Travel by Ferry - UK to France
Travel by Ferry, UK to France. Even though the intended destination is Spain, many will take the Ferry to France and enjoy a leisurely drive through France into Spain making it part of their holiday.
There are about 60 ferry crossings operating from England to France every day via 10 different routes, operated by 3 main ferry companies DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries & P&O Ferries. Ferries currently connect 5 ports in England with 8 ports in France. There are several services from Ireland by Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries and StenaLine
The fastest crossings is from Dover in southeast England to Calais
DRIVING ROUTES FROM FRANCE TO SPAIN
INFORMATION ON FERRIES FROM THE UK TO SPAIN
INFORMATION ON DRIVING FROM THE NORTH OF SPAIN TO BENIDORM
INFORMATION ON CROSSING THE CHANNEL VIA THE CHANNEL TUNNEL (CHUNNEL)
Coronavirus travel rules Travel to and from France
Some ferry operators ask travellers to fill out and carry with them a sworn statement certifying that they do not have any symptoms of a COVID-19 infection.
Link to print these forms can be found here
N.B. You are required to wear a mask in most transports when you travel.
From 20 July, wearing masks is compulsory for all indoor spaces in France.
TRAVELLING TO THE UK FROM FRANCE
You are advised to take with you, in addition to your ID, a supporting document indicating a residential address in the UK and the reason for your journey, to be presented when you cross the border.
Only the transport companies and/or staff responsible for border checks are authorized to decide on whether the supporting documents are permissible or not.
However, the PCR screening test is not compulsory for travel between France and the UK. Moreover, doing a PCR test does not exempt people from going into quarantine on arrival in the UK.
Official guidance about entering France from the UK can be found HERE
Travel by Ferry UK To France
Ferry Prices - There are many different ferry ticket options for you to pick from - ferry prices can vary due to times of year, number of passengers, what route you are taking, and if you are bringing your car with you. There is strong competition on cross-Channel ferries, so shop around for the best deal. The earlier you book, particularly for the high season (July-September), the better the deal.
When you book you will need details of passengers and details of the car (make, model, number plate, size, trailer, caravan, etc.).
This is a general summary of the services on offer between England and France, for live information check out the individual ferry companies websites as some also offer express sailings and times can also vary depending on if its an overnight or daytime ferry.
Travel by Ferry, UK to France
Dover to Calais Ferry
DFDS Seaways, 15 Sailings Daily, 1 hour 30 minutes
P&O Ferries, 24 Sailings Daily, 1 hour 30 minutes
Calais ferry port is just outside the town and as you leave the port you feed straight on to the A26. From Calais to Paris takes about 2 and a half hours on the A26/A1.
With just over 10 million passengers each year passing through it, Calais is the busiest car ferry port on mainland Europe.
Services
Ticket offices for car ferry companies
Cashpoint machine
Bureau de change
Car hire
Bar, restaurant
Showers and toilets
Dover to Dunkirk Ferry
DFDS Seaways, 12 Sailings Daily, 2 hours, Seasonal timetable operates
Dunkirk ferry port is situated on the northern coast of France, just 46km from Calais. It's actually France's 3rd largest port.
Services
Café/ Bar - The terminal is well-equipped and has restaurants and a bar. You will also find a newsagents and convenience store and vending machines.
Disabled Facilities - The port terminal offers a range of disabled facilities. Any member of staff is able to help, should you require assistance.
Shuttle Bus- There is a shuttle bus which transports foot passengers between the passenger terminal and the ships for arrivals and departures.
Terminal Opening Hours - Ferry ticket sales and passenger information desk is open 24 hour.
Tourist Information - You can request information from the inforamtion desk or alternatively, please visit the Dunkirk Tourist Office website.
Parking at Dunkirk Ferry Port - Both long and short term parking are available at the port.
Travel by Ferry, UK to France
Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry
DFDS Seaways, 3 Sailings Daily, 4 hours
Dieppe port is located on the Normandy coast in northern France, approximately halfway between Le Havre and Calais.
Facilities
facilities include free car parking in front of the terminal building, at the seafront, while it is also possible to park on the streets for a small daily rate. For refreshments, there is a bar-cafeteria serving food and drinks, while the port also offers plenty of disabled facilities and tourist information
Travel by Ferry, UK to France
Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry
Brittany Ferries, 9 Sailings Weekly, 5 hours 30 minutes, from March to October.
Sitting at the western end of the Channel on Brittany's coast, Roscoff port is a great entry point to France for those travelling to Brittany, the Loire and Aquitaine.
Facilities
Café/bar (daily from 10:00 to 19:00, open for ship arrivals and departures in summer)
Tourist information (open July-August)
Showers (token operated, for 2 euros from the bar)
Muzzled dogs on a lead are allowed in all areas of the port
Wheelchair-accessible building
Disabled toilets in the terminal and the vehicle check-in lanes
Transport to the ship for disabled foot passengers
Wheelchairs available in case of emergency
Poole to Cherbourg Ferry
Brittany Ferries, 10 Sailings Weekly, 4 hours 15 minutes, operating from March to October
Portsmouth to Cherbourg Ferry
Brittany Ferries, 9 Sailings Weekly. 3 hours
Cherbourg is one of the best-connected ferry ports in France
Facilities
Baby change room
Bar
Showers (free)
Shop
Tourist information
Disabled parking
Wheelchair-accessible building with lifts
Disabled toilets in terminal and vehicle check-in lanes
Wheelchairs available in case of emergencies
Transport for disabled foot passengers
There is a small grassed area outside the terminal where dogs are allowed but they must be on a lead and muzzled. Once you're past check-in, your pet must stay in the vehicle
Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry
Brittany Ferries, 7 Sailings Weekly, 11 hours
Just a few minutes from the centre of beautiful St Malo on the north coast of Brittany, our St Malo port is closer to Brittany's beaches and holiday attractions than most other French ports, as well as good access to the regional and national road network.
Facilities
Cafeteria open for arrivals and departures
Baby change rooms
Shuttle bus for foot passengers
Tourist information
Free wifi
Shower facilities are outside of the terminal and are open 24hrs
Muzzled dogs on a lead are allowed in the port area but not in the terminal building
Charge points for electric cars nearby
Single-storey building accessible by wheelchair
Transport provided for disabled foot passengers
Wheelchairs available in case of emergency
Disabled toilets in terminal and vehicle check-in lanes
Disabled parking spaces outside terminal
Portsmouth to Caen Ferry
Brittany Ferries, 3 Sailings Daily, 5 hours 45 minutes, Seasonal timetables operate.
Caen ferry port in Ouistreham is 15km north of Caen itself and has direct access onto the autoroute fast road network for a convenient onward journey into France.
Facilities
Cafe/bar (open daily 06:30 to 23:00)
Free wifi
Shuttle bus for foot passengers
Payphones (use phone cards only, available from the tourist office
Muzzled dogs on a lead are allowed in all areas of the port
Wheelchair-accessible single-storey building
Disabled toilets in vehicle check-in lanes
Wheelchairs available in case of emergency
Disabled parking outside terminal
Transport for disabled foot passengers
Portsmouth to Le Havre Ferry
Brittany Ferries, 12 Sailings Weekly, 5 hours 30 minutes, daily from May to September.
Perfect for those travelling from London and the South
Facilities
Vending machines for coffee and snacks
Muzzled dogs on a lead are allowed in all areas of the port
Baby change room
Wheelchair-accessible building
Bus with wheelchair ramp for disabled foot passengers
Wheelchairs available in case of emergencies
Disabled toilets in terminal
Disabled parking in front of terminal
Travel by Ferry, UK to France
Ferries from Ireland to France
Cork to Roscoff Ferry
Brittany Ferries, 2 Sailings Weekly, 14 hours
Dublin to Cherbourg Ferry
Irish Ferries, 3 Sailings Weekly, 18 hours
Rosslare to Cherbourg Ferry
StenaLine, 3 Sailings Weekly, 17 hours
Travel by Ferry, UK to France
Tips For Saving On Ferry Prices
Try some price-comparison websites to check routes and prices of different ferry companies. Some internet sites that announce "cheap" ferry prices are actually charging more than the Ferry companies themselves. Avoid dodgy websites;
Be flexible with your ferry times. Often the most convenient time is the most expensive one, so have a look at the various prices and see which time is cheapest. If you sail at night the prices are often cheaper, but remember you have to pay for a cabin if you want to get some sleep.
Try to travel on a weekday as opposed to a weekend if you want to save money on your ticket, and avoid school holidays.
Book in advance. Book well ahead if you think you are going to be traveling in peak season, as you’ll have access to the best fares. There are sometimes last-minute deals in quieter times, but generally speaking it is better to book your tickets as early as possible.
Can I take my dog on the ferry to France?
Yes, it is entirely possible for you to bring your dog with you on the ferry, just remember that you are responsible for making sure that your pet complies with regulations both on the ferry, and in France itself, you would need to check with the individual ferry companies for their terms and conditions.
Pet passport or third country certificate Follow and keep up to date with DEFRA guidelines. Allow between 1 and 4 months before travel to start the Pet Travel Scheme process. Don't forget to visit the vet to organise booster vaccinations in time. Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website
During the crossing
Unless you have booked a pet-friendly cabin, your pet will spend most of their time at sea by themselves. The car deck is closed and remains locked once the ship has sailed. You therefore need to prepare in such a way which ensures your pet is comfortable and happy during the journey.
In some circumstances however, it is possible to arrange to visit your pet mid-voyage. To visit your pet during the sailing you will need to be escorted by a crew member. Please ask at the Information Desk on board to arrange a time to visit.
If you are leaving your dog in your vehicle rather than in a kennel, make sure there is enough ventilation for your pet. Creating a flow of fresh air can be helped by opening both the driver and passenger front windows. Take care to ensure that your dog cannot escape from their carrier or your vehicle. It's well worth bringing window grilles with you to help with ventilation and preventing escape.
Your pet will need plenty of space during the journey and when left in the vehicle. Whether unconfined or in a crate he or she will need to be able to sit and stand up at full height, turn around easily and lie down in a natural position, and must not be able to escape.
These are some of the most essential items you should bring for your pet to make their journey more comfortable.
- A muzzle for dogs - they must be muzzled when outside of your vehicle
- Absorbent bedding for your car or the kennel
- Nappy sacks and tissues in case of accidents
- Some of their favourite toys to help make them comfortable
- Water in a spill-safe container that can be attached to a travelling crate or left on the floor of your vehicle
Make sure your pet's water container is filled with clean, fresh water and that they can reach it throughout the sailing.
Getting your pet ready for travel
Make sure your pet is happy to travel in your car, potentially for long periods and in hot conditions - especially if you are travelling in the summer.
If your pet has to stay in the car during the crossing, make sure you leave them plenty of space along with food, water and some toys!
Don't give your pet too much to eat or drink before the ferry sails and allow adequate time to enable them to exercise, go to the toilet and settle down before boarding.
Disabled Passengers
All ferry companies will have facilities it is best to inform the company when booking that you require help and assistance.
At the Port - All Passenger Terminals have disabled access and facilities. If you require additional assistance getting onboard or around the ship, please give at least 48 hours in advance
Driving your car in the European Union
If you have a full UK driving licence, currently, you don't need any other licence to drive in the EU. If there is a no-deal outcome, that is likely to change. UK drivers looking to drive in the EU after a possible Brexit may need to apply for the relevant International Driving Permit.
Check which permit you need for each country you're going to visit, as you may need more than one to comply with the different laws. These permits cost £5.50 and can be purchased directly from the Post Office, RAC or the AA
Don´t fancy any ferries but a train journey - INFORMATION ON TRAINS FROM LONDON TO BENIDORM