At the Port: Facilities & Amenities
At the Port: Facilities & Amenities
Waiting to board the ferry? Most ferry ports are designed to make your wait as comfortable as possible, with a range of facilities to help you relax before you board. From comfy places to sit and eat to useful amenities like Wi-Fi and luggage storage, read on to find out what you can expect at the port.
Terminal facilities and amenities vary depending on the size of the port. Smaller ports tend to have more basic services, whilst larger ports serving multiple operators and routes usually offer a wider range of amenities. Even so, most ports provide essential facilities such as passenger waiting areas, toilets and check-in or information desks.
Below you’ll find a general guide, but for more detailed information about your departure port, take a look at the FAQs on our Port Pages – just select your port from the drop-down menu.
Most ferry ports offer indoor seating areas where you can relax whilst waiting to board. Seating is usually available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s worth arriving early, especially during busy periods when space can be limited. Some terminals also have outdoor seating, giving you the chance to get some fresh air and watch the ferries as they come and go.
Food and drink options are usually available at most ferry ports. Smaller ports may only have vending machines for snacks and hot drinks, whilst larger ports often offer a wider choice, including coffee shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Either way, we’d still recommend bringing your own drinks and snacks, especially if you’re travelling from a smaller port with fewer amenities or you’re departing early or late, when some food and drink outlets may be closed. Plus, bringing your own drinks and snacks is a great way to save some money.
Larger ferry ports often have a range of shops. Operators such as DFDS and Stena Line offer duty-free shops at their ports where you can save up to 40% on products such as fashion, beauty, electronics, alcohol, and tobacco.
At some ferry ports, foot passengers can check in their luggage before boarding, whilst at other ports you will need to carry your bags yourself.
Luggage storage options may also be available at ports for an additional fee, so you can wander around with ease without having to carry your bag.
Travelling with a vehicle? It’s worth checking in advance whether parking is available at your departure port. If not, you may need to allow extra time to find a space nearby.
Many ferry ports offer short-stay parking for drop-offs and pick-ups, which is usually located close to the terminal and often free for a limited time. Long-stay parking is also available at some ports, making it a convenient option if you’re leaving your car behind whilst you travel. These spaces may need to be booked in advance and usually come at an additional cost. If there are no parking options at your departure port, off-site car parks are another option, with many offering shuttle services to and from the terminal.
Car parks can fill up quickly during peak travel periods, so if you’re unable to pre-book, it’s best to arrive well ahead of your check-in time.
If you’re travelling in an electric vehicle, many ports now provide charging points. Always allow extra time if you plan on charging your vehicle before boarding and don’t forget to bring your charging cable with you.
Many ferry ports are designed to support passengers with reduced mobility, but we’d always recommend checking in advance for a smooth and stress-free journey. If you require assistance at the port, it’s best to contact your ferry operator ahead of travel.
Accessible facilities may include:
Travelling with your pet? Some ferry ports are well equipped for pets too, with dedicated exercise areas to help make your pets pre-boarding experience as stress-free as possible. In most cases, pets are not allowed in public areas of the port unless they are on a lead and wearing a muzzle or travelling in a carrier. Different rules apply to guide and assistance dogs, which are usually permitted throughout port facilities.
Here’s an overview of the amenities you can expect at some of the most popular ferry ports:
Ports in the UK and Ireland are usually modern, well-organised and easy to navigate, with clear signage and structured check-in systems for both foot passengers and vehicles. They are usually well connected by motorway and public transport, including train and bus links.
Larger ports, such as those in Dover and Portsmouth, offer a wide range of facilities, whilst smaller regional ports may be more limited.
Common facilities include:
Examples of popular UK ports and their amenities:
| Port | Amenities include |
| Dover | - Cash and currency services - Free WiFi - Food outlets including Costa Coffee, Burger King, WHSmiths - Dog exercise areas - Games room - Duty-free shops - Accessible facilities |
| Portsmouth | - Convenience store - Café - Sky garden - Free WiFi - Left luggage - Baby changing - Water refill station - Electric car charging - Parking |
| Holyhead | - Coffee shop/café - Vending machines - Free WiFi - Accessible facilities - Tourist information - Duty-free shops - Electric car charging - ATM - Short and long-stay parking |
Some ferry ports in Europe are very similar to those in the UK and Ireland, especially larger ports such as Calais and Rotterdam. These ports are usually well signposted, easy to navigate, and well connected by road and rail. Many offer a full range of amenities, including waiting areas, shops, restaurants, and parking.
However, smaller ports such as those on island routes or inland destinations, tend to be much more relaxed and less structured. For example, ports on islands like Paros and Naxos often have limited on-site facilities and minimal signage. However, they are usually centrally located with cafés, shops, and other amenities close by rather than inside the port itself. Make sure you allow extra time to find your departure point, as boarding areas may not always be clearly marked.
Examples of popular European ports and their amenities:
| Port | Amenities include |
| Calais | - Information point - ATMs - Shops - Toilets and baby-changing - WiFi - Restaurant - Short-term parking - Electric vehicle charging stations - Currency exchange |
| Naples | - Toilets - Ticket offices - Luggage storage - Restaurants - shops |
| Heraklion | - Toilets - Cafes - Luggage storage - Waiting areas |
Ferry port facilities across Asia vary widely depending on the location. In regions like Japan and Hong Kong, ports are usually modern, well organised, and easy to navigate, with a wide range of amenities available.
In contrast, ports in parts of Southeast Asia can be much more basic, particularly on island routes. In destinations like Thailand or Bali, departure points may be a sign by a simple pier, with limited facilities. Therefore, it’s important to check what to expect in advance and allow extra time, especially if you’re travelling from smaller ports.
Examples of popular Asian ferry ports and their amenities:
| Port | Amenities include |
| Osaka | - Waiting areas - Shops - Restaurants - Toilets |
| Hong Kong Macau | - Waiting lounges - Tourist office - Travel agencies - Shops - Dining options - Banks - Parking - Luggage storage |
| Bali (Padang Bai) | - Basic waiting areas - Small stalls selling drinks/snacks - Ticket booths - Toilets |
Here are some things we'd recommend checking before you head to your departure port:
Access to ports varies depending on the location, so make sure you plan your route in advance. In destinations like the Amalfi Coast or some of the Greek Islands, ports are usually catered to foot passengers, with limited vehicle access. On the other hand, major ports in the UK and Europe such as Dover are designed for vehicles too. Look out for signs directing you where to go or speak to port staff if you’re unsure.
Ferry ports across the UK and Europe usually have clear signs in English so you don’t need to worry about the language barrier. However, in other less touristy destinations inland or in Asia, signs may not be in English so it may be worth learning common phrases or allowing extra time for your journey.
It’s worth checking in advance what amenities you can expect at the ferry port. If you’re travelling from a remote destination or an island in southeast Asia, there might not be any amenities, so you may need to bring your own drinks and snacks and make a toilet stop before you arrive.
Check-in times vary greatly depending on the port location. UK and European ports often have more structured check-in requirements, with passengers usually having to arrive 30-90 minutes before departure depending on their destination. Smaller ports such as those in Asia may not have any check-in requirements at all – you can often just turn up, show your ticket and board.
Depending on your route, luggage handling can vary significantly. At some UK and European ports, especially on longer or overnight routes, you may have the option to check in larger bags and collect them on arrival. However, on most crossings, especially shorter routes, you’ll often keep your luggage with you. If you’re travelling with a vehicle, your bags will usually remain in the car during the crossing.
In other parts of the world, such as when travelling between smaller islands in countries like Thailand or Indonesia, luggage handling can be more informal. Bags are often grouped together and loaded onto the boat by crew or staff at the port.
Whichever route you’re taking, it’s best to keep valuables and essential items with you at all times.
Make sure you check in advance whether your ferry operator accepts digital tickets or if you’ll need to print your boarding pass or exchange your booking for a physical ticket at the port.
In the UK and across a lot of Europe, digital tickets are widely accepted, although some operators still require check-in at a kiosk or desk before boarding. In other regions, such as Thailand or Indonesia, it’s common to show your booking confirmation and receive a paper ticket at the port.
Depending on the process, you may need to allow extra time before departure to complete check-in or ticket collection.
Here are our top tips to help make your time at the port as smooth as possible:
Arrive in plenty of time
At major ports in the UK and Europe, check-in times are quite strict so make sure you arrive with plenty of time to spare. Biggers ports are also busier so traffic can build up.
Bring your own essentials
Ports with more basic amenities, such as those in Thailand or on more remote islands in Greece, may not have places to buy food or drink, or even somewhere to sit. It’s a good idea to bring water, snacks, and anything else you might need whilst you wait.
Dress for the weather
Layers are always a good idea, especially if you’re waiting in an air-conditioned terminal. If your departure point is outdoors, particularly in hotter destinations, SPF is a must.
Keep valuables on you
Ports can be crowded and a bit chaotic during boarding. Use a secure bag and keep important items such as your passport, phone, and tickets on you.
Have documents ready
Boarding can move quickly once it starts. Keep your passport and tickets easily accessible to avoid causing delays.
Pay attention to boarding cues
Announcements aren’t always clear, or they may not exist at all in smaller ports so make sure you stay close to your departure point.
Although facilities and amenities at ferry ports can vary, most offer basic services such as comfortable seating areas, toilets and information desks to help make your departure as smooth as possible.
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