The ultimate guide to ferries

Ferry journeys open up a whole world of slow travel, from speedy rides across the Channel from England to France to island-hopping in Greece, overnight ferry trips across the Adriatic, or even multi-day sailings around Norway. They’re a chance to slow down, watch the coastline slip by, and arrive right in the heart of your destination, adding both adventure and ease to the journey.

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Mike Dierken

What to expect: before you board

Arriving at the port
Ferry terminals vary from small quaysides to large international hubs. As a foot passenger, you’ll usually check in at a terminal building, while those travelling with cars or bikes queue separately for boarding.

Check-in and documents
On domestic ferry routes within the EU or UK, you’ll often just need your ferry tickets. For international sailings (for example to Morocco, or between the UK and Ireland), you’ll pass through passport control and sometimes security screening. Allow extra time for these steps, especially in high season.

Boarding time
Boarding can open up to three hours before departure and often closes around 30–45 minutes before sailing. Your Byway trip guide will always let you know exactly when and where to arrive, depending on the service.

Booking early
Ferry tickets can sell out quickly, particularly on popular overnight ferry routes in summer or around school holidays. Book as early as possible for the best chance at securing your space.

Pack a small ferry bag
Even on shorter ferry trips, it helps to have essentials handy - tickets, snacks, water, a jumper, entertainment, charger, and any overnight items. On longer crossings, this saves you digging through main luggage in busy corridors or cabins.

Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

What to expect: during your trip

Seating and cabins
On short daytime ferry services, a booked seat provides a guaranteed spot to relax. On overnight ferries, a private outer cabin with a window and breakfast included, allows you to enjoy a proper rest before arriving at your next destination.

Facilities on board
Most ferries have lounges, cafes or self-service restaurants, and outdoor decks for fresh air and sea views. Larger ships may also have shops, children’s play areas, or even cinemas. Wi-Fi and charging points are often available for a fee but not always reliable, so it’s best to download anything you’ll need in advance.

Food and drink
You’ll usually find a range of onboard dining options, from basic snacks to hot meals. Bringing your own picnic is often allowed and can be a more budget-friendly option. It’s also a sensible choice if you have dietary requirements, as catering for allergies and special diets can vary a lot between ferry operators and routes.

Comfort and essentials
Ferries can sometimes be chilly on deck or air-conditioned inside, so it’s worth having a jumper handy. A book, headphones, and a reusable water bottle are useful for any length of journey. For overnight trips, earplugs and an eye mask can make for a better night’s sleep.

The experience itself
Unlike planes, ferries give you the freedom to walk around, stretch your legs, and enjoy the scenery. Whether it's catching sight of dolphins around the Hebrides in Scotland, watching the sun set over the Mediterranean as you leave mainland Spain for the Balearics, or spotting your way through thousands of tiny islands in Sweden's Stockholm archipelago, the crossing often becomes one of the most memorable parts of the holiday.

Byway’s 5 favourite ferry routes around Europe (and beyond)

Megan White

Short hops (under 3 hours)

Michael Starkie

Tarifa - Tangier with AML, Balearia & La Méridionale

Duration: Around 60 minutes

Seasonality: Year-round, but crossings can be choppier in winter

Facilities: Small but comfortable, with a bar on La Méridionale ferries

Reliability: Generally reliable, with simple boarding processes

What to expect: The ferry terminal in Tarifa is small and easy to navigate, making it almost impossible to get lost. On arrival, taxis from Tangier port to the city are very cheap. The journey itself isn’t especially scenic, but it’s calm and comfortable, and the speed makes it one of the easiest ways to reach Morocco from Europe.

Discover Morocco by ferry here.

Ákos Sánta

Corfu - Igoumenitsa with Kerkyra Lines

Duration: Around 90 minutes

Seasonality: Frequent sailings, especially in summer

Facilities: Cafe at the port and a small cafe on board; car and foot passenger ferry with outdoor decks

Reliability: Generally smooth and calm waters

What to expect: There’s no terminal building here, just no-fuss boarding out on the tarmac.. If you’re arriving by bus from Athens, the bus itself drives onto the ferry, making for an easy connection. The highlight is the arrival into Corfu Town, where you’ll see the castle on the hill and the Venetian-style buildings, one of the loveliest approaches to any port in Europe.

Contact our concierge team to discuss your ferry holiday to Greece.

Mid length crossings (3-8 hours)

Holly Clarke

Holyhead - Dublin with Irish Ferries or Stena Line

Duration: Around 3 hours

Seasonality: Frequent year-round sailings

Facilities: Canteen, cinema, Wi-Fi, pet-friendly cabins (limited)

Reliability: Generally good; book early if travelling with pets

What to expect: Holyhead makes a convenient starting point, with the town’s small high street just a short walk from the station for a coffee or pub meal before departure. The train stops right beside the shuttle pick-up, making it almost door-to-door. Cabins are available, though not essential for such a short crossing, unless you’re travelling with a dog (dog cabins sell out quickly). The first and last 30 minutes of the journey offer the best coastal views. There’s little at Dublin port itself, so stock up before boarding if you want more than the canteen food on board.

Browse Byway's Ireland trips here.

Overnight ferries

Becca McCowan

Newcastle to Amsterdam with DFDS

Duration: Around 15–16 hours

Seasonality: Year-round sailings, daily in summer

Facilities: Restaurants, bars, live music, entertainment, cabins (standard and upgraded), pet-friendly cabins

Reliability: Generally very reliable; can be busy in peak season

What to expect: This crossing is more like a mini-cruise than a simple ferry. There’s live music and a range of entertainment on board, so many people don’t spend much time in their cabins. For vegetarians, food options can be limited, so packing snacks is a good idea. Foot passengers can use the shuttle bus to and from the terminals, which is well worth it for ease. If you’re travelling with a dog, bear in mind they need to stay in the cabin, so you’ll spend more time there than you might otherwise.

Explore the Netherlands by train and ferry here.

Elaine Hollins

Portsmouth - Santander with Brittany Ferries

Duration: Around 29 hours

Seasonality: Regular crossings, year-round

Facilities: Spacious and well-maintained, with friendly staff, restaurants, bars, cinema, kids’ play area, exercise equipment on deck, Wi-Fi, cabins (two- and four-berth, compact but functional)

Reliability: Reliable but weather-dependent, so crossings can sometimes be bumpy

What to expect: Though long, this crossing offers a genuine pause to relax and enjoy the journey. There’s room to move around without crowds, plenty of deck space for walking or dolphin and whale watching, and helpful staff. Entertainment runs from departure until late evening, then resumes the next morning with music acts, quizzes, bingo, fitness sessions, and engaging sea-life lectures. Facilities are good, though it’s still a ferry service rather than a cruise, so expectations should be set accordingly. Cabins can feel tight if travelling as a four, but they’re comfortable enough. Food options aren’t great for vegetarians, so bringing your own is wise, though breakfast in the restaurant is a highlight, especially if you can grab a table with sweeping sea views.

Read more about Santander by ferry here.