What you need to know about the ferry to England

We have traveled from Rotterdam (Netherlands) to Hull (England) and back twice, both times with P&O Ferries, each time overnight. In 2025, we will travel from Dieppe (France) to Southport (South England) and back with DFDS.

How much does the trip cost?

This very much depends on the connection. You can expect to pay between 300 Euros (without accommodation) and 1,500 Euros (with accommodation, a two-person cabin, and a sea view) for the round trip (2 people, car, caravan).

How long does the ferry crossing take?

Depending on the connection, the journey can take from about 1:15 hours (during the day) to up to 12 hours (overnight).

Is there catering on board?

There are restaurants where you can have full meals or small snacks like pastries or pizza that you can take away…

How can I minimize my travel costs?

Take some time and choose different days of the week and times for the outbound and return journey. Definitely compare the different connections. For example, in 2025, we are traveling to South England and have found prices ranging from 600 Euros to just under 300 Euros for the round trip.

What documents do I need?

For entry to England (from the EU), you need a passport and, since April 2025, an electronic travel authorization (ETA). The ETA is required for every traveler, regardless of age: parents, children, and/or babies.

What do I need to prepare for the ferry?

Depending on the duration of the crossing, we pack a small backpack/suitcase with the essentials for the ferry. After we have driven onto the ferry, we can quickly leave the car and don’t have to hurriedly gather everything at the last minute.

Are the dimensions of my car/motorhome/caravan/camper van important?

Yes, the ferry companies will ask for the dimensions of your vehicle more or less accurately. However, we have never had our measurements checked.

When do I need to be there?

So far, we have always had to be there at least 60 minutes before departure. The ferry has also left earlier than scheduled on occasion, so don’t push your luck.

Consider the traffic when planning your journey. The longer it takes you to get to the port, the more buffer time you should allow. In 2024, we arrived at the port in England just as an employee was lowering the barrier, which was very unpleasant. Five minutes later, we probably wouldn’t have made it.

Is there anything I can’t bring?

When traveling to England, you cannot bring the following items (see Bringing food into Great Britain):

  • certain types of meat
  • milk
  • dairy products
  • animal products not intended for human consumption

When returning to the EU, you cannot bring the following items (see Private import of food and feed):

  • Certain dietary supplements or vitamin preparations
  • Potatoes
  • Sturgeon caviar
  • Food and feed of non-animal origin
  • Food and feed of animal origin
  • Wild mushrooms

Will I be checked?

Interestingly, we have not been checked so far. Nevertheless, we adhere to the applicable regulations.

Is there anything I need to consider on the ferry?

You can move around very freely on the ferry. Important: You cannot access your vehicle during the trip. Therefore, you should prepare for this in advance. The corresponding decks are locked during departure.

Upon arrival at the destination port, the various decks will be called to go to their vehicles. The shipping company has a systematic approach to this. Therefore, pay attention to the announcements. You may only start the engine upon request.

Is there Wi-Fi on board?

Theoretically, yes. However, on our trips, there has always been a technical problem on the ferry, which made a connection impossible each time (according to the service staff at the reception).