Vehicle Boarding Information

Vehicle Boarding Information

Travelling by ferry with your car, van, motorhome or motorcycle gives you the freedom to explore once you reach your destination.


If you have never taken a vehicle onto a ferry before, however, you may be wondering what happens at the port. The process is usually straightforward. However, check-in times, vehicle requirements and boarding procedures can vary between ferry companies.


This guide explains what you can generally expect. You can then choose your ferry operator below for more specific vehicle boarding information.

How Does Vehicle Boarding Work on a Ferry?

Travelling by ferry with your car, van, motorhome or motorcycle gives you the freedom to explore once you reach your destination.

If you have never taken a vehicle onto a ferry before, however, you may be wondering what happens at the port. The process is usually straightforward. However, check-in times, vehicle requirements and boarding procedures can vary between ferry companies.

This guide explains what you can generally expect. You can then choose your ferry operator below for more specific vehicle boarding information.

Before You Arrive at the Ferry Port

Preparing before you travel can make boarding much easier. Check your ferry operator’s required check-in time before setting off. Allow extra time for traffic and possible delays around the port.

You should also make sure that the vehicle details on your booking are correct. This is particularly important if you are travelling with:

  • A motorhome or campervan
  • A van
  • A motorcycle
  • A trailer
  • A caravan
  • A roof box or roof rack
  • Bikes attached to your vehicle

Your ferry company may ask for the overall length and height of your vehicle when you book.

What Happens to Your Vehicle During the Crossing?

Vehicles are parked on designated vehicle decks during the crossing.

Before leaving your vehicle, follow the instructions provided by the crew. Depending on the ferry company and vessel, you may be asked to apply the handbrake, leave the vehicle in gear or park, and switch off certain alarm systems.

Take everything you need for the journey with you.

Access to vehicle decks is normally restricted while the ferry is at sea. Therefore, it is worth packing a small bag with anything you might need during the crossing.

Vehicle Boarding Information by Ferry Company

Vehicle boarding rules aren’t exactly the same across every ferry company. Check-in deadlines, vehicle dimensions, electric vehicle procedures and rules surrounding gas cylinders can all differ. Some requirements may also change depending on the route or vessel. For this reason, we recommend checking the information for the ferry company you are travelling with.

Taking your car, motorcycle, motorhome or other vehicle with Brittany Ferries? Check the latest information about vehicle check-in, boarding and travelling with your vehicle before arriving at the port.

Brittany Ferries Vehicle Boarding

Taking your vehicle aboard a Color Line ferry? Check the latest vehicle check-in and boarding information before travelling to the ferry terminal.

Color Line Vehicle Boarding

DFDS operates several ferry routes where passengers can travel with their own vehicle. Find out what to expect at check-in, when you need to arrive and how vehicle boarding works.

DFDS Vehicle Boarding

Taking your car, motorcycle, motorhome or other vehicle with Finnlines? Check the latest information about vehicle check-in, boarding and travelling with your vehicle before arriving at the port.

Finnlines Vehicle Boarding

Taking your vehicle aboard a Fjordline ferry? Check the latest vehicle check-in and boarding information before travelling to the ferry terminal.

Fjordline Vehicle Boarding

Irish Ferries operates several ferry routes where passengers can travel with their own vehicle. Find out what to expect at check-in, when you need to arrive and how vehicle boarding works.

Irish Ferries Vehicle Boarding

Taking your car, motorcycle, motorhome or other vehicle with Northlink? Check the latest information about vehicle check-in, boarding and travelling with your vehicle before arriving at the port.

Northlink Vehicle Boarding

Taking your vehicle aboard a Red Funnel ferry? Check the latest vehicle check-in and boarding information before travelling to the ferry terminal.

Red Funnel Vehicle Boarding

P&O Ferries operates several ferry routes where passengers can travel with their own vehicle. Find out what to expect at check-in, when you need to arrive and how vehicle boarding works.

P&O Ferries Vehicle Boarding

Taking your car, motorcycle, motorhome or other vehicle with Steam Packet? Check the latest information about vehicle check-in, boarding and travelling with your vehicle before arriving at the port.

Steam Packet Vehicle Boarding

Taking your vehicle aboard a Stena Line ferry? Check the latest vehicle check-in and boarding information before travelling to the ferry terminal.

Stena Line Vehicle Boarding

Wightlink operates several ferry routes where passengers can travel with their own vehicle. Find out what to expect at check-in, when you need to arrive and how vehicle boarding works.

Wightlink Vehicle Boarding

Travelling with a Motorhome, Campervan or Caravan

Taking a larger vehicle onto a ferry is usually straightforward. However, accurate dimensions are particularly important. Make sure you include anything that increases the overall length or height of your vehicle. This could include a bike rack, roof box or trailer.

Motorhomes and campervans can also have additional requirements because of LPG or other gas cylinders carried onboard. Always check the rules of your chosen ferry company before travelling.

Travelling with an Electric Vehicle

Electric and hybrid vehicles are carried by many ferry companies. However, procedures can vary between operators. You may be asked to declare the vehicle type when making your booking. Ferry companies may also have specific procedures for damaged vehicles or vehicles with battery problems. Check your ferry company’s latest electric vehicle guidance before travelling.

FAQ

Taking a vehicle on a ferry is straightforward once you know what to expect. However, first-time passengers often have questions about check-in, parking onboard and what they can leave inside their vehicle. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about boarding a ferry with a vehicle.

Check the required arrival and check-in time provided by your ferry company. Requirements vary between operators and routes, so don’t assume the same deadline applies to every ferry. It is sensible to leave additional time for traffic and delays on your journey to the port.

Normally, no. Once your vehicle has been parked, passengers leave the vehicle deck and move to the ferry’s passenger areas. Access to the vehicle deck is normally restricted during the crossing.

Usually, you cannot access your vehicle while the ferry is at sea. Take any medication, valuables, children’s items, chargers and anything else you may need with you before leaving the vehicle deck.

Yes. Many ferry services accept motorhomes and campervans. You will normally need to provide accurate vehicle dimensions when booking. You should also check your ferry company’s rules regarding LPG and gas cylinders.

Many ferry companies accept electric and hybrid vehicles. However, individual operators can have their own procedures and restrictions. Check the latest guidance from your ferry company before travelling.

Some ferry operators recommend disabling vehicle alarms, particularly motion-sensitive alarms that could be triggered by movement during the crossing. Follow the instructions provided by your ferry company and the crew onboard.

Contact your ferry company before travelling if the dimensions on your booking are incorrect. Additional height or length can affect where your vehicle can be accommodated onboard. Remember to include roof boxes, bike racks, trailers and other additions when providing dimensions.

Ready to Travel?

Once you understand the boarding process, taking your own vehicle by ferry is one of the easiest ways to explore your destination.

After choosing your crossing, take a look at our Destination Guides for ideas, travel information and useful advice for when you arrive.