Cost of a ferry crossing in summer 2025 averages £840

January is almost upon us, and traditionally, this is when (digital) travel guides start landing on our doorsteps. What could be better than looking ahead to summer holiday plans during the winter months? Each year, Ferrygogo analyses the costs of ferry crossings. We've done it again this year, diving into the data to see what you can expect to pay for a round trip with overnight stays. We started early so you can still take advantage of various offers.

This year, we focused on ferry crossings for two people, including a car, in the high season with overnight stays. Many travellers choose ferries because it's convenient to bring your car, and car hire at your destination can be quite expensive. However, if you're travelling without a car and outside the high season, you can save significantly. Now, let’s get back to the data.

From our comparison of price data for summer 2025, we found:

• On average, you'll spend over £839 for a crossing for two people, a cabin, and a car. This figure, however, doesn’t reflect the length of the crossing in either time or distance.
• The most expensive crossing is from Denmark to Iceland: £1840. This includes two overnight stays each way (four in total).
• When calculated per mile (£0.91), this crossing is relatively affordable. Per hour (the crossing lasts 66 hours one way, so 132 hours round trip), it costs just £14 per hour for two people. By comparison, the ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza (8 hours) costs nearly four times as much per hour on board.
• Direct ferries from England to the Netherlands cost between £513 and £700 return. This includes two overnight stays for two people, the journey, and your car.
• Interesting find: Ferries from the UK and Ireland to Spain are cost-effective per mile. This is a great option if you want to combine Southern England (Devon, Cornwall, etc.) with Spain. For example, the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao costs £957.
• Ferries to the Balearic Islands (Ibiza and Mallorca) are more expensive, with both crossings costing over £840 for a distance of less than 200 miles.
• Generally, longer crossings are more affordable per mile. For instance, the ferry from Germany to Finland, one of Europe’s longest crossings at 679 miles, costs just £0.66 per mile. Similarly, the crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam is cost-effective.
• The cheapest crossing per mile is one of the lesser known: from Barcelona to Civitavecchia, near Rome, costing just £0.59 per mile for a return for two people.
• The ferry from France to Morocco (Sète-Nador) is also among the more affordable options.
• The lowest overall cost in this study is for the crossing to Trelleborg (Sweden) from Rostock (Germany).
• There are significant price changes compared to 2024: for instance, the Newcastle crossing is 22.5% cheaper, while the ferry from Liverpool to Belfast has increased by 51%. Great news for travellers from Scotland, less so for travellers from Northern Ireland.
• We've added new routes and prices compared to 2024.

The analysis focused on return crossings with a standard inside cabin where possible. Data was collected for travel from 5 to 12 July 2025, including a car.

Ferry Costs Summer 2025
The costs for a ferry crossing in the high season for a return trip with 2 people, a standard inside cabin, and a car.

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United Kingdom: Connections to Europe and Beyond

The UK’s ferry network provides key links to mainland Europe, Ireland, and Spain. While some crossings are good value, others can be pricey depending on the destination.

• Portsmouth to Bilbao (£0.92 per mile, £957 total)
  A fantastic option for those combining a Spanish getaway with a scenic ferry journey. This 523-mile route offers decent value for its length and provides a convenient connection to northern Spain.
• Plymouth to Santander (£0.98 per mile, £939 total)
  Slightly shorter than Portsmouth to Bilbao, this route is equally picturesque and just a touch more expensive per mile. Both crossings are ideal for avoiding long drives through France.
• Liverpool to Belfast (£2.20 per mile, £636 total)
  Essential for connecting England to Northern Ireland, this route is among the priciest per mile. For short trips, the convenience might justify the cost, but for longer stays, consider alternative options such as flying.
• Portsmouth to Caen (£2.17 per mile, £484 total)
  A popular choice for reaching Normandy, this shorter route (111 miles) comes with a premium price. Booking early may help manage costs.
• Portsmouth to Guernsey (£1.94 per mile, £483 total)
  A great choice for a Channel Islands holiday, although the cost per mile reflects limited competition for this destination.

Netherlands:

For British travellers heading to mainland Europe, Dutch ports offer efficient and comfortable crossings. These routes provide excellent options for those travelling with their car or looking to avoid flying.

• Newcastle to IJmuiden (£0.92 per mile, £556 total)
  This 303-mile crossing provides excellent value for those heading to the Netherlands, offering a direct link to Amsterdam and beyond. The overnight ferry is also a comfortable option, saving on accommodation costs.
• Harwich to Hoek van Holland (£2.12 per mile, £513 total)
  A popular choice for reaching the western Netherlands, this route connects directly to Rotterdam and The Hague. Though relatively short at 121 miles, it comes with a premium price, so early booking is advisable.
• Hull to Rotterdam (£1.58 per mile, £700 total)
  Offering a good balance of cost and convenience, this 222-mile route is perfect for travellers heading to central or southern Netherlands. It provides easy access to destinations such as Utrecht, Eindhoven, and even Germany.

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These routes allow British travellers to explore mainland Europe while bringing their car, offering convenience and flexibility for road trips across the continent. Dutch ports serve as excellent gateways to both the Netherlands and neighbouring countries.

Spain:

Spain’s ferry network connects the Balearic Islands and northern Europe, offering a wide range of options from affordable long-distance routes to premium island crossings.

• Portsmouth to Bilbao (£0.92 per mile, £957 total)
  A great choice for those combining a scenic journey with a Spanish adventure. This 523-mile route provides a cost-effective way to reach northern Spain and avoid driving across France.
• Plymouth to Santander (£0.98 per mile, £939 total)
  Slightly shorter but equally scenic, this 478-mile route is another excellent option for reaching northern Spain. Its competitive pricing makes it a strong alternative to the Bilbao crossing.
• Barcelona to Palma (Mallorca) (£2.51 per mile, £843 total)
  One of the most expensive crossings per mile, this 168-mile route reflects the high demand for trips to the Balearic Islands. While convenient, it’s worth exploring flight options for shorter trips.
• Barcelona to Ibiza (£2.44 per mile, £863 total)
  Similarly costly, this 176-mile route highlights the premium pricing of island destinations. However, it remains a comfortable and practical way to travel to Ibiza with your car.

France:

France offers a mix of shorter overnight crossings to Ireland and the UK, alongside long-distance routes to North Africa.

• Cherbourg to Rosslare (£1.49 per mile, £1,267 total)
  This 426-mile route to Ireland provides a good balance of cost and convenience, making it ideal for travellers combining Normandy with an Irish holiday.
• Sete to Nador (£0.63 per mile, £841 total)
  One of the best-value routes in Europe, this long 670-mile crossing links southern France to Morocco. Perfect for adventurous travellers wanting to explore North Africa without flying.
• Duinkerken (Dunkirk) to Rosslare (£1.22 per mile, £932 total)
  A mid-range option for connecting northern France to Ireland, offering a practical alternative for those travelling with their car.

Germany & Denmark Gateway to Scandinavia

Germany & Denmark act as a central hub for those venturing north into Scandinavia, with several long-distance routes offering excellent value.

• Kiel to Oslo (£1.70 per mile, £1,307 total)
  While pricier than other Scandinavian routes, this direct ferry to Norway skips long drives and hotel stays, offering a comfortable start to any Nordic adventure.
• Kiel to Gothenburg (£2.09 per mile, £1,010 total)
  Slightly more expensive per mile, this route connects Germany to Sweden efficiently. Travellers might compare it with the cheaper but longer Travemunde option.
• Hirtshals to Seydisfjordur (Iceland) (£0.97 per mile, £1,840 total)
  At 944 miles, this route provides excellent value for travellers heading to Iceland with their car. Its onboard amenities make the long journey comfortable and enjoyable.
• Travemunde to Helsinki (£0.66 per mile, £901 total)
  Among the cheapest routes per mile, this 679-mile crossing is perfect for those venturing to Finland. Its length eliminates the need for extensive driving.
• Hirtshals to Bergen (£2.21 per mile, £1,124 total)
  A scenic but costly option for reaching Norway’s fjords. This 255-mile route is ideal for travellers focused on exploring Bergen and its surroundings.

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Curious about our experiences with different ferries and what a crossing is like? You can find various travel reports on our blog.

Travelling by ferry?

Travelling by ferry can be a pleasant and comfortable experience. For instance, if you're planning a trip to Norway, it might seem expensive—and it is—but with a bit of planning, you can make it more economical. Instead of driving the entire way, you could head to Northern Germany and take the ferry to Oslo. This saves you two hotel nights, a long drive, and the need to rent a car or camper at your destination. For holidays of four to five days or longer, these savings quickly add up.

Curious about our experiences with different ferries and what a crossing looks like? Check out our blog for detailed travel reports.

Key Takeaways

• Longer routes tend to offer the best value per mile, especially for travellers heading to the Nordics or North Africa.
• Island crossings (e.g., Mallorca, Ibiza, Guernsey) are disproportionately expensive compared to other crossings. mainly because they're shorter in general so less efficient.

By carefully selecting routes and planning ahead, ferry travel can be an economical and enjoyable way to explore Europe and beyond.

A few tips:

• Travelling by car? Book early. Foot passengers have more flexibility, but car decks on ferries fill up quickly, and prices will rise as space becomes limited.
• Do the math on whether it's worth bringing your vehicle. For longer trips, the savings can often justify the cost.
• Take advantage of early booking discounts. Booking early—usually by early February—can secure you discounts. For instance, DFDS and Stena Line currently offer 20% off crossings.

The data from our research can also be found here.