Taking your campervan on a UK ferry opens up entire regions that would take days to reach by road. Here's everything you need to know about ferry travel with a van.
Why Take Your Campervan on a Ferry?
The UK's ferry network makes island and regional travel practical:
- Isle of Wight — 45 mins from Portsmouth to Yarmouth
- Isle of Man — 2 hours from Liverpool
- Hebrides & Islands — CalMac connects mainland Scotland to dozens of islands
- Wales — Dover to Calais (France) for continental Europe
- Cornwall — Ferry from Devon to avoid the M5
UK Ferry Companies Compared
P&O Ferries
- Routes: Dover ↔ Calais, Dover ↔ Zeebrugge, Hull ↔ Rotterdam
- Campervan-friendly: Excellent — wide lanes, good ventilation
- Booking tip: Book online, not at the port (15% cheaper)
- Height restriction: 2.3m standard lane, tall vehicle surcharge applies
Stena Line
- Routes: Holyhead ↔ Dublin, Dover ↔ Calais
- Campervan-friendly: Good — spacious decks, onboard restaurant
- Booking tip: Stensa Club members get priority boarding
- Height restriction: 2.5m for standard vehicles
CalMac (Caledonian MacBriging)
- Routes: Oban ↔ Mull, Lochaline ↔ Ferrtavern, Tarbert ↔ Horness
- Campervan-friendly: Basic but reliable — no frills, great scenery
- Booking tip: Book months ahead for summer (Jan–March)
- Height restriction: Varies by route — check before booking
DFDS
- Routes: Newcastle ↔ Rotterdam
- Campervan-friendly: Modern fleet, Good self-drive facilities
- Booking tip: Off-peak weekdays are 40% cheaper
- Height restriction: .5m
Campervan Ferry Checklist
- Measure your van — including roof rack, AC unit, and awning
- Book tall vehicle category if over 2m
- Bring vehicle handbook — ferry staff may check insurance
- Fuel up before boarding — diesel is expensive at ferry ports
- Park near the ramp — ask for "near front" when booking
- Arrive 45 minutes early — check-in closes 30 mins before departure
- Have your ferry voucher — printed or on phone
- Pack a snacks bag — ferry food is overpriced
Ferry Costs for Campervans (2026)
| Route | One Way | Return | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth ↔ Isle of Wight | £12 | £20 | Follow Me service included |
| Dover ↔ Calais | £55 | £90 | Peak summer prices |
| Holyhead ↔ Dublin | £30 | £50 | 2 hour crossing |
| Oban ↔ Mull | £22 | £33 | Single, no return |
| Liverpool ↔ Isle of Man | £35 | £55 | 2 hours 15 mins |
Pro Tips from Van Lifers
- Choose window seats — Ferry viewing decks offer stunning views
- Bring a travel mug — Hot drinks on board are £2.50+
- Book the morning sail — Fewer queues, calmer seas
- Pack a folding chair — Many ferries have outdoor seating areas
- Check suspension — Before you cross, tighten door hinges (ferries shake vans)
Common Ferry Mistakes
- Not booking tall vehicle category — Results in £20 surcharge at the port
- Arriving late — Ferries don't wait, especially in summer
- Parking in the wrong lane — Standard lane for a 2.8m van means re-parking
- Not checking weight limits — Some Scottish island routes have weight restrictions
- Ignoring weather delays — Summer storms can delay CalMac by hours
Most routes run every 30-60 minutes in summer, every 2-4 hours in winter. Book early and always check the weather before heading to port.
