🏉 Rugby by Ferry
Travel to Rugby Matches and Tournaments by Ferry
Following your team abroad? Planning a rugby weekend with friends? Travelling by ferry can turn the match into part of the trip.
Taking the ferry gives you more freedom over how you travel. You can take your own car, pack without airline-style luggage restrictions and plan a longer road trip around the rugby.
It can be particularly useful for matches in Ireland and France, with ferry routes connecting the UK with both destinations.
Whether you are travelling for international rugby, club competitions or a major tournament, discover how to start your rugby trip by ferry.
Why Travel to Rugby by Ferry?
Flying might seem like the obvious choice for an overseas rugby match. However, travelling by ferry offers several advantages.
đźš— Take Your Own Car
Drive straight from the ferry port towards your destination. You can also explore more of the area before or after the match.
đź‘Ą Travel Together
Rugby trips are often group occasions. Travelling together by car can make the journey part of the weekend.
🧳 Pack More for Your Trip
Taking your vehicle gives you more room for luggage, supporters’ gear and everything needed for a longer break.
🌍 Make a Holiday of It
You do not have to travel home immediately after the final whistle. Add another city, attraction or destination to your itinerary.
Rugby Destinations You Can Reach by Ferry
Some of Europe’s biggest rugby destinations can be reached using ferry routes from the UK.
🇮🇪 Rugby in Ireland
Ireland is one of the most natural destinations for a rugby trip by ferry. Routes across the Irish Sea make it possible to take your car and continue towards Dublin or other rugby destinations. This can work particularly well for international matches, club rugby and longer weekends in Ireland.
🇫🇷 Rugby in France
France offers everything from major international fixtures to European club rugby. Several ferry routes connect the UK with northern France. From there, you can continue by road towards cities across the country. Taking your car also makes it easier to combine the rugby with a longer French road trip.
🏴 Rugby Around the UK
Ferry travel can also form part of rugby trips around the UK. Connections across the Irish Sea can help supporters travelling between Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England. They can also provide an alternative to flying.
Featured Rugby Events
Planning your next rugby trip? Our event guides combine practical information about the event with ferry routes, ports and onward travel ideas.
🏉 Six Nations Rugby 2027
The Six Nations Championship returns in 2027, bringing together England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy. For ferry travellers, matches in Dublin are particularly interesting. Rugby supporters can cross the Irish Sea by ferry before continuing their journey to the Irish capital. Taking your car also gives you the freedom to extend your rugby weekend and explore more of Ireland before travelling home. We’ll be creating a dedicated Six Nations 2027 by Ferry guide, covering the best ferry routes, ports and travel options for supporters.
Plan Your Rugby Road Trips
The best ferry route will depend on where the match takes place and where your journey begins. Before booking, compare:
- Your nearest departure ports
- Crossing times
- Daytime and overnight sailings
- Vehicle fares
- Onward driving distances
- Accommodation near the stadium
- Match dates and kick-off times
Booking early can be particularly useful around major sporting events, when crossings and nearby accommodation may become busier.
More Sports by Ferry
Rugby is just one way to combine a sporting event with a ferry trip. You can also explore our guides to football by ferry, golf by ferry and motorcycle racing by ferry. Or return to our main Football & Sport by Ferry hub to discover more sporting events that can be reached
FAQ
Planning to a rugby trip across the UK or Europe? These answers cover some of the most common questions about reaching rugby events by ferry.
🏉Ready for your next rugby trip?
From a weekend in Ireland to a European rugby trip in France, travelling by ferry gives you the freedom to make more of the journey. Explore the routes, take your car and start planning your next rugby adventure.