Caravan Holidays by Ferry
Caravan Holidays by Ferry
Travelling with your caravan, motorhome, or campervan opens the door to flexible, scenic, and memorable adventures. There are numerous ferry routes connecting the UK to mainland Europe, serving as gateways to many incredible ferry caravan holidays.
A caravan or campervan allows you to enjoy true independence while travelling. You can stop wherever you like, travel at your own pace, and discover both well-known and off-the-beaten-track destinations.
By sleeping in your motorhome or campervan, you can save a great deal of money on accommodation costs. Campsites are affordable and widely available across Europe.
Equipped with your own kitchen, bedding, and storage, travelling becomes easier and more relaxing, particularly for family holidays.
Whatever country you’re heading to, whether it’s France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, or beyond, caravans and motorhomes are perfectly suited to multi-country road trip itineraries.
Most ferry ports are well prepared for travel with motorhome or campervan setups, offering:
Modern ferries are designed with comfort in mind, making your caravan ferry journey enjoyable and relaxing. Onboard, you’ll discover spacious vehicle decks with dedicated caravan lanes, ensuring smooth loading and unloading. Passengers can sit back and relax in comfortable lounges or admire sea views from the outdoor deck. Many ships also provide pet-friendly cabins, Wi-Fi, and overnight cabins for longer crossings, offering a relaxing start to your holiday before you even reach your destination.
When it comes to booking a ferry for your caravan holiday, always check the vehicle’s dimensions including length, height, and weight to ensure you reserve the correct space on board.
Please arrive early at the port to allow enough time for the check-in process. Also make sure to secure any loose items inside your caravan before sailing. For peace of mind, it’s also wise to carry valid travel documents, insurance, and breakdown cover with you.
There are a number of ferry routes across the UK and Europe that are perfect for caravan holidays. Here are some of the most popular and convenient options for travellers bringing their caravans, campervans, or motorhomes:
The ferry from Dover to Calais is the quickest and most frequent crossing between England and France, taking around 90 minutes. It’s ideal for caravan holidays heading to northern France, Belgium, or beyond. With up to 20 sailings departing per day, this route offers not only flexibility, but great value for money too.
The ferry from Hull to Rotterdam provides a direct overnight connection between northern England and the Netherlands. It’s an excellent choice for those travelling to the Netherlands, Germany, or Scandinavia. With spacious cabins, dining options, and entertainment onboard, this route is a favourite for long-distance caravan journeys.
The ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao is an excellent choice for reaching Spain by caravan. This comfortable 24-hour crossing is popular with travellers heading to the Basque Country, southern France, or the Mediterranean coast. Expect excellent onboard facilities to keep you occupied throughout the journey, including large en-suite cabins, restaurants, saunas, casinos and gyms.
The ferry from Holyhead to Dublin is one of the busiest crossings across the Irish Sea, connecting Wales and Ireland in approximately 3 hours. It’s a perfect route for caravan holidays exploring the capital of Dublin, the Wild Atlantic Way or Ireland’s countryside. Multiple daily sailings make this a convenient and flexible route for travellers with campervans.
Whether you’re crossing the Channel to France, exploring Ireland’s wild coastlines, or venturing as far as Spain and beyond, ferry travel makes it easy to bring your home on wheels wherever you go. With comfortable onboard facilities, caravan-friendly routes, and trusted operators across Europe, your next road trip starts the moment you set sail. Book your caravan ferry tickets with confidence at Direct Ferries. You can find everything you need on our routes page.
Not all ferry routes accept caravans. Long-distance and overnight crossings usually allow them, while smaller islands or high-speed catamarans often do not. Always check the specific operator, vessel type, and route before booking. Routes between mainland Europe and the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, and major Mediterranean islands typically accept caravans.
Yes, caravans are charged separately from the towing vehicle because they take additional deck space. Prices can vary depending on:
Most ferries accept caravans up to certain limits, measuring up to 39 feet and 4 inches in total length and a maximum height of 13 feet and 9 inches, depending on the ship. Vehicles that exceed these dimensions must be declared in advance. If your caravan exceeds the limit, you may need to book as a freight vehicle.
No, sleeping in your caravan during the crossing is strictly prohibited on all passenger ferries for safety reasons. Passengers must stay in designated cabins or public areas. The caravan deck remains closed during the entire crossing.
Before you board your ferry, please ensure that:
Most ferry operators allow gas cylinders but require them to be sealed and turned off during the crossing. Some limit the amount of gas (for example, max 2 x 5 kg bottles). Camping stoves, fuel canisters, and generators are also subject to restrictions. Always check your operator’s dangerous goods policy.
Start by entering your desired ferry route on our Deal Finder, along with the date and time of your journey and the number of passengers. Once you’ve done that, click on the vehicle tab located in the bottom left corner of the display.
You’ll then be presented with several options including: camper/motorhome, minibus or a van, as shown below. Please select your preferred vehicle option.
Once you have selected ‘camper/motorhome’, you will then be asked to enter the specific details regarding your vehicle. This includes your vehicle make and model, dimensions (length and height) and whether it has an adjoining trailer.
Please note that you will only be able to continue the booking once you have filled in all the appropriate details about your campervan. Once completed, click the search button and find the ferry that best suits your travel plans.
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