🚴 Cycle by Ferry
Travel to Cycling Events Across Europe
Discover some of Europe’s biggest cycling events and plan your journey by ferry. From the famous climbs of the Tour de France to exciting road races across Europe, travelling by ferry offers a flexible way to follow the action.
Whether you’re watching the professionals or planning your own cycling adventure, taking a ferry can make the journey part of the experience.
Explore our cycling event guides below and discover ferry routes, travel tips and useful information to help you plan your trip.
Why Travel to Cycling Events by Ferry?
Europe hosts some of the world’s most exciting cycling competitions. Many take place across several towns, cities and regions, making flexible travel particularly useful. Travelling by ferry allows you to bring your own vehicle, carry your cycling equipment and explore different locations throughout your trip.
Benefits of travelling by ferry include:
- Bring your own vehicle – Travel between race stages without relying on public transport.
- Explore more destinations – Discover towns, villages and countryside along the race route.
- Travel with your bicycle – Many ferry operators accept bicycles, subject to their booking requirements.
- Flexible accommodation – Consider hotels, campsites or motorhome stays along your journey.
- Make it a longer holiday – Combine your cycling event with a European road trip.
For cycling fans travelling from the UK, ferry crossings provide convenient connections to France, the Netherlands and other European destinations.
🚴 Featured Cycling Events
Explore our guides to major cycling events across Europe. Each guide covers the event, relevant ferry routes and practical information for planning your journey.
🚴 Tour de France 2027
2–25 July 2027 | UK & France
The Tour de France returns in 2027, with the race beginning in Edinburgh before heading through Scotland, England and France. Cycling fans will gather along the route to watch some of the world’s best riders compete. Travelling by ferry gives visitors several ways to reach the race, depending on which stages they plan to attend. You can bring your own car and explore different locations along the route. Our dedicated guide covers ferry routes, ports and onward travel to help you start planning your trip.
🚴 Tour de France Femmes 2027
30 July – 7 August 2027 | England & France
The Tour de France Femmes makes history in 2027, with the race starting in Leeds before travelling through Manchester, Sheffield and London. The competition then heads to France, finishing at Puy de Dôme on 7 August. Travelling by ferry gives cycling fans several ways to reach the race, whether attending the British stages or following the action in France. You can bring your own car and explore different locations along the route. Our dedicated guide covers ferry routes, ports and onward travel.
Travelling to Europe for Cycling Events
Many European cycling events take place within reach of major ferry ports. As a result, travelling by ferry can be a practical alternative to flying. For visitors travelling from the UK, popular options include:
Ferries to France
France hosts some of Europe’s most famous cycling competitions, including the Tour de France. Ferry crossings from ports such as Dover, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Poole provide different ways to reach France. Explore our Ferries to France guide for routes, operators and crossing information.
Ferries to the Netherlands
The Netherlands is famous for its cycling culture, extensive cycle paths and major cycling events. Travellers can choose ferry services connecting the UK with Dutch ports, including routes from Harwich, Hull and Newcastle. Explore our Ferries to Holland guide to compare available crossings.
Ferries to Belgium
Belgium is home to some of professional cycling’s most famous one-day races. Although direct passenger ferry services from the UK to Belgium are limited, travellers can reach Belgium through nearby ports in France or the Netherlands. Our Ferries to Belgium guide explains the available travel options.
Can You Take a Bicycle on a Ferry?
Many ferry operators allow passengers to travel with bicycles. However, booking arrangements and charges vary between operators and routes. Some crossings accept bicycles for foot passengers, while others have different boarding requirements.
If you’re planning to take your bicycle, check the operator’s conditions before booking. You should also confirm any rules for electric bicycles and batteries. For travellers bringing bicycles on a vehicle, check the height and length of your vehicle, including any fitted bike racks.
Plan Your Cycling Trip by Ferry
Whether you’re following a major cycling race or exploring Europe’s famous cycling destinations, planning ahead can make your journey easier. Start by choosing the event you want to attend. Next, consider which race stages or locations you would like to visit.
You can then compare ferry crossings, travel distances and accommodation options. If you’re travelling by car, campervan or motorhome, remember to allow extra time for road closures around major cycling events.
Explore our Ferry Operators and Ferry Port Information guides for more information before booking.
FAQ
Planning to attend a cycling event in Europe? Here are answers to some common questions about travelling by ferry, bringing bicycles and following major races.
Explore More Sporting Events by Ferry
Cycling is just one of the many sporting experiences you can enjoy across Europe. Discover our other event guides, including
Whether you’re following your favourite team, attending a major championship or planning a European sporting adventure, our guides can help you find the right ferry crossing.