Ferry routes to and from the UK
Ferries to and from the UK
If you are travelling from mainland Europe to the UK, most people will opt for a crossing from France or the Netherlands. There is also a ferry from Spain, but this usually serves as a return trip for Brits who holiday on the Iberian Peninsula. Additionally, there are numerous crossings from Ireland. All these routes operate in the opposite direction as well, so ferries from France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland also sail to the UK.
Travelling by ferry is an enjoyable way to journey. You can travel with your own vehicle, and there is plenty to do on board. Even on shorter crossings, you will never find yourself bored. However, the longer crossings truly feel like a celebration on ferries equipped with facilities akin to those on a cruise.
Some of the most popular ferries from the UK include routes to France from Dover and Portsmouth. There are also several ferries to Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and from Holyhead, you can sail directly to Dublin.
Guides for the ferries to the UK
Everything you need to know before booking your ferry trip
Ferries from the UK to Europe, Ireland & Northern Ireland
Everything you need to know before booking your ferry trip to the continent or Ireland.
Ferries to British Islands
Ferry guides for popular island destinations
Ferries to The Hebrides
All information about the ferries to the Scottish Hebrides and Arran.
All Crossings to the UK
These are all the ferries to the United Kingdom
Blogs & News
Interesting blogs and useful tips about ferry travel and/or to Scotland, England and Wales
Ferry Talk
Questions or experiences? We'd love for you to share them.
Can you help me? We are a family of 5, and we want to travel to the UK from France in September 2023. We don't have a car, is it possible to ferry without a car? And which ferry to take?
Hi Day-M,
Most people take the ferry from Calais to Dover with P&O Ferries if they ferry travel without a car as with DFDS you can't book without a car (only with a bike) and with Irish Ferries it also doesn't seem possible (they are more unclear about it, when you book as passenger though there don't seem to be any ‘sailings' which is odd).
Check out the route here: https://ferrygogo.co.uk/france/dover-calais/
how quickly can I get from Norway to UK by ferry? 2 adults, a child and a pet, no car.
@hanna Then why go by ferry? I would consider going by plane and/or if you got by Train I would take a look on Trainline.com
Im looking at travelling from Dover to Calais; can I take my two dogs?
Yes on all ships on the Calais-Dover route dogs are allowed.
Hi
Would anyone know if there is a ferry crossing from Plymouth to Hull or Sheffield or even to Portsmouth then one from Portsmouth to Hull or Sheffield ?
Thanks
Hi Angie,
There isn't a ferry available. The majority would opt for driving or using public transportation.
best,