When planning a trip to France, one of the first decisions is how to cross the Channel. The two main options for drivers — the Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle) and ferry crossings — differ significantly in price, speed, and experience. But the crossing fare is only part of the story. The real cost depends on where you start, where you're heading, and when you travel.
Crossing Fares at a Glance
| Option | Off-Peak | Peak | Crossing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eurotunnel | ~£89 | ~£249 | 35 min |
| Dover → Calais | ~£55 | ~£160 | 90 min |
| Dover → Dunkirk | ~£55 | ~£160 | 2 hrs |
| Portsmouth → Caen | ~£120 | ~£320 | 6 hrs |
| Portsmouth → St Malo | ~£160 | ~£449 | 11 hrs |
Prices are estimates for a standard car and may vary by booking date and operator.
The Hidden Costs Most People Forget
The crossing fare is often less than half the total journey cost. Here's what else you need to budget for:
UK fuel to the port
Driving from Manchester to Dover costs around £50-£60 in fuel alone. If you're in the north, a closer ferry port could save you money.
French fuel to your destination
From Calais to the south of France could cost £100+ in fuel. Landing at Caen or St Malo cuts this significantly for western destinations.
French motorway tolls
Autoroute tolls add up fast. Calais to Nice is around £80-£100 in tolls. Caen to Brittany? Nearly zero, since most Breton motorways are toll-free.
Time cost and overnight stops
Long drives might need an overnight hotel (£60-£100). An overnight ferry saves you this cost and arrives refreshed.
When the Eurotunnel Wins
- You're in South East England and heading to northern/central France
- Speed matters — 35 minutes vs 90+ minutes on a ferry
- You're travelling off-peak when tunnel prices drop significantly
- You want flexibility — departures every 20-30 minutes
- You or passengers suffer from seasickness
When the Ferry Wins
- You're in Western or Northern England — Portsmouth/Plymouth ferries cut your UK driving
- Your destination is in Normandy, Brittany, or western France
- You're travelling in peak season when tunnel prices spike
- You want to stretch your legs, eat a meal, or let kids play during the crossing
- An overnight crossing eliminates a night's accommodation cost
Real Example: London to Nice
Eurotunnel route (via Calais)
Ferry route (Dover → Calais)
In this example, the ferry saves about £64 at standard prices. But the tunnel saves about an hour in crossing time. Whether that's worth the premium depends on your priorities.
Compare Your Actual Journey
The best option depends entirely on your specific start and end points. A journey from Bristol to Bordeaux has completely different economics than London to Paris.
Compare your route now
Get a personalised cost breakdown for tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire — including fuel, tolls, and crossing fares.
Try London → Nice