Looking for a cheap ferry to France? Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a road trip, or a quick weekend getaway, getting the best deal on your ferry crossing can help keep your travel budget under control. With multiple ferry options between the UK and France, a bit of planning can go a long way in securing affordable tickets.
Cheap Ferry to France: How to Find the Best Deals
In this guide, we’ll help you discover how to find the cheapest ferry to France, explore different routes, and share tips on how to get the most value out of your Channel crossing.
1. Book Early for the Best Prices
One of the easiest ways to get a cheap ferry to France is by booking well in advance. Ferry operators release tickets months ahead, and prices are typically lower when you book early. Flexibility with your dates helps you take advantage of these lower fares.
Top Reasons to Book Early:
- Secure the lowest fares before prices increase.
- Get access to a wider choice of sailing times.
- Avoid the stress of last-minute price surges.
Best for:
– Families planning holidays
– Budget-conscious travellers
– Those with set travel plans
2. Travel Off-Peak for Big Savings
Travelling during off-peak times is another great way to save on your ferry ticket. Peak periods such as weekends, school holidays, and summer months generally have higher fares. Opt for midweek sailings, particularly early morning or late evening, to find cheaper options.
Cheapest Days to Travel:
- Tuesdays
- Wednesdays
- Thursdays (Early mornings or late evenings)
Best for:
– Retirees or flexible travellers
– Solo travellers or couples
– Those who prefer quieter crossings
3. Consider Alternative Routes
While the Dover to Calais route is the most popular, considering other ferry routes to France could help you find a cheaper fare. Routes like Dover to Dunkirk, Newhaven to Dieppe, or Portsmouth to Le Havre are often less expensive and can take you to new regions of France.
Alternative Routes to Save Money:
- Dover to Dunkirk: Similar time to Calais but often cheaper. Check out our Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk Which is Better? article.
- Newhaven to Dieppe: A quieter route, great for Normandy.
- Portsmouth to Le Havre: Ideal for exploring western France.
Best for:
– Road trippers headed beyond northern France
– Budget conscious travellers
– Those looking for less crowded crossings
4. Lowest Fares for Popular UK to France Ferry Routes
Prices for ferry crossings can vary depending on the time of year, type of vehicle, and number of passengers. Below are some examples of starting fares for the most popular routes from the UK to France, based on a one way ticket for one vehicle.
Foot passenger tickets are obviously cheaper and larger vehicles more expensive.
Lowest Fare Estimates:
- Dover to Calais: Starting from £80 each way for a car and up to 4 passengers.
- Dover to Dunkirk: Starting from £80 each way for a car and up to 4 passengers.
- Newhaven to Dieppe: Starting from £93 each way for a car and 2 passengers.
- Portsmouth to Le Havre: Starting from £73 each way for a car and 2 passengers.
These fares are estimates and can fluctuate based on factors such as demand, booking time, and whether you are travelling during peak or off-peak times. Booking early or during low demand seasons will often help you secure these lower rates.
5. Take Advantage of Ferry Deals and Discounts
Ferry operators frequently run promotions and discounts throughout the year. Check out our blog to stay informed about special offers. Discounts are often available for return bookings, large groups, or for those travelling with larger vehicles.
How to Get Ferry Deals:
- Check our blog regularly.
- Check for group or family discounts.
- Look for early-bird and last-minute offers.
Best for:
– Large groups or families
– Frequent ferry travellers
– Those looking for last-minute deals
6. Compare Ferry Operators
For the Dover to Calais route, P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries operate, meaning prices can vary. Comparing their fares is a smart way to find the cheapest crossing. The Dover to Dunkirk route, operated by DFDS, may also offer better value depending on the date.
Best Ferry Operators for Price:
- P&O Ferries: More sailings, frequent deals.
- DFDS: Competitive prices, quieter Dunkirk route.
- Irish Ferries: Competitive prices, sometimes cheaper.
Best for:
– Travellers comparing options for the same route
– Budget conscious families
– Those needing more flexibility
7. Book a One-Way Crossing First
Sometimes, booking two separate one-way crossings can be cheaper than booking a round trip. This allows you to choose the cheapest operator for each leg of your journey. Be sure to check both one-way and round-trip prices to find the best deal.
Why Book One-Way:
- Flexibility to choose different operators.
- Lower overall fares in some cases.
- Ideal for travellers with uncertain return dates.
Best for:
– Flexible travellers
– Road trippers with open ended plans
– Budget conscious travellers
8. Travel Light to Avoid Extra Charges
If possible, travel with a smaller vehicle to avoid additional charges for large vehicles, trailers, or caravans. Foot passengers often enjoy the cheapest fares, so consider this option if you don’t need to bring your car.
How to Save on Vehicle Fees:
- Opt for a smaller vehicle where possible.
- Travel as a foot passenger for the lowest fares.
- Avoid bringing trailers or large vehicles.
Best for:
– Solo travellers or foot passengers
– Travellers with smaller cars
– Budget conscious holidaymakers
9. Look for Loyalty Programmes and Frequent Traveller Discounts
Many ferry operators offer loyalty programmes or frequent traveller discounts. If you travel regularly, signing up for these programmes can lead to significant savings, priority boarding, and free trips after a certain number of crossings.
Benefits of Loyalty Programmes:
- Exclusive discounts for frequent travellers.
- Priority boarding and other perks.
- Potential for free trips after multiple bookings.
Best for:
– Regular ferry users
– Travellers who frequently visit Europe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How far in advance should I book to get a cheap ferry to France?
A: Booking at least 3-6 months in advance can secure the lowest fares, as operators often offer early-bird discounts.
Q: Are there cheaper ferry options than Dover to Calais?
A: Yes, routes like Dover to Dunkirk and Newhaven to Dieppe can be cheaper, especially during peak periods.
Q: What is the best day to travel for a cheap ferry to France?
A: Travelling midweek, particularly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, is often the cheapest option.
Q: Do ferry operators offer discounts for frequent travellers?
A: Yes, many operators have loyalty programmes or frequent traveller passes, offering discounts and perks for regular travellers.
Conclusion: How to Find a Cheap Ferry to France
Securing a cheap ferry to France is all about timing, flexibility, and staying informed about the latest deals. Whether you book early, choose an alternative route, or take advantage of ferry promotions, there are plenty of ways to save money on your Channel crossing.