Budget-Friendly Ferry Travel
Budget-Friendly Ferry Travel
Ferry journeys aren’t just a relaxing way to travel – they can also be surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re a backpacker, planning a family holiday, or simply looking for a low-cost getaway, there are many ways you can save money on ferry tickets. In this guide, we’ll share some practical tips on how to travel by ferry on a budget.
There are plenty of ways for students and backpackers to save money on ferry journeys. Many ferry companies offer special fares or discounts for young people, allowing you to save on the standard ticket price all year round. For example, if you travel with an international student ID, you can get significantly cheaper tickets on popular routes in Europe, such as between Italy and Greece or within Scandinavia. You can also save money on your journey by booking a seat rather than a cabin.
Backpackers have the added advantage that ferry travel in many popular backpacking destinations is already very affordable, particularly in countries such as Thailand and Indonesia. By using our price comparison tool to compare routes and operators, you can find some of the best available fares and save even more on your journey.
Plus: Students and graduates can save 5% on ferry tickets with Direct Ferries. All you need to do is sign up with our partner, Student Beans. You'll then be asked to verify your student or graduate status, and you’ll receive a discount code that you can use when paying for your ferry tickets.
Ferry travel is a popular choice for families. Many operators offer family fares, allowing children to travel either free of charge or at a significantly reduced rate. For example, if you book a crossing with a car and multiple passengers, you may be able to take advantage of a package deal, which often works out cheaper than purchasing individual tickets separately.
Early-bird discounts are also great for families who have to travel during the school holidays. We'd recommend booking several months in advance for the best choice of travel dates. This gives you greater certainty when planning your trip while also helping to reduce costs.
Discounts for senior citizens are automatically applied when searching for ferries, provided they are available. Simply select your age group from the passenger options.
Resident discounts are available on a wide range of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Simply select the ‘Resident’ option if it appears in our price finder. The discount will then automatically be applied to the price. Bear in mind that you must present proof of residence or an identity card showing your correct address when checking in at the port of departure and, where applicable, upon arrival at the destination port.
Using our price finder, you can currently make bookings for up to nine passengers and one vehicle. Once you have entered your travel details, the website will automatically search for any available special offers and discounts. This helps ensure you find the most competitive fare for your booking.
For bookings for more than nine passengers or multiple vehicles, you will need to make separate bookings. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our customer service team.
On our special offers page, you’ll find the latest discounts and promotions from a range of ferry operators. These often allow you to save money when travelling with vehicles or on family trips, to secure early-booking discounts, or to snap up seasonal deals for popular destinations. As offers are only available for a limited time, it’s worth checking back regularly to make sure you don’t miss out.
With the right balance of planning and flexibility, you can make real savings on ferry journeys. Use our price comparison tool to compare ferry companies, sailing times and fares, take advantage of any available discounts, and arrive at your destination not only relaxed but also having saved money.
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