Ferries From the UK
Travelling from the UK by ferry gives you the freedom to explore Ireland, mainland Europe and destinations around the British Isles.
Ferry services depart from ports across England, Scotland and Wales. You can also find connections from the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight and Northern Isles.
Whether you are travelling with a car, motorhome, motorcycle or on foot, taking the ferry can be a flexible way to start your journey.
Travel from the UK by Ferry
The UK has an extensive ferry network, with routes ranging from short domestic crossings to longer international journeys. You can sail from the UK to destinations across Ireland and mainland Europe. Domestic ferries also connect mainland Britain with many islands around the coast.
Taking your own vehicle gives you even more flexibility. Simply drive onto the ferry and continue your journey when you arrive. You can also take more luggage than you normally would when flying, making ferry travel ideal for longer holidays and road trips.
Where Can You Travel from by Ferry in the UK?
Ferry services depart from ports throughout the UK and surrounding islands. Choose your departure area below to explore ferry routes, ports, operators and travel information.
🏴 Ferries from England
England has some of the UK’s largest ferry ports, with services heading towards Ireland and mainland Europe.
Ports along the south and east coasts provide particularly useful connections for European road trips.
Explore ferries from England to discover available routes, ports and operators.
🏴 Ferries from Scotland
Ferries from Scotland provide important connections with Northern Ireland and the Scottish islands.
Services also connect mainland Scotland with destinations across the Northern Isles and other island communities.
Explore ferries from Scotland to find routes for your journey.
🏴 Ferries from Wales
Wales provides several important ferry connections across the Irish Sea.
These routes make travelling between Wales and Ireland particularly convenient when taking your own vehicle.
Discover ferries from Wales and compare the available crossings.
🇬🇬 Ferries from the Channel Islands
Ferries from the Channel Islands connect Jersey and Guernsey with ports in the UK and mainland Europe.
These services are useful for both island residents and visitors continuing a wider ferry journey.
Explore ferries from the Channel Islands to find available routes and travel information.
🇮🇲 Ferries from the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man has ferry connections with several ports around the Irish Sea.
Services provide links with England and Ireland, with additional connections available at selected times.
Our ferries from the Isle of Man guide brings the main routes together in one place.
🏝️ Ferries from the Isle of Wight
Regular ferries connect the Isle of Wight with the south coast of England.
Several crossings are available for vehicles and foot passengers, making onward travel around the UK straightforward.
Explore ferries from the Isle of Wight to compare the different crossings.
🌊 Ferries from the Northern Isles
Ferries provide essential links between Orkney, Shetland and mainland Scotland.
These routes allow you to travel with your own vehicle and continue exploring once you reach the mainland.
Our ferries from the Northern Isles guide covers the main departure options from Orkney and Shetland.
Taking Your Vehicle on a Ferry from the UK
One of the biggest advantages of travelling by ferry is the ability to take your own vehicle. Depending on the route and ferry operator, you may be able to travel with a:
- Car
- Motorcycle
- Motorhome
- Campervan
- Caravan
- Bicycle
Having your own vehicle also gives you more freedom after departing the UK. You can explore cities, countryside and coastal destinations without being tied to public transport.
If you are new to travelling with a vehicle, our vehicle ferry travel guides explain what to expect when checking in and boarding.
Why Travel from the UK by Ferry?
Ferry travel gives you more flexibility when planning a holiday or road trip. You can take your own vehicle, carry plenty of luggage and choose from ports across different parts of the UK. Taking a ferry can also reduce the amount of driving required.
Choosing a departure port that suits your starting point can make the overall journey much easier. For European road trips, travelling by ferry also means your own vehicle is ready to use as soon as you arrive.
Planning Your Ferry Journey
Before travelling, check the requirements for your chosen ferry route and operator. Check-in times vary between crossings. International journeys may also require you to arrive earlier than domestic services. Make sure you have the correct passport or identification documents before travelling. If you are taking a pet, check the requirements for both your ferry operator and destination. It is also worth booking early when travelling during school holidays, summer weekends and other busy periods.
FAQ
Travelling from the UK by ferry gives you plenty of options. These answers cover some of the most common questions when planning your journey.
Find Ferries from the UK
From short island crossings to longer journeys across the Irish Sea and English Channel, there are ferry routes departing from across the UK. Explore our departure guides above to find routes, ports, ferry operators and practical information for your journey.
