Top Tips for Ferry Travel in your Motorhome

Taking your motorhome on a ferry is a popular way of travelling to the continent, Ireland and the Scottish Isles. Ferry travel has been popular for many years: from the quaint seaside of Isle of Wight to the beautiful coast of Calais, the UK has many fantastic holiday destinations just across the shore.

Travelling via ferry with a motorhome is quite common, but a little more complicated than travelling by car or as a foot passenger. So, before you relax in the lounge and enjoy the sea view, here’s a few things to tick off your list to make your motorhome ferry crossing an easy one.

Taking your motorhome on a ferry: booking the ferry

Perhaps the most vital piece of advice when travelling via ferry in your motorhome is to plan ahead. Popular sailings fill up very quickly, especially during the school holidays, so we recommend reserving your space well in advance. Most sailings allow for bookings up to six to eight months before your trip, but some can be booked a year in advance.

Taking your motorhome on a ferry: Finding the best price

Ferry travel can be expensive, especially at peak times. This is true for everyone: car drivers and motorhome owners alike. The ferry line, the time of year, time of day, demand for tickets and the port you sail from can all affect the costs – so be sure to do some digging and find out what option is best for you and your budget.

Typically, travelling in a motorhome via ferry is more expensive than a standard car due to the size. The bigger the vehicle, the more space and weight it takes up and the more they charge. There are, however, some things you can do to keep costs to a minimum.

Book in advance

We’ve said it already but we’re saying it again: don’t leave it until the last minute! The sooner you book your sail, the better.

Go for the ‘non-flexible’ option

If you’re sure which ferry you want to travel on – and which one you will use for your return trip – opt for a non-flexible option. This will be cheaper than a flexible fare, but the obvious downside is that there is no leeway for traffic delays or other issues which might make you late.

Avoid travelling at peak times

School holidays, especially the summer months, are always more expensive for ferry travel. You may also get a better price when leaving in the middle of the night, or very early in the morning. Weekdays are generally cheaper than sailings at weekends.

Look into Island Hopper fares

If you’re planning a holiday visiting several Scottish islands and using the ferry to travel between them, look for special island hopper fares that combine a set number of ferry trips, while still allowing you the flexibility to choose how long to spend on each island.

Look out for offers

Some caravan or motorhome clubs have partnerships with ferry companies, offering exclusive deals for motorhome ferry crossings. You can sign up for emails and offers from ferry lines too but be aware that many ferry sales promotions often only refer to car crossings, so check the fine print first.

Measure your motorhome before travelling by ferry

When booking, the ferry line website will ask for both the length and the height of your vehicle. They ask this so they can plan how to load the ferry effectively as there may be a limited space which can accommodate motorhomes, caravans and other taller than average vehicles. If you’re not accurate about the size of your motorhome or click the wrong option and book it in as a car instead, you may turn up at the port and find yourself refused boarding.

The dimensions of your motorhome should be listed in your handbook, or on the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, you could just get the measuring tape out. If you are planning to take a trailer behind your motorhome, with bikes strapped on the back or another small vehicle towed at the rear, then you need to work out the combination length of all elements together. Write the figures down, especially if you’re comparing routes with several operators who all ask for information in a slightly different way.

Height measurements include the height when there is a roof rack or box added and it’s important to know the precise numbers. The width of your motorhome is usually a standard size and is not often altered by any additional equipment. If your length is incorrect during booking, then you could end up being charged additional costs at check-in.

Checking in at the port with your motorhome

Treat your ferry crossing just as you would a flight. Each ferry company has its own rules about how far in advance you need to arrive. For international crossings, check-in may open as early as three hours before sailing and close up to 45 minutes before departure.

If you’re late you won’t be allowed to board, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time. You will need to take passports for each passenger in the motorhome, including pets if you’re leaving the UK. In some circumstances, your motorhome may also be searched, so be aware.

Motorhome insurance requirements for ferry travelling overseas

If you’re planning a trip to the Scottish islands, Channel Islands or across the Irish Sea, you won’t need any additional paperwork for your trip. Make sure that your motor insurance covers you for travel in the Irish Republic, although most do.

If you’re planning to go further afield, then there are additional requirements that may apply. Contact your insurer and let them know that you will be going overseas, tell them which countries you will be visiting and how long you plan to be away for. Many will cover short two-week trips on a standard policy at no extra cost. If you’re planning a longer road trip of a few weeks or months, then you will have to pay an additional premium to cover the risks. Don’t forget to bring your licence too!

Oversea requirements for UK motorhomes

Several European countries also have different requirements about what kit you should keep in your car – or motorhome – in case of emergencies. In many countries, having a reflective warning triangle for breakdowns is a legal requirement.

Other countries will expect you to have reflective jackets and adjust the headlight beams to account for driving on the right rather than then left. It’s also a good idea to read up on issues such as speed limits, rules of the road when driving in a motorhome, as well as legislation around children’s seats and alcohol consumption.

Travelling in your motorhome by ferry: What can’t you take?

The main appeal of ferry travel is that you can pack everything but the kitchen sink to take with you on your holiday. There aren’t the liquid restrictions which you’d find on aircraft, and most household goods, food and drink are fine to take with you in your motorhome. Items like your standard cooking utensils, first aid kit and other potential sharp objects should be fine – but there are some dangerous goods which must be left at home.

Perhaps the most likely item is excess petrol or LPG fuel, carried in a can. This isn’t allowed on the ferry, even if stored in the correct manner. Empty petrol cans are fine though, so use up what you have and then refill at a filling station after your crossing if you like to have some extra. Gas for cooking is also allowed on board, but most ferries will also allow a maximum of three cylinders. If you are planning to travel with other types of gas such as oxygen for medical purposes, we recommend checking with your ferry operator when booking.

How long do ferry crossings typically take?

The answer to this of course depends on where you’re travelling to. The ferry crossing from Dover to Calais only takes around 90 minutes, with crossings to Northern Ireland from Scotland taking only slightly longer. Cabins are not available on shorter voyages, and there’s plenty to do on board to keep you occupied as you travel.

One thing that you are not allowed to do when the ferry sails is to return to your motorhome below deck. Bear this in mind if you are travelling with pets; they will either have to stay in the motorhome during the crossing, or come to the public areas of the ship with you.

Booking a cabin for long ferry journeys

There are also longer ferry crossings from the UK, such as the Portsmouth to Bilbao route in Northern Spain which takes 24 hours, or the Newcastle to Amsterdam route, taking almost 16 hours. The obvious advantage of these routes is that sailing can cut down on a huge amount of driving, but to arrive refreshed and ready to go at the port, booking a cabin is advised.

Most operators offer a range of different grades of cabin, with pet-friendly and accessible accommodation available too. Booking well in advance will guarantee the biggest choice of cabins. If you’re on a budget, then you might opt to spend the night in the lounge instead.

Looking for a new motorhome for your trip?

Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld stocks a wide range of motorhome and camper vans, ideal for overseas holidaying. Choose from a variety of new and used vehicles from the top luxury brands, including Carado, Dethleffs, HYMER, Laika and Niesmann + Bischoff.

Visit our showroom in Stafford and look at our models in person, or browse our full stock on our website.