How early should I arrive for the ferry?

For most ferries, you should arrive 60 to 90 minutes before departure if traveling with a vehicle, and 30 to 60 minutes for foot passengers. International routes or busy peak seasons often require arriving at least 2 hours early for customs. Always check your booking confirmation as times can vary by operator.

How early should I show up for a ferry reservation?

If you have a booking, check in 45–60 minutes before departure. Let the ticket agent know if you booked in advance and have your booking number ready. Find check-in windows for bookable routes below: Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay)

Can you sit in your car while on a ferry?

Passengers are prohibited from the car decks on ferries in most every country in the world. Vehicles can shift position in rough seas and injure people standing between them. And since a rogue wave can appear at any point in time without any warning, the ban applies throughout the entirety of a sailing.

How early should I arrive in Calais?

Check-in. Check-in closes at least 60 minutes in advance for car drivers, and at least 90 minutes for foot passengers. On busy days, it is advisable to arrive at least two hours early, as check-in and customs can be particularly crowded during these times.

How long do you have to be at Calais before the ferry?

Vehicles / Motorcycles: 60 mins before departure time. Foot Passengers: 90 mins before departure time.

Passengers scream as speedboats bounce over huge waves

Is the Eurotunnel quicker than the ferry?

Yes, the Eurotunnel is quicker than the ferry. Ferries from Dover to Calais take around 1 hour 30 minutes, whilst the Eurotunnel takes approximately 35 minutes.

What are you not allowed to bring on a ferry?

Fuel - Spare containers of fuel ( petrol or diesel) are not allowed in passenger vehicles. Guns and Firearms - Motorists are only permitted to bring sporting guns on board. You must declare the guns at check-in and they should be left in the boot of your vehicle for the duration of the voyage.

What do I need to take my car on a ferry?

Taking your vehicle to the EU by ferry

1. their valid UK driving licence.
2. proof of valid motor insurance.
3. their vehicle log book (V5C)
4. display a UK sticker on the vehicle.

How long does it take to get off a ferry?

On average, disembarkation is complete within 30 minutes, but this can take longer.

What happens if you are late for a ferry check-in?

Failure to arrive on time for check-in may result in the cancellation of your booking and no refund.

How does boarding a ferry work?

Boarding the ferry

A member of port staff will let you know when it's your turn to board and you'll be directed onto the ferry. When you drive on, the crew will direct you to a parking space on deck – you may be asked to park on the lower or upper deck, or on a 'mezzanine' deck.

How many minutes before the ferry?

Gate opens 45 minutes before trip departure. Gate closes 15 minutes before trip departure. Please have your passport & boarding pass ready for security check. Remove items in your pockets, etc in advance to prepare for security screening.

Can you go back to your car on a ferry?

Remember to take your essentials with you as you are not permitted to return to the car deck during the sailing. Soap and towels are supplied in every cabin. For overnight sailings without a cabin there are public showers and we sell Sleep Packs on board.

How do I check in for a ferry?

Simply show your ticket from either your mobile phone, or a printed ticket and we'll check you in. If you don't have these to hand you can quote the booking reference number instead. Now your journey begins! If you're in a vehicle our staff will direct to you to the correct lane to wait to board the ferry.

What happens if you miss the ferry?

At the port, bookings can be amended up until check in closes. Check in closing times will be included on your booking confirmation and via our timetable pages. If you missed your sailing without making an amendment or cancellation, then no refund is due for that leg of your booking and it will be cancelled.

Do you leave your car in gear on a ferry?

Once parked on the vehicle deck, please leave your car in gear with the hand brake applied. Any towed items should also have brakes applied. Please disable any alarm system as the ship's motion may activate it. The vehicle deck will be locked throughout the voyage.

What cannot bring to ferry?

ODD SIZE ITEM

• Surfboards, wakeboards, bicycles.
• Long item that exceeds 1.5m in length.
• Large item that exceeds the dimensions of 100cm x 60cm x 30cm.
• Item that poses a safety hazard if hand-carried.

Do I need ID to go on a ferry?

It is compulsory for all passengers (including babies) to have their own valid passport or officially recognised European Union I.D. card when travelling to and from Ireland or France. In some cases, a visa may also be required. If you are driving a vehicle you will also need a valid driving licence.

Do your bags get searched on a ferry?

Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.

Can I bring my own food on a ferry?

Yes. Detailed information is available for the public which sets out a limited set of exemptions from these rules. For example, a limited amount of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite products like chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta continue to be allowed.

Do they check passports on ferry?

Irish Ferries do recommend all passengers bring a passport with them, and if it is expired, it needs to be recent enough for it to be clear it is you. Accepted means of identification when travelling on this route include: Valid passport. Photographic Driving Licence.

What is the best ferry from UK to France?

The most popular ferry route to France is the Dover to Calais ferry with 183 weekly sailings and an average price of £159.00. The second most popular ferry to France is the Dover to Dunkirk ferry with 62 weekly sailings and an average price of £149.00.