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How To Take A Motorhome On A Ferry From The UK: Routes, Costs & What You Need To Know

How to take a motorhome on a ferry from the UK

Taking a motorhome on a ferry from the UK enables access to Europe and beyond without the stress of airports, luggage limits or hire cars wherever you end up. Whatever route you choose, whether it is a scenic drive through rural France or Ireland or a longer trip to Spain, it is good to know that most UK ferry operators regularly handle motorhomes. Here's what you need to know, from routes, costs and everything else.

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Popular Ferry Routes From The UK For Motorhomes

Dover to Calais or Dunkirk

This is a classic short hop, P&O Ferries & DFDS both run frequent crossings. The journey time is 90 minutes - 2 hours, running almost around the clock, making it easy to fit around your schedule. Prices for a motorhome & two adults start from roughly £70+ one way with P&O, depending on travel dates and vehicle length.

Hull to Rotterdam

If you want to go to the Netherlands, P&O's overnight crossing from Hull is a good option. The 10 hour sailing includes cabin accommodation, so you arrive rested & ready to drive. Costs start from around £96+ for a motorhome up to 7m with two adults.

Portsmouth to France or Spain

Brittany Ferries operates multiple routes out of Portsmouth to Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo & further south to Santander & Bilbao in Spain. The Spanish crossings are particularly popular with motorhomers planning a longer European trip; expect to pay from around £270 one way for a motorhome and two adults on the Santander route.

To Ireland

Stena Line and Irish Ferries cover routes including Holyhead to Dublin, Fishguard to Rosslare and Cairnryan to Belfast. These routes are ideal for touring the west coast of Ireland and don't require passport formalities.

These prices are approximate and do not include the cost of hiring the motorhome.

What It Costs To Take A Motorhome On A Ferry

Ferry fares for motorhomes are priced by vehicle dimensions rather than a flat rate, so the longer and taller your vehicle, the more you'll pay. Most operators ask for your exact length, height and weight when you book online, and the fare is calculated from there.

A few things that affect the final price:

  • Vehicle length – most operators price in bands (e.g. up to 6m, 6–8m, 8m+)
  • Time of travel – peak summer sailings cost more than off-season crossings
  • Cabin/no cabin – overnight routes include accommodation, adding to the fare
  • Passengers – fares typically include a driver, with passengers charged separately
  • Pets – most operators permit pets but charge a small supplement; check each operator's policy

Booking early will often get you a better price, and sometimes operators offer early-bird discounts several months out. You can visit the Caravan and Motorhome Club ferry offers page to see different routes, offers and book your chosen ferry crossing.

What You Need To Know Before You Board

Know Your Dimensions

Measure your motorhome's length, height and weight before booking, these details are on the vehicle's V5C document. Some operators cap height at around 3.1–3.6m for standard deck access – anything taller may need special arrangements or a different vessel.

Gas Regulations

Most ferry operators restrict the amount of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) you can carry on board. Generally, you're permitted to travel with gas bottles that are in use for the trip, but rules vary so check with your operator before departure.

Check-In Times

Motorhomes must check in earlier than standard cars, usually 45 to 90 minutes before departure. Arrive late and you risk losing your space, so factor this into your journey plan.

Documents To Carry
  • Valid driving licence
  • Vehicle registration document (V5C)
  • Proof of insurance valid in your destination country
  • Passports for all passengers (for non-Ireland crossings)

Ready To Plan Your Ferry Adventure?

At Just Go, our modern and well-equipped motorhomes are well suited for ferry travel to Europe and beyond. There is a range of sizes to match different group sizes or routes, we make it easy to hire, pack up and go.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about taking your motorhome on a ferry.