Ferry vs Eurotunnel
Travel Advice
6 August 2025
Planning a trip to France and struggling to decide between the ferry and the Eurotunnel? We're here to help! Although both modes of transport are a great way to cross the channel, there are pros and cons of each. It all depends on your budget, itinerary and who you're travelling with.
Whether you're looking for the quickest option or the most relaxing one, we've done a comparison of the Eurotunnel vs the ferry so you can work out which one best suits your plans...
Crossing the channel: Eurotunnel or ferry?
When it comes to crossing the channel, you’ve got a couple of options. You can either get the Eurotunnel or a ferry.
The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, which now just goes by the name of LeShuttle, is an undersea tunnel connecting the UK with France. Departing from Folkestone and arriving in Calais in just over half an hour, the Eurotunnel is a quick and convenient way of travelling between the two countries.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry to France. Channel ferries depart from a range of UK ferry ports including Dover, Plymouth and Portsmouth and take you to ferry ports in France such as Calais, Caen and Dunkirk.
Channel routes
First, let's have a look at the routes you can take. If you're travelling on the Eurotunnel then there's only one route to choose from, whereas there are several channel ferry routes. So, if you're wanting more flexibility with your destination, then the ferry may suit you best.
Eurotunnel routes:
Operator: LeShuttle
Ferry routes:
- Dover to Calais
- Dover to Dunkirk
- Newhaven to Dieppe
- Portsmouth to Caen
- Portsmouth to Cherbourg
- Portsmouth to St Malo
- Poole to Cherbourg
- Plymouth to Roscoff
Operators: P&O, Brittany Ferries and DFDS.
Is the Eurotunnel or ferry cheaper?
If you're on a budget, then it’s important to work out which mode of transport will be better for your bank balance. So, is the ferry cheaper than the Eurotunnel? Well, there isn't one definite answer.
The price of the Eurotunnel and the ferry depend on a number of factors such as the season you're travelling in, the time of day you're travelling and whether you're travelling with a vehicle or on foot. And then there's also those fancy extras you can add to your booking like lounge access, cabin upgrades and priority boarding that can make the price shoot up.
In general though, the ferry is cheaper than the Eurotunnel. The Eurotunnel is quicker and so Eurotunnel tickets tend to be more expensive than ferry tickets. So, if you're trying to save some money, the ferry is probably your best bet.
Either way, we'd recommend booking in advance for the cheapest prices. You can also keep an eye on our special offers page to see if there are any extra discounts on your channel route.
Which is quicker – the Eurotunnel or the ferry?
If time isn’t on your side then you can't beat the Eurotunnel. You can get from the UK to France and vice versa in as little as 35 minutes. This makes the Calais to Folkestone Eurotunnel the best option if you're in a rush.
On the other hand, the duration of the ferry depends on the route you take.
The Eurotunnel may be the quickest option, but the longer journey time on the ferry allows for a more relaxing experience. You can curl up in a comfy seat with a good book, have a stroll along the open deck and enjoy a wide range of onboard facilities such as cafes, restaurants and shops.
Which is best for families?
Planning a family holiday to France? Both the Eurotunnel and the ferry are great if you're travelling with little ones. If you're worried about the classic 'are we there yet?' then the Eurotunnel may win you round seeing as the journey is just over half an hour.
However, if you're more worried about keeping the kids entertained then the ferry wins. Not only does getting the ferry mean they can wander around and enjoy the cool views onboard, but there are also activities, shops and places to eat too. Travelling by ferry means the holiday starts before you even get to France!
Taking your pet on the Eurotunnel vs ferry
The good news is, you can take your pet on both the Eurotunnel and the ferry. On the Eurotunnel, your pet will stay in your vehicle with you. You don't need to leave their side so it's a stress-free experience for both them and you! Exercise areas with artificial grass are also available at the terminal, so your pooch can have a little stroll beforehand.
You can also take your pet on the ferry to France. The rules for pets vary depending on the ferry operator you're travelling with. On some ferries such as DFDS, your pet must stay in your vehicle but you can visit them during the crossing. However, P&O offer pet lounges on their Dover to Calais ferry route, so you can keep them company throughout the journey!
Either way, getting to France with a pet is easy on both the Eurotunnel and the ferry.
Conclusion: Ferry vs Eurotunnel
Ultimately, whether you go by ferry or Eurotunnel to France depends on your personal preferences. If your main concern is the journey time, then the Eurotunnel wins as it’s the fastest way to get to France from the UK.
However, the ferry has a lot of pros. There are multiple UK to France ferry routes available so it allows for more flexibility on where you’re heading. You can also travel as both a foot passenger or with a vehicle on the ferry, whereas on the Eurotunnel you can only travel with a vehicle. Channel ferries also tend to be cheaper than the Eurotunnel. And finally, the ferry is more relaxing. You can just sit back and soak up the views! The onboard facilities also make it an enjoyable experience. With shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment, you'll never be bored on board...
Whether you're heading to France by Eurotunnel or ferry, book your trip at Direct Ferries today.