An Invitation to the Water: Why Choose the Ferry?
There’s something timeless about crossing the Channel by ferry. Where planes rush overhead, ferries usher you into the journey with grace and patience. The salty wind in your hair, the gentle churn of waves beneath your feet — the moment you set sail, the adventure begins. Whether you’re driving to the sun-drenched coasts of Provence or hopping between quaint villages in Kent, the channel ferry offers a unique blend of nostalgia and freedom that flying simply can’t match.
But like any great voyage, a little planning ensures it is smooth from start to finish. So, let’s chart your course together — from booking your ticket to sipping coffee on the deck, here’s how to plan your Channel crossing ferry trip like a seasoned traveller.
Choosing Your Route: Dover? Portsmouth? Or Somewhere Else?
Your journey begins with a choice — and the English coast has no shortage of gateways. Each port offers its own charm and convenience depending on your destination and travel style.
- Dover to Calais/Dunkerque: The most popular and frequent crossings. Perfect if you’re heading to northern France, Belgium or Germany. Crossings take about 90 minutes.
- Portsmouth to Caen/Le Havre: Ideal for Normandy adventures. Slightly longer journeys (5–6 hours or overnight), but more relaxed and less crowded than Dover.
- Newhaven to Dieppe: A quieter, scenic alternative, especially handy for exploring rural northern France.
- Poole or Plymouth to Cherbourg or Roscoff: Excellent if you’re venturing further west – think Brittany or even the Loire.
Whichever route you pick, think about your departure and arrival times. Sunrises over the Channel can turn even a groggy early departure into something magical, and night crossings have their own romance — drifting off to sleep as the ship hums beneath you.
Booking Your Ferry: When, Where, and How to Find the Best Deals
Unlike flights, ferry prices don’t always spike dramatically a few days before departure. But booking early still comes with perks — guaranteed space (especially with a vehicle), and sometimes better rates or flexible booking options.
There are a handful of main ferry operators across the Channel: DFDS, P&O Ferries, Brittany Ferries, and Irish Ferries. It’s often worth checking directly on their websites for promotions or family deals. Alternatively, comparison sites like Direct Ferries or AFerry can help scan multiple sailings at once.
The little travel hack I’ve picked up over the years? Midweek sailings, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, often offer lower prices and quieter boats. I once had an entire corner of the sun deck to myself, with nothing but a paperback and a croissant for company.
What to Pack for Onboard Comfort
Even though ferry crossings are fairly short, having a small bag with essentials makes all the difference. Here’s my go-to list for ferry comfort:
- Layers: Weather on deck can shift fast. A cosy jumper or light windbreaker is a must.
- Snacks & drinks: Most ferries have cafés, but bringing your own treats can feel luxuriously indulgent (and budget-friendly).
- A travel journal or book: There’s something poetic about penning your thoughts while watching seagulls dive behind the ship.
- Chargers & power bank: Some ferry lounges have plugs, but they’re often limited.
- Entertainment for little travellers: Colouring books, small games or a tablet with headphones can work wonders.
For overnight crossings, consider reserving a cabin — a cosy retreat with your own bathroom, perfect for families or light sleepers needing rest. Waking up in France, with the soft drumming of water beneath the porthole, has become one of my favourite memories.
Travelling with a Vehicle: A Few Things to Know
One of the joys of ferry travel is bringing your car along. It’s like taking your home base with you — no need to repack at every hotel or juggle train timetables between tiny villages.
When booking, you’ll need to specify the size of your vehicle and whether you’re bringing extras like bikes or roof boxes. It’s better to be precise — surprises at the check-in lane can lead to delays or extra fees.
Before boarding, security checks are quite straightforward but make arriving early a habit — most ferry operators recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before departure. There’s a quiet delight in being among the first to roll aboard, especially when the ferry staff greet you with friendly nods and a warm “Bon voyage.”
And once parked, don’t forget to grab everything you need for the duration of the crossing. Vehicle decks are off-limits after departure — your coat, book, and biscuit stash should come with you.
Food, Seating, and the Quiet Corners of the Ship
Ferries are surprisingly well-equipped for shorter crossings. Cafés serve basics — sandwiches, chips, tea, and the occasional surprisingly good croissant. On longer journeys (Brittany Ferries especially), you’ll find seated dining areas, even à la carte options.
Airy lounges, quiet reading nooks, kids’ play areas — the interiors are designed for stretch and solace. That said, I often find the open deck the real hidden gem. Even in chilly weather, being outside — watching the waves ripple and seagulls dance in the spray — is an experience that rewires the soul.
Looking for rest? Some ferries offer premium lounges with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and snacks. A worthy upgrade if you need a pocket of calm.
Border Control, Documents, and Travel Tips Post-Brexit
Since Brexit, crossing the Channel requires a bit more paperwork — but nothing too intimidating. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your return date.
- Driving licence & insurance: Bring your UK driving licence and make sure your insurance covers you in Europe.
- Vehicle documents: V5C (logbook), and a GB or UK sticker if needed.
- Travel insurance: Always wise — for health coverage, cancellation, or those tiny unexpected moments.
At the ferry terminal, you’ll go through UK exit checks and French customs. It can move swiftly, especially in off-peak hours. There’s a certain quiet camaraderie among the drivers — windows down, passports in hand, sharing waves and sympathetic glances when toddlers begin their backseat protests.
Arriving in France: Setting Your Compass
The beauty of arriving by ferry is that you are gently eased into your destination. No airport chaos, no baggage carousels. The road unfolds before you — quiet, open, full of promise.
Don’t rush. Take a moment to breathe in the first scent of French air — often warm, a little earthy, tinged with diesel and wildflowers. If you’re arriving in Calais, why not stop by Boulogne-sur-Mer for an early déjeuner? Disembarking in Caen? A stroll along the river Orne might melt away even the longest drive’s fatigue.
And always — always — make room in your first day for something serendipitous. That hidden boulangerie with the flakiest pains au chocolat. That view between hedgerows that makes the whole journey feel worthwhile. For when you travel across the water, you are not just moving from point A to B — you’re crossing into possibility.
Final Tips From the Ferry Deck
- Don’t forget your Euros: Some ferries accept pounds, but small purchases on French soil afterwards are smoother in the local currency.
- Stay hydrated: Ferries (especially indoor lounges) can be stuffy. Water helps fight fatigue and sea legs.
- Keep an eye on weather updates: Ferries are resilient, but heavy storms can cause cancellations. Sign up for text alerts when booking.
- Plan your arrival route: GPS is helpful, but having a printed map or notes can be a lifesaver when signal fades in rural stretches.
Whether you’re embarking on a family odyssey, a foodie pilgrimage, or a solo retreat into French countryside quietude — the ferry offers more than just a ride. It offers rhythm. A pause between chapters. And in that pause, often, the best stories begin.