Taking a Ferry from the UK? What Tourists Need to Know
Planning a ferry journey from Britain? Discover major UK ferry terminals, popular routes, approximate crossing times, check-in advice, travel documents and how to plan your journey to the port.
Planning a ferry journey from the UK?
Travelling by ferry is a practical way to continue your journey from the UK to France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and other destinations.
For tourists, the sailing itself is only part of the journey. You also need to consider which ferry terminal you are using, how long it takes to reach the port, your operator's check-in deadline and the approximate crossing time.
Popular UK ferry routes and travel durations
Ferry journey times vary by operator, vessel, weather and timetable. The times below are useful approximate guides when planning your trip.
| UK Ferry Terminal | Destination | Country | Approx. Crossing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | Calais | France | Around 1 hr 30 mins |
| Portsmouth | Caen | France | Around 6 hours |
| Harwich | Hook of Holland | Netherlands | From around 6 hrs 30 mins |
| Holyhead | Dublin | Ireland | Around 3 hrs 15 mins |
| Cairnryan | Belfast | Northern Ireland | Around 2 hrs 15 mins |
| Portsmouth / Plymouth | Northern Spain | Spain | Long-distance / overnight |
Crossing times are approximate and should not be used as your final travel timetable. Always check your ferry operator's current schedule and booking confirmation.
Major ferry ports tourists should know
The UK has several major passenger ferry ports connecting travellers with France, Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain. Always check the exact port, terminal and operator shown on your booking before travelling.
Port of Dover
Dover is one of the UK's busiest passenger ferry gateways and a popular departure point for travellers heading to Calais and northern France.
Portsmouth International Port
Portsmouth offers a wide choice of ferry connections to France and longer-distance services towards northern Spain.
Harwich International Port
Harwich is particularly useful for travellers continuing from the UK towards the Netherlands and other parts of mainland Europe.
Holyhead Port
Holyhead is one of the main ferry gateways between Great Britain and Ireland, with regular connections towards Dublin.
Cairnryan
Located in south-west Scotland, Cairnryan is an important departure point for travellers crossing the Irish Sea towards Northern Ireland.
Poole & Plymouth
These ports provide additional options for travellers heading to France, while selected services also connect the UK with northern Spain.
Your ferry departure time is only part of the journey
When planning a ferry trip, work backwards from the operator's check-in deadline rather than simply looking at the scheduled departure time.
Allow enough time for traffic, luggage and unexpected delays on the way to your ferry terminal.
Follow the check-in deadline provided by your ferry operator. This may be well before the sailing time.
International routes may include passport, immigration, security and boarding procedures.
Once onboard, you can continue towards France, Ireland, the Netherlands or another European destination.
Travelling from London to a UK ferry terminal
If you are visiting London before continuing your journey by ferry, remember to include the transfer from your hotel, accommodation or airport to the ferry terminal in your travel plan.
A useful connection for travellers continuing from London towards Calais and northern France.
Suitable for passengers continuing towards ferry services to France or Spain.
A useful route for travellers taking the ferry towards the Netherlands and mainland Europe.
International visitors can arrange onward travel from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton or London City Airport towards their ferry departure point.
How early should you arrive?
There is no single check-in time for every ferry journey. Requirements depend on your ferry operator, route and whether you are travelling as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.
Always follow the check-in deadline shown on your booking confirmation and allow additional time during busy travel periods.
- Confirm the correct ferry terminal.
- Check your operator's check-in deadline.
- Allow extra time for traffic.
- Keep passports and booking details accessible.
- Check for travel updates before leaving.
A useful example
If your ferry departs at 14:00, do not plan to arrive at the port at 14:00. Your operator may require check-in well before departure, with additional time needed for border procedures and boarding.
What should international tourists bring?
International ferry journeys involve border controls. The documents you require depend on your nationality, destination and immigration status.
Check the official entry requirements for your destination before travelling rather than relying solely on your ferry ticket.
- Valid passport or required travel document
- Ferry booking confirmation
- Visa or travel authorisation where required
- Vehicle documents if travelling by car
- Travel insurance information
- Accommodation and onward journey details
Border and entry procedures can change. Check the latest official UK government travel advice and your ferry operator's instructions before leaving for the terminal.
Travelling by ferry without a car?
Foot-passenger availability varies between routes, ferry operators and individual sailings. Do not assume that every departure accepts passengers travelling without a vehicle.
Confirm foot-passenger availability before booking your journey to the port. Some terminals also have different entrances, check-in areas or boarding procedures for passengers travelling without a vehicle.
Arrange your journey to the port before you travel
Travelling with luggage, children or a group can make changing between different forms of transport more difficult. A pre-booked private hire journey provides direct travel from your pickup location to the required ferry terminal.
Kibbu provides pre-booked journeys from London and other locations to destinations across the UK, including longer-distance travel.
A few things worth checking before your ferry journey
A little preparation can make the journey to the ferry terminal considerably easier, particularly during busy holiday periods.
Confirm the correct port
Check the exact ferry terminal and operator shown on your booking confirmation before setting off.
LIVE INFORMATIONCheck your sailing
Look for timetable changes, delays or travel updates from your ferry operator before leaving.
CHECK-INKnow your deadline
Your check-in closing time is different from the ferry's scheduled departure time, so plan around the earlier deadline.
JOURNEY TIMEAllow for traffic
Build extra time into the journey to the port, particularly during weekends, school holidays and peak travel periods.
DOCUMENTSKeep everything accessible
Keep your passport, ferry confirmation and any required travel documents somewhere easy to reach.
ARRIVALPlan your onward journey
Consider how you will continue from the destination port, especially if you are travelling without your own vehicle.
UK ferry travel FAQs
The Dover to Calais crossing is typically around 1 hour 30 minutes. Actual sailing times can vary, so always check your booked service.
How long is the Portsmouth to Caen ferry?The crossing is typically around six hours, although journey times depend on the scheduled sailing and service.
How long is the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry?Some crossings take from around 6 hours 30 minutes. Daytime and overnight journey times can differ.
How long is the Holyhead to Dublin ferry?The Holyhead to Dublin crossing typically takes around 3 hours 15 minutes depending on the service.
How long is the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry?The Cairnryan to Belfast crossing typically takes around 2 hours 15 minutes depending on the sailing.
How early should I arrive at a UK ferry terminal?Check-in deadlines vary by ferry operator and route. Follow the deadline shown on your booking confirmation and allow additional time for traffic, border procedures and boarding.
Can I travel as a foot passenger?Many ferry services accept foot passengers, but this varies by route and sailing. Check availability with the ferry operator before arranging your journey to the terminal.
Can I travel from London directly to a ferry terminal?Yes. Depending on your travel arrangements, you can pre-book a private hire journey from London, your hotel, home or another pickup point directly to the required ferry terminal.
Can Kibbu take me to a UK ferry terminal?Kibbu provides pre-booked private hire journeys from London and other locations to destinations across the UK. Enter your pickup location and required ferry terminal when arranging your journey.
Ferry schedules, crossing times, check-in procedures and international entry requirements can change. Always check your ferry operator and official government travel guidance before departure.
Get to your ferry terminal without the last-minute rush
Arrange your Kibbu journey in advance and plan your pickup around the ferry operator's required check-in time.