Car Ferries
Car Ferries
Taking your car or motorhome on vacation gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel at your own pace, without luggage restrictions or expensive car rental charges. It also means you can explore multiple countries in one trip while reducing the need for extra flights and long journeys in cramped cabins.
Every year, millions of travelers choose to put their car in a ferry — and for good reason. From a car ferry to Nantucket to the Seattle to Victoria ferry with car, or a ferry to Martha's Vineyard with car, car ferries are one of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to travel.
Still wondering if taking your car on the ferry is the right choice? Here's everything you need to know about car and ferry travel.
Change your route on a whim without having to rely on public transportation, and enjoy the comfort of traveling in your own car rather than an unfamiliar rental. With car ferries, you can arrive at your destination ready to hit the road right away.
Traveling with your own car also means you get to avoid confusing terms and conditions, hidden charges, and strict restrictions that can come with renting a car abroad.
When traveling with several passengers, putting a car in a ferry is often cheaper than booking multiple flight tickets, especially when you factor in the cost of renting a vehicle at your destination.
Airlines always have strict luggage restrictions. Traveling with your car on a car ferry means you can bring as much luggage as you need. You can often bring your pet too!
Enjoy the freedom to move around on board, with access to lounges, restaurants, shops, and vending machines — not to mention the fresh sea air — all while knowing your car is safely stowed below. Traveling by car ferry is also a great alternative for those who are nervous about flying, allowing you to reach destinations that are otherwise typically associated with air travel.
Looking for some inspiration? Here are some popular car and ferry routes from around the world:
The route from Dover to Calais is probably the busiest car ferry crossing to France. Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries, and DFDS offer numerous crossings every day with plenty of space for vehicles on board. It's easy to buy your tickets online in advance and head straight to the ferry terminal when you arrive.
The car ferry route between Helsinki and Tallinn is one of the most popular in Northern Europe. It takes just two hours to travel from the Finnish capital to the Estonian capital — ideal for a day trip or a convenient onward journey with your car. Three ferry companies operate this route: Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line, and Eckerö Line. Despite the short journey time, there are a number of amenities on board — including vending machines, restaurants, and shops — to make your outward and return journeys even more enjoyable.
Top tip: Why not make the most of this quick car ferry crossing and visit the Christmas markets in both Tallinn and Helsinki?
There are also convenient car ferries in southern Europe that are ideal if you're traveling with your vehicle. For example, you can sail from Italy to Greece on routes such as Ancona to Igoumenitsa, operated by Grimaldi Lines and Anek Superfast. Taking the car ferry saves you from a long overland drive while still allowing you to bring your car or motorhome, giving you the freedom to explore and plan your trip exactly as you wish.
You can travel from Europe to Africa with your car in just a few hours on the Almería to Nador car ferry route, with services operated by Balearia, Naviera Armas, and Grandi Navi Veloci. Book your tickets online in advance to secure the best fares.
Car and ferry travel isn't just a wonderful way to get around Europe. It's also ideal for exploring New Zealand — whether you end up renting a car once you're there or you live there and are visiting friends and family. Interislander and Bluebridge will take you from the North Island to the South Island in around 3 hours 30 minutes — not only the most direct and fastest car ferry route across the Cook Strait, but also one of the most spectacular ferry journeys in the world.
Booking your car ferry tickets online has never been easier. Here are the key steps:
Save yourself unnecessary stress with these four tips:
Whether you're planning a road trip, booking a camping vacation, or simply want to travel at a leisurely pace, putting your car in a ferry opens up a whole new world of travel possibilities — from a car ferry to Nantucket or a ferry to Martha's Vineyard with car, to the Seattle to Victoria ferry with car or a cross-continental European adventure. Use our price finder to compare car ferries, buy your tickets online, and book your next trip!
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