UK Ferry Travel vs. Planes, Trains & Automobiles
UK Ferry Travel vs. Planes, Trains & Automobiles: A Complete Ride Guide
Introduction: Why Consider a Ferry in an Island Nation?
Residing in or traveling to the UK gives you access to a rare transportation dilemma. As an island state, we have some of the best domestic airlines, a vast network of railways, and roadways packed with cars all day. However, perhaps one of the most interesting and unexpectedly functional ways to move or exit the country is by using a ferry boat service. The ferries range from the storm-tossed voyages to the Hebrides to busy Channel crossings to France and Holland. Ferry services in the UK are certainly an activity that falls somewhere between a mini cruise and essential public transport.
But what is ferry travel like in the UK? Is it worth the comfort, money, and effort compared to taking a flight, a fast train, or even using your own car? Here, I explore the true sensory experience of ferry travel, followed by a realistic evaluation to compare your transportation options.
The First-Hand Experience: A Slower Rhythm
The experience of boarding a ferry in the UK does not at all resemble that of boarding an airplane or a train. First of all, the atmosphere is filled with smell, a combination of old memories of salt and diesel, and the new smell of hot chips served in the ferry's cafe, along with the smell of fresh breeze. No rushing through security gates and no rules about the amount of liquid that can be taken on board. You simply line up in your car or go on board the ferry by gangplank.
Though Cabs In Hemel could take you to Luton or Heathrow airports in case you are flying somewhere, it would be better to switch your state of mind when trying to arrive at Portsmouth or Dover ferries. Ferries require acceptance of another time scale. You have to check-in at least an hour earlier for foot-passengers and even more if you are taking your car along. Onboard, things move slowly, so you have a lot of time to observe the coastline of Dover disappear in front of you, to watch some seals appear in the waters of the Irish Sea, to enjoy the CalMac "road on water" to Scotland.
Versus Domestic Flights: Time vs. Hassle
The closest competitors to short-distance ferries such as those traveling between Dover and Calais are the low-budget airlines. It's faster to fly, as one may calculate by comparing the short time it takes to reach Edinburgh from London by air, say, within 35 minutes, compared to the long ferry trip from Liverpool to Belfast that lasts for eight hours. The reality, however, becomes clear when taking the "door-to-door" route to consideration. An airplane trip involves reaching a big airport, usually located away from downtown areas, being at the airport 90 minutes before boarding, waiting at check-in points, collecting luggage, and finally traveling via road to the destination point.
Conclusion: For distances below 300 miles, flying is not faster when considering total travel time. For longer distances up and down the UK, flights are better. However, ferries provide what flights cannot; that is, ferry transport allows travelers to take their vehicles, pets, unlimited baggage, and provides room for walking while traveling. There are no tight seats with a table for meals; rather, hot showers are available in some overnight ferry ships (such as Stenaline going to Holland), as well as pubs that cruise at 22 knots.
Versus Trains: Comfort and Scenery
Train transport is the greenest form of transport in the UK. Take the West Highland Line or even the Cambrian Coast line, for instance, and you will be rewarded with stunning views. But trains cannot cross any waters. If you are travelling to, say, Newcastle from Amsterdam, the ferry is the only public means of transport available. But for connecting routes, say from London to Isle of Wight, you have to catch a train up to Portsmouth first and then the fast catamaran ferry.
The ferry wins hands down when it comes to overnight travel, offering you not just comfortable sleeping quarters but also the experience of waking up to a different country. How can you compare that to the Caledonian Sleeper train, which offers you the same amenities at nearly the same cost? And the facilities offered on board are incomparable with train services, making the ferry a much better choice for families with restless kids. The major drawback to the ferry service is the relatively slow movement compared to the fast trains used on land. Travel time between Liverpool and Dublin by ferry plus coach is 7 hours while that for air is 50 minutes.
Versus Driving (via Eurotunnel or Around)
Many drivers will liken the ferry journey to the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle service when travelling through the Channel. The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle takes you to Calais from Folkestone in 35 minutes while riding in a car within the train. Obviously, this journey is faster than the 90 minutes ferry journey. But the competition from companies such as P&O and DFDS has come up with the "Dover-Calais Superfast" services where the crossing takes 60 minutes. There is no longer any huge difference between the two. Why choose the ferry service if there is such a tunnel? Cost. It will be £40 cheaper to travel via the ferry for a car and the driver at midweek than using the tunnel. You can also enjoy freedom from the car on the ferry because here you can exit the car and walk around and even take a proper breakfast with good washroom facilities.
Ferry travel to Paris from Hemel Hempstead is usually through Airport Taxi Hemel Hempstead to either Luton or Heathrow where you can have your fast flight to Paris. However, this is expensive if you travel with lots of luggage or if you have pets in your boot. Ferry Travel directly from Dover to Calais enables you to drive to the port within two and a half hours and drive aboard the ferry only to arrive at your destination in one boot.
Cost Comparison: The Hidden Savings
On the face of it, ferry travel appears to be costly. It could cost £80 to travel by ferry from Holyhead to Dublin but only £35 by air. But, there are many things not included in airline fares which are included in ferry fares. You don't have to pay for any luggage, there is no charge for selecting the type of seat, and there is no additional fee for a 23kg suitcase, let alone the carry-on baggage. For families traveling together, the ferry’s family saver tickets can be more economical than RyanAir flights.
Also read: What Should I Expect While Relocating to the UK
Whereas the ferry can be cheaper than trains as in case of Cairnryan-Belfast route where it beats the rail-sea ferry service (with ScotRail). As opposed to road transport involving long detours (England-Wales to bypass Irish sea crossing), ferries save time and reduce costs by saving hundreds of miles and hours of weariness. When it comes to transporting a car across the Irish Sea, there is no beating the vehicle ferry.
Pros and Cons Summary Table
Practical Tips for First-Time Ferry Travellers
Pick your crossing carefully: North Sea (Aberdeen to Shetland) is notoriously difficult; the English Channel (Dover to Calais) is generally gentle. Always check wave reports.
Always book a cabin when traveling overnight – even a cheap interior cabin is better than having to sleep in a reclining chair.
Arrive well in advance if bringing your car - 60-90 minutes will do. For foot passengers, allow 45 minutes.
Get seasickness bands in case you find out that you’re susceptible after being at sea for two hours across the Irish Sea.
Loyalty clubs – frequent travelers on Caledonian MacBrayne (Scottish Islands) or Wightlink will get a 30% discount through their multi-trip tickets.
The Verdict: Is Ferry Travel Right for You?
Traveling by ferry in the United Kingdom is certainly not the quickest way to get somewhere. It is certainly not always the cheapest option, either. However, it is arguably the most humane form of transportation. It permits one to keep their vehicle, their dignity (no luggage searches), and that element of adventure. To families, it provides a sort of floating playground. To the road-tripper, it offers access to amazing locations. And for those traveling on the Isle of Wight or the Hebrides islands, the ferry is a necessity.
Against air travel, it does not offer convenience. Against train travel, it provides overnight comfort and the ability to bring along a vehicle. Against traveling the same distance by land, it offers quicker arrival times and less exhaustion. In other words, the ferry wins all arguments except one - it is never the fastest option. So, consider carefully whether the quickness or relaxation and good food are more important to you.
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