Most ferry routes from the UK sail to France, offering travellers a wide range of choices. However, fares can sometimes be higher than expected, especially during peak season.
With a few smart booking tips and the right timing, you can save a lot. That’s why we’ve listed some practical tips to help you travel to France by ferry as cheaply as possible.
What affects ferry prices to France?
Ferry ticket prices are influenced by operational costs (like fuel, staff, and maintenance) and market demand. The latter refers to a price mechanism based on supply and demand. When many people want to travel, prices automatically go up. This system is known as dynamic pricing.
You have little influence over fixed costs such as crew and maintenance, but there are several factors you can consider to find cheaper ferry tickets. Below, we explain which ones make the biggest difference.
Fuel costs – choose a shorter and slower crossing
Fuel is a major cost for ferry operators. The general rule is simple: the shorter the crossing, the cheaper it tends to be. For the lowest fares, choose one of the short routes, such as:
Avoid fast catamaran ferries unless saving time is more important to you than saving money.
Route popularity – avoid the busy crossings
The popularity of a route no longer falls under operational costs but under market demand. The busier the route, the faster prices rise. Ferry operators aim to fill every sailing, so less popular crossings are often priced lower to attract passengers.
Tips:
- Travel outside the high season – you may find yourself almost alone on board.
- Book off-peak sailings – such as those during the night or early morning.
- Book as early as possible – dynamic pricing systems start with the lowest fares.
Travelling with or without a vehicle
Passengers generate revenue but occupy little space or weight. Vehicles, however, are heavy, require deck space, and increase fuel use. Because of this, operators often price foot passenger tickets attractively, or offer special mini-cruise deals for people who travel without a vehicle.
- If you don’t need to take a car, travelling as a foot passenger can significantly reduce your fare.
Extra discounts on already low fares
Ferry companies often build their promotions around crossings that are less busy. You can find seasonal offers, especially in autumn or winter, and mini-cruise deals with competitive pricing (Mini-cruise passengers are attractive for operators because passengers spend money on board and do not occupy scarce car space). We collect and share discount codes and special offers from various ferry companies for FerryGoGo visitors.
Travel with more people and fill your cabin
The more people travel together in one vehicle, the cheaper the crossing becomes per person. It also helps to make full use of your cabin. Most cabins on the routes to France are for two or four passengers, so filling them makes the total price per person lower.
A more expensive crossing to France can sometimes be cheaper overall
Although it may sound unusual, spending the night on board a ferry can sometimes be a cost-effective alternative to booking a hotel in southern England or northern France. Even if the ticket itself is more expensive, your total travel costs may be lower.
Practical tips to find the cheapest ferry tickets to France
- The cheapest ferry tickets to France are usually found on routes and during periods when fewer people travel.
- If you’re unable to plan your trip outside the busy season (for example, due to school holidays), make sure to book as far in advance as possible.
- Look for discount codes and special offers early. Ferry companies prefer to secure bookings before the start of the main travel season, and that’s often when the best prices are available.
- Take time to compare different operators and sailing times. Even on the same day, there can be large price differences between crossings.
Check discount for recommended ferry operators for France
For longer or overnight routes: Brittany Ferries
For short crossings to France: P&O Ferries, DFDS, and Irish Ferries
Each company offers different schedules, prices, and onboard facilities, so it’s worth comparing before booking.
In summary
- Finding cheap ferry tickets to France largely depends on timing and planning.
- Travel when demand is low, if possible, or book early if you can’t.
- Watch for seasonal discounts, compare several ferry operators, and check for promotional fares.
With a bit of preparation, it’s easy to travel comfortably and affordably across the channel and enjoy everything France has to offer.
The editorial team at FerryGoGo writes travel guides and creates route ideas for ferry travel, along with everything else that might be of interest to travelers and tourists.
