Ferry to France from the UK (With a Car) – Complete Guide

Ferry to France from the UK (With a Car) – Ferry vs Eurotunnel Guide

If you’re planning a ferry to France from the UK, especially with a car, the first question is usually: Should I take the ferry or the Eurotunnel? 

When I left London to begin my European road trip with Roly, my cockapoo riding shotgun in the car, I chose the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais.

Why?

Because I was travelling with a dog, carrying my entire life in a Mini One, and starting a long-term road trip; speed and simplicity mattered more than the crossing experience.

But that doesn’t automatically mean the tunnel is “better.” It depends entirely on your route, budget, timeline and whether you’re travelling with pets.

This guide breaks down both options clearly so you can choose what works for your journey.

Table of Contents

• My Experience Crossing from the UK to France
• Ferry vs Eurotunnel – Which Is Better?
• Ferry Routes from the UK to France
• Cost Comparison: Ferry vs Tunnel
• Taking a Car on the Ferry
• Travelling With a Dog (Ferry vs Tunnel)
• When to Book for Cheapest Fares
• Is Ferry or Tunnel Faster?

My Experience Crossing from the UK to France

I drove from London to Folkestone the night before my crossing to remove the pressure of same-day travel. That was one of the best decisions I made.

The following morning, after a short drive to the Eurotunnel terminal, the process began. First came main check-in at the booth, followed by the dedicated pet check where Roly’s microchip and documents were scanned. From there it was UK passport control, then EU passport control, before entering the departure lanes.

Everything was structured and efficient, but it isn’t instant. Give yourself at least 90 minutes, especially if you’re travelling with a dog.

Inside the Eurotunnel, you stay in your car. The crossing takes 35 minutes. No seas, no walking decks, no weather factor. Just industrial efficiency. You can read more about the Eurotunnel journey in my Travelling to Europe with a Dog from the UK Guide.

For me, starting a long-term road trip, that simplicity mattered, but ferry crossings offer something different.

Let’s compare properly.

Ferry vs Eurotunnel – Which Is Better?

Eurotunnel (Folkestone → Calais)

Pros:

• Fastest crossing (35 minutes)
• You stay in your car
• No sea conditions to worry about
• Very straightforward for pets
• Frequent departures

Cons:

• Often more expensive at peak times
• Only one arrival point (Calais)
• Less scenic / less “travel experience”

For a long road trip with Roly, staying in the car and minimising stress won.

Ferry (Multiple UK Ports → France)

Pros:

• Multiple arrival ports across northern & western France
• Often cheaper if booked early
• Ability to walk around, eat, work
• Some overnight sailings available
• More flexible entry points (Normandy, Brittany)

Cons:

• Slower crossing times
• Disembarkation can take longer
• Weather dependent
• Pet policies vary by operator

If you’re heading to western France or Brittany, ferry routes can actually reduce total driving time once you land.

Ferry Routes to France from the UK

There are multiple ferry routes depending on where you want to land in France and this decision matters more than most people realise.

• Dover → Calais (approx. 90 mins)
• Dover → Dunkirk (approx. 2 hours)
• Portsmouth → Caen (5–6 hours)
• Portsmouth → Le Havre
• Portsmouth → St Malo (8–12 hours)
• Newhaven → Dieppe (approx. 4 hours)

At first glance, Dover → Calais looks like the obvious choice because it’s the shortest but that’s not always the most efficient route.

When I crossed via Eurotunnel into Calais, I still had a 3-hour drive to Rouen which meant a full travel day before I’d even properly arrived.

If you’re heading to:

• Normandy / Rouen → Caen or Dieppe makes more sense
• Brittany / West Coast → St Malo removes a huge drive

The ferry takes longer, but it can reduce your driving time significantly once you land.

How to Choose (This Is the Bit That Matters)

Don’t choose based on crossing time. Choose based on where you land vs where you’re going next.

• Short crossing + long drive → more tiring overall
• Longer crossing + shorter drive → often easier

If you’re doing a short France road trip, arriving further west (Caen / St Malo) usually creates a smoother start.

But Calais (and the Eurotunnel or ferry) has clear advantages too, especially when travelling with a dog. Calais also works perfectly to kick-start your full west coast road trip.

Cost Comparison: Ferry vs Tunnel

Pricing fluctuates heavily by:

• Season
• Time of day
• Demand
• How far in advance you book

General guidance (car + 1 driver, off-peak):

• Eurotunnel: £100–£200+ one way
• Dover–Calais ferry: £60–£150 one way

Peak summer prices can rise significantly for both.

If budget is your priority, ferries often win, especially midweek.

Taking a Car on the Ferry

Taking a car on the ferry from the UK to France is simple.

You’ll:

• Drive onboard
• Park where directed
• Leave the vehicle during the crossing

Important:

• You cannot usually access your car mid-crossing
• Secure valuables before leaving
• Note your deck number

Disembarkation can take 20–45 minutes depending on traffic flow.

With Eurotunnel, you remain in your car the entire time. For some travellers, that comfort matters.

Travelling With a Dog (Ferry vs Tunnel)

This is where the decision can shift.

Eurotunnel:

• Dog stays in your car
• Quick pet document check
• No separation required

This is why I chose it.

Ferry:

• Some routes require pets to remain in the vehicle
• Some offer pet lounges
• Longer crossings may offer pet cabins
• Policies vary by operator

You’ll need:

• Microchip
• Rabies vaccination
• Animal Health Certificate (or valid EU Pet Passport)

For full details, see: Travelling to Europe With a Dog From the UK 

When to Book for Cheapest Fares

To get the best price:

• Book 6–10 weeks in advance for peak season
• Travel midweek if possible
• Avoid Friday evenings and Sunday returns
• Compare operators directly

Prices increase sharply closer to departure in summer.

Is Ferry or Tunnel Faster?

On paper: Eurotunnel is faster.

In reality:

• If you live near Portsmouth or plan to explore western France first, a ferry may save driving hours once you land.
• If you’re starting a long-term European road trip and want efficiency, Eurotunnel is hard to beat.

It depends on your route.

Final Thought

The crossing isn’t just transport, it sets the tone for your journey. For me, the 35-minute Eurotunnel crossing with Roly marked the beginning of a year on the road.

For you, it might be a slower ferry crossing with coffee on deck and sea air in your face.

Both get you to France.

The better option is the one that fits your route, your timing, and how you want your journey to begin.

For city-by-city breakdowns and deeper regional planning, explore the full France Travel Guides.