Ferries to the UK
Travelling to the UK by ferry is a flexible way to reach England, Scotland, Wales and many of the UK’s islands.
Ferry services connect the UK with Ireland and mainland Europe, while domestic routes make it easy to continue your journey to islands and more remote destinations.
Whether you are travelling with a car, motorhome, motorcycle or on foot, taking the ferry can give you more freedom once you arrive.
Travel to the UK by Ferry
The UK has a large network of ferry ports, making sea travel a practical option for many journeys. International ferry routes connect Britain with destinations across Europe and Ireland. Domestic services also provide important links to islands around the UK.
Taking your vehicle can make ferry travel particularly useful. Once you arrive, you can continue your journey without hiring a car or relying on public transport. You can also carry more luggage than you normally would when flying.
Where Can You Travel by Ferry in the UK?
Our UK ferry guides cover destinations across England, Scotland, Wales and the surrounding islands. Choose a destination below to explore ferry routes, ports, operators and travel information.
🏴 Ferries to England
England has some of the UK’s busiest ferry ports and offers connections with France, the Netherlands, Ireland and other destinations.
Major ferry gateways make England a convenient starting point for road trips throughout Britain.
Explore ferries to England to compare routes, ports and operators.
🏴 Ferries to Scotland
Travelling to Scotland by ferry is particularly useful when arriving from Northern Ireland or travelling onward to the Scottish islands.
Ferry services also play an important role in connecting remote communities across Scotland.
Our ferries to Scotland guide brings these routes together in one place.
🏴 Ferries to Wales
Wales has important ferry links across the Irish Sea, making it one of the easiest ways to travel between Wales and Ireland with a vehicle.
Ports in both North and South Wales provide convenient access to different parts of the country.
Discover the main ferries to Wales and plan your journey.
🇬🇬 Ferries to the Channel Islands
The Channel Islands sit just off the coast of France but have regular ferry connections with the UK and mainland Europe.
Jersey and Guernsey are popular destinations for short breaks, holidays and road trips.
See our ferries to the Channel Islands guide for route and port information.
🇮🇲 Ferries to the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man sits in the Irish Sea between England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Regular ferry services connect the island with several UK ports, making it easy to visit with your own vehicle.
Our ferries to the Isle of Man guide covers the main routes and travel options.
🏝️ Ferries to the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is one of the UK’s easiest islands to reach by ferry.
Several short ferry crossings operate from the south coast of England, with services for cars and foot passengers.
Explore ferries to the Isle of Wight to find the best crossing for your trip.
🌊 Ferries to the Northern Isles
The Northern Isles include Orkney and Shetland, two of the most northerly parts of the UK.
Ferries provide an important link between the islands and mainland Scotland.
Our ferries to the Northern Isles guide covers routes to Orkney and Shetland.
Taking Your Vehicle on a Ferry to 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 arriving in 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 to the UK by Ferry?
Ferry travel offers several advantages compared with flying. You can often take more luggage, bring your own vehicle and enjoy a more relaxed journey.
For families, road trips and longer holidays, this flexibility can make travelling by ferry particularly attractive. Ferries can also take you directly to regions that may otherwise require several stages of travel.
Planning Your Ferry Journey
Before travelling, check the requirements for your chosen route and operator. Check-in times can vary, especially when travelling internationally or with a vehicle. You should also check passport and identification requirements before travelling. If you are taking a pet, make sure you understand the rules for your particular crossing. Booking early can also help during busy travel periods such as school holidays and summer weekends.
FAQ
Planning a ferry journey around the UK can raise a few questions. These answers cover some of the most common things travellers want to know before booking.
Find Ferries Around the UK
From major international crossings to short island journeys, the UK has one of Europe’s most varied ferry networks. Explore our destination guides above to find routes, ferry operators, ports and practical travel information for your journey.
