their destination ports within 1-3 hours depending on the routing. When the ferry docks, you’ll be guided off through check-out gates with border officials on hand. Have passports ready for spot checks. Then simply drive off and you’re in France!
From Calais, it’s only 120 kilometers to reach Paris or head south towards places like Normandy, Brittany or the Loire Valley. Ferries to other French ports place you closer to their surrounding regions as well, allowing easy access to much of northern and western France by car from the UK.
Alternative crossings
Another option is the Eurotunnel vehicle shuttle between Folkestone and Calais, which zips cars, coaches and trucks through the 50-kilometer Channel Tunnel in just 35 minutes. It costs about the same as ferries but removes any seasickness risk for those prone to it. Eurotunnel operates up to 4 departures per hour during peak season.
Air travel also connects some UK and French cities if you don’t have a vehicle to transport. But car ferries remain the most affordable and direct means of crossing with your own wheels, as anyone who’s taken multiple cross-country road trips like myself can attest. I hope this overview helped provide a clearer picture of making the France-UK sea journey by vehicle.
Do you have any other questions before planning your ferry trip? Feel free to ask – I’d be happy to share more of my experiences and tips for a smooth passage across the Channel. Bonne route!
Car Ferry Routes from France to the UK
| Port | Destination | Distance | Average Crossing Time | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calais | Dover | 34 km | 1 hour 15 mins | Daily, early morning to late evening |
| Dunkirk | Dover | 86 km | 1 hour 45 mins | Daily, early morning to late evening |
| Dieppe | Newhaven | 160 km | 3 hours | Several sailings daily, mornings and afternoons |
| Cherbourg | Poole | 208 km | 4 hours | Daily, morning and late afternoon sailings |
| Le Havre | Portsmouth | 180 km | 3 hours 30 mins | Daily, morning and late afternoon sailings |
FAQ
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How long does the ferry crossing from France to the UK take?
The ferry crossing from France to the UK basically depends on which port you leave from and arrive at. Most crossings take around 1-3 hours, but can be a little longer or shorter depending on things like weather and ferry route. The Dover to Calais route is one of the fastest at around 1 hour.
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What are the main ferry routes from France to the UK?
The main routes for car ferries from France to Britain include Calais to Dover, Dunkirk to Dover, Roscoff to Plymouth, Caen to Portsmouth, and Cherbourg to Poole. So in summary, the main ports in northern France are Calais, Dunkirk, and Cherbourg, while the main arrival ports in England are Dover, Portsmouth, and Poole.
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What documents do I need for driving a car on a ferry to the UK?
To take your car on a ferry from France to the UK, you will basically need your valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle ownership or registration, and valid car insurance. It’s also a good idea to bring your passport in case they want to check your ID. Awesomely, most ferry companies will email you before your trip to remind you what documents you need.
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Can I book ferry tickets last minute for the same day?
While it’s always preferable to book ferry tickets in advance, booking last minute for the same day is sometimes possible. Nevertheless, spaces are much more limited and prices tend to be higher if you don’t book ahead. At the same time, it basically depends on how busy the ferry routes are. In some cases, you may get lucky and find last minute tickets but it’s not guaranteed. Overall, it’s better to book in advance if you can.
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What are the cabins like on ferries?
Cabin options and quality can differ depending on the ferry company and class, but here are a few basics about ferry cabins. Most have basic beds, usually bunk beds, with a small window. Some have private bathrooms while others are shared. Cabins tend to be quite small with little room to move around in. For overnight trips, they allow you to generally rest during the journey in a sort of protective, indoor environment. So in summary, ferry cabins are fairly humble but get the job done for overnight journeys.
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Is it cheaper to take a ferry or Eurotunnel?
When comparing ferry prices to Eurotunnel (Channel Tunnel) prices, it really depends on many factors like time of travel, vehicle size, volume of passengers, and promotions and discounts offered. Typically for a small car and driver alone, Eurotunnel works out slightly cheaper. For larger vehicles or families, ferries are sometimes better value. Also, ferries allow you to spend time relaxing on board rather than focusing on driving the whole way. So in the end, it may come down more to personal preference over a strict price difference.
In conclusion, while ferry and Eurotunnel crossings have their pros and cons, they both provide excellent options for traveling between France and the UK by vehicle. Just be sure to thoroughly research sailing times and book in advance for the best rates. Safe travels across the channel! Please let me know if you need any other details about car ferry travel.