Ferry travel is one of the most convenient and inclusive ways to travel. Modern terminals and vessels are equipped with a range of accessible facilities, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for all passengers. This page provides an overview of accessible ferry travel.
Many ferry routes are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility
What does accessibility mean?
Accessibility means that every passenger has a positive experience – from arrival at the ferry terminal, through the ferry journey, to arrival at the destination port. This applies to:
People with physical disabilities
People with intellectual disabilities
People with hearing and/or visual impairments
People with life-threatening allergies
People who require an accompanying person or assistance dog as well as all other passengers
That is why many ferry companies have already taken steps to ensure that every passenger can use their services on an equal footing; whether through accessible facilities, assistance services at terminals and on board ferries, or measures to facilitate multimedia communication.
Facilities for accessible travel
Accessibility facilities vary slightly depending on the port, terminal and ferry company. However, the following facilities are generally available in most modern terminals and on board many ferries:
Step-free access at the terminal and on board
Non-slip ramps and wide doors
Designated wheelchair spaces
Accessible toilets
Assistance dogs and guide dogs permitted
Trained staff to provide mobility and boarding assistance
In addition, further support is sometimes available, such as:
Tactile guide strips
Highly visible signage
Visual and audio announcements
Priority boarding option
Helpful tips for a smooth experience
Here are some steps you can take to make your time on board even easier:
It is best to contact our customer service team or the ferry company at the time of booking or immediately afterwards to let them know about your assistance requirements. This will enable the ferry company to do its utmost to support you during your ferry journey in the way that is most comfortable for you – whether at the terminals or on board.
This applies not only to mobility restrictions and disabilities, but also, for example, to people with life-threatening allergies. Although the dishes served in the restaurants and cafés at the terminal or on board cannot necessarily be changed, if you inform the ferry company in advance, an announcement can be made, for example, to alert other passengers to your allergy and prohibit the consumption of the allergen.
Please arrive at the terminal at your port of departure well in advance. Terminals can get very busy, particularly at peak times such as during the holidays, the high season or at Christmas. You should therefore allow yourself and the staff plenty of time for check-in, boarding and any necessary assistance arrangements. This will ensure a pleasant and stress-free experience for everyone.
Some ports have their own wheelchairs available for use at the terminal. However, in most cases, these must remain at the port. We therefore recommend that you use your own wheelchair or mobility aid.
Limited mobility shouldn't stop you from going on a beach holiday
Please note: This is not a complete list of all accessible ports in Europe. Many other ferry ports in Europe and worldwide have accessible facilities; we have simply listed a few examples of the most popular ports here. All information is provided without guarantee. Services and facilities may change over time, over which Direct Ferries has no control. Please always contact the ferry company you are travelling with or the relevant port authority to check the accessibility of the port and the ferry.
Useful links
You might also find these pages helpful:
You can find a detailed guide in our comprehensive article on accessible travel by ferry
Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and on weekends and public holidays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. If you already have a booking, you can contact us via ‘My Account’. If you do not yet have a booking, please use this link to let us know your enquiry.
