For most UK road trips to the continent, the first big decision is how to get your car across the water. The crossing you choose affects your total driving time, your first overnight stop and your budget. This guide explains the main options in general terms. Schedules and prices change often, so always check the operator's website when you book.
Major UK–Europe ferry routes
Short sea (Dover Strait)
Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk are the shortest ferry crossings, typically around 1.5–2 hours, with frequent sailings. They suit people heading east or south-east, or anyone who prefers a short time at sea.
Western Channel
Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth have sailings to Normandy and Brittany ports such as Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, St Malo and Roscoff. They're longer, with some overnight options, but save driving if you're heading to western France or Spain.
Bay of Biscay (to Spain)
Long crossings from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao land you directly in northern Spain. There are also routes from Ireland to Spain and France.
North Sea
Routes from Newcastle to Amsterdam (IJmuiden), Hull to Rotterdam, and Harwich to the Hook of Holland are overnight crossings that suit travellers from the north of England or those heading to the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia.
When ferries make sense
- When a longer crossing replaces a long drive, such as going direct to Spain.
- When you live closer to a western or northern port than to Dover.
- When an overnight sailing saves a hotel night and lets you arrive rested.
- When travelling with pets, children or a lot of luggage and you'd like space to move around.
Ferry vs Eurotunnel
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carries cars on trains from Folkestone to Calais in around 35 minutes. You stay with your vehicle and it runs in most weather. Ferries offer more space, food outlets and the chance to stretch your legs, and cover many more destinations. The best option depends on where you start, where you're going and how you feel about time at sea.
Booking a car on a ferry
- Book early for school holidays and bank holidays, when popular sailings fill up.
- Note the check-in deadline – arriving late can mean losing your booking.
- Consider flexible tickets if your plans may change.
- Declare roof boxes, bike racks, trailers or caravans when booking.
Vehicle dimensions
Pricing and deck space depend on your vehicle's length and height. Standard cars are usually straightforward, but vans, motorhomes and cars with roof boxes or rear bike carriers may fall into a higher category. Measure your vehicle including accessories and enter accurate dimensions when you book to avoid problems at check-in.
Cabin options
On overnight or long crossings, cabins range from simple inside bunks to larger outside cabins with windows. Some routes also offer reclining seats or lounges. On overnight sailings, a cabin often replaces a hotel night, which is worth factoring into your budget.
Work out what this trip will cost
Fuel, tolls, crossings, hotels and food — calculated for your car.
Plan my road tripArrival and departure planning
- Allow time to reach the port, including traffic around the port itself.
- Remember that continental Europe is usually one hour ahead of the UK.
- Early-morning arrivals mean driving straight off – plan a breakfast stop.
- Late-evening arrivals are easier with a hotel booked close to the port.
Driving time after arriving
It's tempting to plan a big drive straight off the boat, but you may be tired, especially after a night crossing. Keep the first driving day shorter and remember you'll be adjusting to driving on the right.
How ferry crossings affect an itinerary
The crossing sets the shape of the whole trip. A long Spain ferry swaps two driving days for a day at sea, while a short crossing gives you flexibility but adds road miles, fuel and tolls. Many people mix and match – for example out via Dover and back via Bilbao – as described in our UK to Spain by car guide.
In the A2B trip planner you can pick separate outbound and return crossings. The ferry section isn't counted as driving, so fuel and mileage reflect only the roads you'll use. For the rest of your preparation, see how to plan a European road trip.
