Across the Water: What It’s Really Like to Travel by Ferry in the UK vs. Other Modes of Transport: A Complete Guide

For an island nation, the allure of the sea is always close at hand. The UK, with its extensive network of airports and the incredible Channel Tunnel, is well-connected to the world. Yet, there’s something truly timeless about setting sail from a harbor and watching the iconic white cliffs gradually disappear into the distance. Taking a ferry in the UK offers a unique mix of nostalgic adventure and practical necessity. But in this era of high-speed trains and budget airlines, is it still a feasible choice? After crossing the North Sea, the Irish Sea, and the English Channel, I’ve encountered the ups, the downs, and some unexpected realities of traveling by sea. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s really like and how it compares to other travel options.

The Journey Begins: Getting to the Terminal

Before you even step onto the gangplank, the ferry experience stands out from other modes of transport. Unlike airports, which are often miles away from city centers and can feel like a maze to navigate, many ferry terminals in the UK are surprisingly easy to get to. That said, the "last mile" can sometimes be the most challenging part of your journey, especially at busy ports like Dover or Portsmouth that see a huge amount of traffic. 

If you're relying on public transport or rides, you'll need to plan ahead. When you're heading to a port to catch a sailing, making sure you have a smooth connection is key. This is where local transport options come into play. For example, travelers from Hertfordshire heading to a southern port might find their journey goes off without a hitch if they book trustworthy transfer services. In fact, if you're organizing a trip and need a hassle-free connection to a cruise or ferry terminal from the Hertfordshire area, booking with services like Taxis Hemel can take the stress out of parking at busy terminals, helping you arrive calm and ready to board.

The Onboard Experience: A Moving Destination

Stepping onto a large ferry feels a bit like walking into a lively little town. The sensory overload hits you right away, a world apart from the sterile confines of an airplane cabin or the quiet rush of a train. You can hear the engines humming, kids chattering excitedly, and the unmistakable scent of the sea blending with the delicious aroma wafting from the onboard chip shop. 

Modern ferries, like the Stena Line ships that cruise from Harwich to the Hook of Holland or the DFDS vessels traveling from Newcastle to Amsterdam, are crafted to be experiences in their own right. On a typical journey, you might come across:

Entertainment: Live music, casinos, cinemas screening the latest films, and fun-filled arcades.

Dining: Everything from upscale à la carte restaurants to all-you-can-eat buffets and quick-service counters.

Shopping: Duty-free stores that, while not as robust post-Brexit, still have some great deals on perfumes and electronics.

This is where ferries really shine compared to other modes of transport: time transforms from a limitation into a luxury. On a two-hour flight, you’re stuck in your seat. But on a five-hour ferry ride, you can catch a movie, enjoy a nice meal, and even take a nap in a comfy bed.

Cabin Life: The Goldilocks Conundrum

When it comes to overnight sailings, having access to private cabins is a total game-changer. Unlike taking a night train or a budget flight, you won’t arrive at your destination feeling like you’ve just spent the night crammed into a seat. Instead, you can book a cozy private en-suite cabin, which basically turns your travel time into a mini hotel stay. 

That said, the experience can be a bit of a mixed bag. One traveler shared their thoughts on a recent DFDS trip from North Shields to Amsterdam, describing the cabin situation as a "Goldilocks scenario." In an attempt to keep that charming old-world vibe, some ships have ventilation systems that force passengers to choose between a stuffy, sweltering room or a noisy fan that makes it tough to catch some Z's. Similarly, reviews of the Stena Line overnight service to Liverpool mention that while the cabins are smartly designed and efficient, those early morning announcements at 5:30 AM can be quite the rude awakening for anyone hoping to sleep in. 

Despite these little quirks, the value is still pretty compelling. For the cost of a budget flight and a hostel, you can often snag a private cabin, bring your vehicle along, and enjoy a hearty breakfast to boot.

Ferries vs. The Skies: The Cost and Carbon Battle

When you stack up ferries against planes, it often boils down to a trade-off between time and money (not to mention baggage). Sure, a flight from London to Amsterdam might clock in at just an hour, but once you add in the time it takes to get to the airport, go through security, board, and then transfer at the other end, you’re looking at a "door-to-door" journey that can easily stretch beyond six hours. On the flip side, taking a ferry, especially with the "Dutchflyer" rail and sail ticket, might take a bit longer, but it drops you right in the city center.

From a financial standpoint, ferries are a clear winner for certain groups. Families and larger parties really reap the benefits. While budget airlines charge for each seat and every checked bag, a ferry ticket covers your vehicle, which means you can bring along as much luggage as you need. As DFDS highlights, you won’t have to worry about squeezing in "one suit or two favorite pairs of shoes." For a family of four, the savings can be significant, especially when you consider that booking a cabin can actually save you the cost of a hotel room for the night.

And let’s not forget the environmental angle. With the growing trend of "flight shaming" and a push for more sustainable travel options, ferries present a much lower carbon footprint per passenger compared to short-haul flights, making them a great choice for those who care about the planet.

The Competition: Trains, Cars, and Budget Airlines

So, how does the ferry compare to its rivals? 

• When it comes to the Eurostar, there's no denying it's the speed champion for trips between London and Paris or Brussels. It’s a smooth ride right from city center to city center, and generally, it’s pretty hassle-free. That said, it can be pricey and doesn’t offer much in terms of luggage flexibility. On the other hand, ferries—especially when bundled with rail tickets—provide a more budget-friendly, albeit slower, option compared to the high-speed train.

• Now, let’s talk about driving through the Channel Tunnel with LeShuttle. It’s a quick 35-minute journey, but you’re stuck in your car the whole time. With a ferry, you can get out, stretch your legs, let the kids enjoy some playtime, and even grab a decent cup of coffee. It really transforms the crossing from a tedious task into a mini getaway.

• And then there are budget airlines. Sure, they might be faster, but they often fall short on comfort, baggage allowances, and those sneaky extra fees. If your flight gets delayed, you could be facing costly last-minute rebooking. But with a delayed ferry, you usually have the option to hop on the next sailing without any extra charge.

Practical Tips for First-Time Ferry Travelers

If this article has inspired you to swap the runway for the gangway, here are some insider tips to help you sail smoothly:  

Book Smart: Keep an eye out for "Sail Rail" deals if you’re car-free, or snag early-bird sales in November or December for summer trips—this could save you up to 25%.  

Arrival Timing: Don’t show up too early. Unlike airports, where you need to arrive hours in advance, checking in more than two hours early for a ferry usually just means hanging out in the departure lounge.  

Pack a Cabin Bag: If you’re staying in a cabin, make sure to pack a small bag with your overnight essentials. Large suitcases often end up in the car deck, which you can’t access during the trip.  

Bring Entertainment for Calm: While ferries offer plenty to do, those sea days can stretch on. A good book or some downloaded movies are must-haves, since onboard WiFi can be slow and pricey for streaming.  

As you gear up for your maritime adventure, don’t forget that the journey to the port is important too. Whether you’re sailing from Holyhead to Dublin or Portsmouth to Santander, make sure the last leg of your land journey is stress-free. If you’re heading out from Hertfordshire, arranging Hemel Hempstead Airport Taxis or port transfers will kick off your trip with comfort and punctuality, letting you bypass traffic jams and parking fees before you even hit the coast.

Conclusion: The Slow Travel Reward

Traveling by ferry in the UK isn’t just about reaching your destination; it’s about embracing the journey as part of your holiday experience. Sure, it might not be the quickest way to get around—that title will always belong to the airlines. And it’s definitely not the most high-tech option—the Eurostar takes that prize. But for those who cherish space, freedom, and a hint of adventure, the ferry experience is truly one of a kind. 

Imagine feeling the salt spray on your face as you set sail from Newcastle, the excitement of spotting wildlife with the ORCA charity from the observation deck, and the sheer joy of drifting off to sleep in the North Sea, only to wake up in a whole new country. In a world that’s constantly speeding up, taking the ferry serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best way to travel is to slow down and savor the journey.

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