This is what you’ll spend this summer on a ferry crossing.

The cost of a ferry vacation with a car and two persons is uncovered.

We reviewed the ferry price data for this summer and analysed the total costs and cost per kilometre for 34 destinations, comparing them with last year's prices.

Every year, we assess the pricing of several popular ferry routes on FerryGoGo to provide an accurate picture of the actual cost of a crossing. Often, initial prices are advertised.

Ferry prices fluctuated significantly compared to last year – we observed substantial increases and notable decreases, while the average remained relatively consistent.

In this study, we once again examined the actual expenses for a crossing for two people and a car, including a cabin for international crossings, for one or more days.

We looked at total costs, distance, and cost per kilometre. Additionally, we compared the data with last year's prices.

The study included international crossings with overnight stays (>150 km), short international crossings (<150 km), and domestic crossings. Prices were based on a round trip for two people and a standard car.

Here are some key findings and trends from the data analysis:

• The average distance for international crossings with overnight stays was around 600 kilometres, with an average cost of €1.10 per kilometre. While some routes experienced significant price increases, such as the Newcastle to IJmuiden route, which became nearly 20% cheaper compared to 2023.
• The most expensive international crossing with an overnight stay was from Denmark to Iceland, priced at €2768, while the least expensive was Harwich to Hook of Holland.
• Domestic crossings averaged around €4.27 per kilometre, with the Netherlands being on the higher end. Without a car, the cost was approximately €1.56 per kilometre.
• Short international crossings (<150 km) averaged around €3.14 per kilometre. The Hirtshals to Kristiansand route was the cheapest per kilometre, while the Helsingor-Helsingborg crossing saw a price decrease of over 50%.
• The popular Dover to Calais crossing charged €170 for a round trip with 2 persons and a car, translating to €2.13 per kilometre.
• Despite some variations in specific routes, the overall average price level remained relatively stable compared to the previous year.
• Data collection took place between February 19th and 21st, 2024, with several crossings already showing high demand for the summer season. The analysis focused on the period from June 29th to July 6th, covering a Saturday-to-Saturday timeframe.

In total, the study examined 34 different crossings, including 15 international crossings with overnight stays, 8 short international crossings, and 11 domestic European crossings. The analysis considered the price for 2 persons and a car, total cost, and straight-line distance to calculate the cost per kilometre for each ferry crossing.

Overnight Crossings (>150 km)

These are the longer ferry journeys, typically serviced by cruise ferries, which offer enhanced amenities and entertainment onboard. The average cost per kilometre for the surveyed crossings was €1.10.

Compared to the previous year, the crossings from Harwich to Hook of Holland (-7%) and from Newcastle to IJmuiden/Amsterdam (-20%) saw a decrease in prices, while the route to Hull to Rotterdam experienced a fare increase (+20%).

Percentage Price Variations Compared to Last Year

Short International Crossings (<150 km)

There are also many popular short crossings where you spend less time on board and thus do not require overnight accommodation. The average cost for 2 persons and a car is €307, with a price per kilometre of approximately €3.14. Prices tend to be relatively high on these shorter routes. However, the fare from Helsingor to Helsingborg saw a significant drop of around 54%.

Conversely, early bird tickets for the popular Puttgarden-Rodby route by Scandlines have already sold out, resulting in higher prices. This year, Calais-Dover is 10% cheaper.

Below, you'll find the prices compared to last summer.

Domestic Crossings

In our analysis of domestic ferry routes, we observed a notable trend: the majority of Dutch crossings are relatively costly. In contrast, international fares are generally lower, albeit for longer journeys.

Price Summary

The overall price level remains relatively stable compared to the previous year. Short international crossings even saw a slight decrease in average prices (-14%). However, there are notable price fluctuations for individual routes. While some crossings have become significantly cheaper, others have experienced considerable price hikes.

In the northern part of Europe, particularly towards Scandinavia, we observe price fluctuations of up to 50%. For journeys to England, price disparities fall within the range of 20%, with some routes seeing price increases while others seeing decreases.

All the data from the study can be downloaded and viewed here in Excel format.

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Historic ferry crossings from the UK to Scandinavia

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Significant Drop (-22%) in Rental Car Prices Across Europe

JW van Tilburg

JW, one of the co-founders of FerryGoGo, has a passion for food, drink, and travel. He loves exploring data and the history of the many destinations featured on FerryGoGo, and he's always curious about the population of each place.