If you are taking a ferry for the first time, you might be wondering what on earth actually happens when you get to the port. Do you park somewhere and check in? Do you drive straight onto the ferry? What happens to your car while you are on board? And, perhaps most importantly, how do you know where you are supposed to go?
I remember having so many questions before taking ferries abroad, even though now it all seems incredibly straightforward. Airports have a fairly obvious process that most of us are familiar with, but ferry ports are a little different. When you are driving towards a huge ship with lanes going in several different directions, it can feel much more confusing than it really is.
The good news is that once you’ve done it once, you’ll probably wonder what you were worried about.
This guide takes you through the whole process, from arriving at the ferry port to driving off at the other end, along with some of the things I think are worth knowing before your first ferry journey.
How early should you arrive for a ferry?
One of the first things to check is the arrival time given by your ferry company.
Don’t assume that arriving ten minutes before departure is going to work in the same way as catching a train. Ferry check-in closes before the ship actually sails, and exactly when it closes depends on the operator, route and how you are travelling.
For example, Brittany Ferries currently asks passengers travelling with a vehicle to check in at least 60 minutes before departure, or 90 minutes beforehand when travelling with a pet. P&O’s requirements vary by route, with check-in for vehicles on Dover to Calais closing 60 minutes before departure.
I would always rather arrive earlier than necessary, especially when travelling abroad. You might have queues, passport control and security to get through, and I’d much rather spend half an hour sitting at the port with a coffee than spend the journey down panicking that I’m going to miss the ferry.
Always check the latest instructions for your particular sailing rather than relying on a general rule.
What happens when you arrive at the ferry port?
Ferry ports can look intimidating when you first arrive because there are usually lots of lanes, signs and barriers.
In reality, they’re generally quite easy to navigate.
As you approach the port, look for signs for your ferry operator and destination. You’ll normally be directed towards a check-in booth where your booking and travel documents are checked.
Depending on your journey, you’ll also need to pass through the appropriate border and passport controls.
Once you’ve checked in, you’ll usually be given instructions about which lane to join. Then comes the slightly strange bit: you wait.
There can be quite a bit of sitting around at ferry ports because vehicles need to be organised before loading. Don’t panic if other lanes suddenly start moving while yours doesn’t. They could be boarding a different ferry, a different vehicle type or simply loading the ship in a particular order.
You haven’t necessarily joined the doomed lane!
Do you need a passport to travel by ferry?
If you’re travelling internationally, check the entry requirements for your destination before you travel.
For example, British citizens travelling from the UK to France generally need a valid passport. France follows the Schengen passport rules, which include requirements concerning when your passport was issued and how much validity remains.
Don’t just check the expiry date and assume everything is fine. Check the current government advice for the country you’re visiting before your trip.
You may also need to provide Advance Passenger Information to your ferry operator before travelling.
If you’re travelling domestically within the UK, or between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland, the rules can be different, so check the requirements for your particular route.
What documents do you need if you’re taking your car abroad?
If you’re taking your own car overseas, there are a few more things to think about than simply throwing your passport into your handbag.
For UK vehicles being taken abroad for less than 12 months, government guidance says you should take your V5C vehicle log book with you. Your vehicle also needs the appropriate tax, MOT and insurance, and you should check whether your insurance covers the countries you’ll be driving through.
Depending on where you’re going, there can also be rules about UK identifiers, driving licences, International Driving Permits and equipment you need to carry.
If you’re driving a leased or hired vehicle, different paperwork may be needed.
This is one of those areas where I wouldn’t rely on an old travel blog, including this one! Regulations change, so check the current GOV.UK driving-abroad information before leaving.
What is it like driving onto a ferry?
This was one of the things that felt strangest the first time.
Eventually your lane will start moving and you’ll follow the cars in front towards the ship. Ferry staff will direct you where to go, so you don’t need to work out where you’re supposed to park yourself.
You might drive up or down ramps and through different levels of the vehicle deck before being shown into a parking space.
The spaces can feel fairly tight, particularly when everyone is trying to get out of their cars at the same time.
Once you’ve parked, put your handbrake on, make sure the car is secure and take everything you’ll want during the crossing with you.
That last bit is important.
Can you go back to your car during the ferry crossing?
On many ferries, passengers aren’t allowed to access the vehicle decks while the ship is at sea.
That means you don’t want to get upstairs, sit down with your coffee and suddenly realise your medication, child’s tablet, phone charger or coat is still sitting on the back seat.
Before leaving the car, have a quick mental run-through of what you’re likely to need.
I usually think about it in the same way as packing hand luggage for a flight. You don’t need to take everything upstairs, but you do want anything you’ll need for the next few hours.
For a short crossing that might simply mean your handbag, phone and a jumper. For an overnight ferry, you’ll probably want a proper overnight bag.
Remember where you parked
This sounds ridiculously obvious until you’ve walked away from your car.
Ferry vehicle decks can look remarkably similar, and there may be hundreds of cars on several decks.
Take a quick photo of the deck number, colour, letter, stairwell or whatever marker is nearest your car before you leave it.
It takes two seconds and can save you wandering around a giant metal car park later wondering whether your car has somehow disappeared at sea.
What happens once you’re on the ferry?
This depends enormously on the ship and the length of the crossing.
On a short Channel crossing, you might find cafés, restaurants, shops, lounges and outside deck areas. Larger ferries travelling longer routes can feel much more like small cruise ships, with cabins, bars, restaurants and entertainment.
Once I’ve found somewhere comfortable, I like going outside for a while if the weather is reasonable. There is something quite exciting about watching the port disappear behind you, especially when you’re travelling to another country.
It also makes the journey feel like part of the holiday rather than simply something you have to endure to get there.
Do you need a cabin on a ferry?
Not necessarily.
For something like a short Channel crossing, I wouldn’t normally consider a cabin essential. By the time you’ve boarded, had something to eat and wandered around, you’re practically there.
Longer and overnight crossings are completely different.
If you’re spending many hours on board, having somewhere private to sleep, shower and leave your things can make the journey considerably more comfortable.
Whether it’s worth paying extra will depend on the length and timing of your crossing, your budget and how well you think you’ll sleep in public seating areas.
If you know you’re somebody who needs proper sleep to function the following day, I’d definitely factor that into the cost when comparing ferry routes.
What if you get seasick?
This is probably one of the biggest worries people have before their first ferry journey.
How much movement you’ll feel depends on the ship, weather and sea conditions. On a calm crossing aboard a large ferry, you may barely notice you’re moving. When conditions aren’t quite as friendly, it’s obviously a different story.
If you’re worried about seasickness, getting some fresh air and looking towards the horizon can help some people. Sitting closer to the middle of the ship, where movement may be less noticeable, can also be preferable to sitting right at one end.
If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, speak to a pharmacist before travelling about suitable remedies rather than waiting until you’re already feeling awful halfway across the Channel.
It’s also worth remembering that one rough ferry crossing doesn’t mean they are all like that.
Can you take food and drink onto a ferry?
For ordinary snacks and drinks to eat during the journey, you’ll generally be able to bring your own food aboard, although individual ferry operators can have their own rules.
If you’re travelling internationally, however, there’s an important distinction between food you’re eating during the journey and food you’re taking into another country.
There can be restrictions on bringing certain foods across international borders, so check the current rules for your destination before filling your boot with food from home.
Most larger ferries also have somewhere to buy food and drink, although taking a few snacks with you can save money and is useful if you’re travelling with someone who is fussy about food.
How much luggage can you take on a ferry?
This is one of the things I love about travelling by ferry with a car.
You’re not trying to squash everything into a tiny suitcase while wondering whether your toiletries are going to cause an international incident at airport security.
If you’re taking a vehicle, ferry travel can be very generous when it comes to luggage because your belongings remain in your vehicle. There will still be restrictions on dangerous or prohibited items, and you should check your operator’s conditions.
Foot passengers need to pay much more attention to baggage rules because you’ll actually have to deal with your luggage yourself.
For example, Brittany Ferries currently recommends that foot passengers limit themselves to two pieces of luggage weighing up to 20kg each, largely because passengers need to be able to manage their own bags.
What happens when the ferry is nearly at your destination?
Towards the end of the crossing, announcements will usually tell vehicle passengers when they can return to their cars.
This is when everyone suddenly remembers they own a vehicle and starts heading towards the stairs at approximately the same time.
Once you’re back at your car, you’ll normally have a little wait while the ship docks and the vehicle decks are prepared for unloading.
Don’t start moving until instructed.
When your row is released, you’ll simply follow the vehicles in front and the directions from ferry staff until you’re off the ship.
If you’re travelling abroad, this is also the point where you need to switch your brain into driving-in-another-country mode.
For UK drivers arriving in continental Europe, that means remembering you’re about to drive on the right.
Are ferries suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility?
Yes, but this is something I would arrange in advance rather than just turning up and hoping for the best.
Ferry operators can provide assistance, although the exact arrangements depend on the ship and port.
If you’re travelling in a vehicle, staff may need to park you in a particular area so you can reach a lift from the vehicle deck. That makes telling the ferry company about your requirements when booking particularly important.
Some operators ask passengers with additional requirements to contact them in advance, so check your ferry company’s accessibility information before travelling.
It’s also worth looking at the specific ship you’ll be using. Accessibility can vary considerably between vessels.
What happens if you’re late for your ferry?
Don’t assume you’ll automatically be able to board because you can still see the ship.
Ferry companies have check-in deadlines, and boarding isn’t guaranteed if you arrive after them.
If you realise you’re going to be late, contact your ferry operator as soon as you safely can. What happens next will depend on your ticket conditions, operator and whether there are later sailings available.
This is another reason I don’t think it’s worth cutting your arrival time too fine.
I’d rather have an unnecessarily long wait at Dover than watch my ferry sailing towards France without me!
Is travelling by ferry stressful?
I actually think ferry travel can be one of the more relaxed ways to travel once you understand how everything works.
There isn’t the same obsession with tiny luggage allowances that you get when flying, you can take your own car, and you’re free to get up and move around once you’re on board.
The bit most likely to make you nervous on your first journey is probably arriving at the port and boarding the ship, simply because you’ve never done it before.
But there really isn’t much you need to work out yourself. Follow the signs, join the lane you’re directed into and follow the instructions from staff.
My biggest tips for your first ferry journey
The main thing I’d suggest is giving yourself plenty of time.
Check your documents a few days beforehand rather than on the morning you travel, look up your route to the ferry terminal and check your operator’s current check-in time.
When you arrive, don’t worry about understanding the entire port. You only need to follow the signs for your operator and destination.
Before leaving the car, take everything you need for the crossing and photograph where you’ve parked. If it’s an overnight crossing, pack a small bag specifically for the ferry rather than attempting to retrieve things from several suitcases.
And don’t forget to enjoy it.
If you’re used to flying, there’s something wonderfully different about getting on a ferry, wandering out onto deck and watching Britain gradually disappear behind you.
Your holiday doesn’t have to begin when you reach the other side. For me, the ferry journey is part of the adventure too.
FAQs about taking a ferry for the first time
Do I stay in my car on a ferry?
Generally, no. On most passenger ferries you’ll park your vehicle on the vehicle deck and then leave it for the duration of the crossing. Follow the instructions given by the crew on your particular sailing.
Can I go back to my car if I’ve forgotten something?
You shouldn’t assume you’ll be able to. Access to vehicle decks is normally restricted while the ferry is at sea, so take anything you’ll need with you when you leave your vehicle.
Do I need to turn my car alarm off?
It’s worth checking your vehicle handbook because movement aboard the ship can trigger some car alarms. Some vehicles have a setting that disables the interior or tilt/motion sensors without leaving the vehicle unsecured.
Do I need my passport on the ferry?
For international journeys, you’ll need the travel documents required for your destination and route. British passengers travelling between the UK and France, for example, need a valid passport. Always check the latest entry requirements before travelling.
How early should I arrive for my ferry?
It depends on the operator, port and route. Some international ferry operators require vehicle passengers to check in at least 60 minutes before departure, while other routes have different deadlines. Check the time shown on your booking and allow additional time for queues and border controls.
Is taking your car on a ferry difficult?
Not really. You don’t have to decide where to drive or park on the ship. Ferry staff direct vehicles during loading, so you simply follow their instructions.
Will I feel the ferry moving?
Possibly. On calm crossings and larger ships, movement can be surprisingly difficult to notice, while rougher conditions can make it much more obvious.
What should I take upstairs with me?
Take anything you’ll need during the crossing, including your phone, wallet, medication, chargers, warm clothing and entertainment. For an overnight crossing, pack a separate overnight bag.
What happens when you drive off a ferry?
Once the ship has docked and it’s safe to unload, ferry staff release the vehicles and direct them towards the exit. You’ll then follow signs through the port and any necessary border controls before continuing your journey.