Ferry vs Tunnel to France: Which Channel Crossing Is Cheaper?
The definitive comparison of Eurotunnel versus ferry crossings. Real costs, journey times, honest pros and cons, and the answer to which option actually saves you money.
The Eurotunnel or a ferry? It is the first decision every driver faces when planning a trip to France, and it is not as simple as picking the one with the lowest headline price. The crossing fare is just one part of the total cost, and the cheapest crossing does not always deliver the cheapest overall journey.
This guide compares the Channel Tunnel and ferry crossings side by side with realistic 2026 prices, journey times, and the hidden factors that influence which option saves you money. We will look at peak versus off-peak fares, route choices, onboard facilities, frequency of departures, and the situations where one option clearly beats the other.
ChannelHop is independent. We do not sell crossings, and we have no commercial relationship with ferry operators or Eurotunnel. This comparison gives you the facts so you can make the right choice for your trip, your budget, and your preferences.
Ferry Crossings to France
Multiple routes from five UK ports
Ferry crossings offer route flexibility that the tunnel cannot match. You can sail from Dover, Portsmouth, Poole, Plymouth, or Newhaven to eight different French ports. This variety means you can choose a departure port close to your UK starting point and a landing port close to your French destination, potentially saving hours of driving and significant fuel costs.
Main ferry routes and operators
| Route | Operator | Crossing Time | Off-Peak From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover → Calais | P&O Ferries, DFDS | 90 minutes | ~£55 |
| Dover → Dunkirk | DFDS | 2 hours | ~£55 |
| Newhaven → Dieppe | DFDS | 4 hours | ~£70 |
| Portsmouth → Caen | Brittany Ferries | 6 hours | ~£120 |
| Portsmouth → Cherbourg | Brittany Ferries | 3 hours | ~£100 |
| Poole → Cherbourg | Brittany Ferries | 4.25 hours | ~£100 |
| Plymouth → Roscoff | Brittany Ferries | 6 hours | ~£130 |
Prices shown are approximate off-peak fares for a standard car and passengers. Summer peak prices typically 2-3 times higher.
What you get on a ferry
Modern cross-Channel ferries are floating facilities with restaurants, cafes, shops, outdoor decks, and seating areas. On longer crossings (Portsmouth to Caen, Plymouth to Roscoff), you can book cabins for privacy and rest. Key benefits include:
- Freedom to leave your vehicle and move around during the crossing
- Restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops onboard
- Children's play areas and family lounges on most vessels
- Outdoor decks for fresh air and views
- Cabins available on longer routes (day cabins or overnight berths)
- Pet-friendly facilities (pets can travel in your vehicle or in kennels)
Ferry pricing patterns
Ferry fares vary enormously by season and day of the week. Off-peak midweek Dover-Calais crossings start from around £55, while a Friday or Saturday departure in July or August can exceed £160-£180. Booking 2-3 months ahead secures the best fares. Flexible tickets cost more but allow changes without penalty fees.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Channel Tunnel)
Folkestone to Calais — 35 minutes
The Channel Tunnel, operated by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, is the fastest way to cross the English Channel with your vehicle. You drive onto a train at the Folkestone terminal, remain in your car for 35 minutes, and drive off at Coquelles (Calais) on the French side. The crossing itself is quick and efficient, with departures running frequently throughout the day.
How the Eurotunnel works
The process is straightforward:
- Arrive at the Folkestone terminal (recommended 30 minutes before departure)
- Check in at the tollbooth and proceed through UK border control
- French border control (passport check) happens on the UK side before boarding
- Drive onto the train and park in your designated carriage
- Remain in your vehicle for the 35-minute crossing
- Drive off at Coquelles and join the French motorway network
Eurotunnel pricing
Standard Eurotunnel fares for a car start from around £89 off-peak and rise to £249 or more during peak summer weekends. FlexiPlus tickets (priority boarding, lounge access, flexibility to use any departure within 24 hours) start from around £180 off-peak and can exceed £300 in summer. Like ferries, advance booking delivers the best prices, and midweek travel is significantly cheaper than weekends.
Departure frequency
The Eurotunnel runs up to 4 departures per hour during busy periods (every 15-20 minutes) and hourly during quieter times. This frequency is the tunnel's major advantage. If you arrive early, you can often catch an earlier departure without extra charges if space is available. This flexibility suits spontaneous travellers and those who prefer not to plan precise departure times.
What you cannot do on the Eurotunnel
Unlike ferries, you must stay in your vehicle throughout the 35-minute crossing for safety reasons. There are no toilets, shops, or facilities accessible during the journey. Use the terminal facilities before boarding. This is fine for most travellers, but families with young children who need frequent toilet access may find ferries more practical.
Ferry vs Tunnel: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Eurotunnel | Ferry (Dover-Calais) |
|---|---|---|
| Off-peak fare | £89+ | £55+ |
| Peak summer fare | £249+ | £160-£180 |
| Crossing time | 35 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Port-to-port time (inc. check-in) | ~1 hour 15 minutes | ~2 hours 15 minutes |
| Departures per day | Up to 96 (every 15-30 mins peak) | 20-30 combined (P&O + DFDS) |
| Can leave vehicle? | No (stay in car) | Yes (full passenger facilities) |
| Facilities onboard | None (terminal only) | Restaurants, shops, lounges, decks |
| Route flexibility | One route (Folkestone-Calais) | 7+ routes from 5 UK ports |
| Weather reliability | Unaffected (underground) | Can be delayed/cancelled in storms |
| Flexibility to change | Often can use earlier/later same day | Depends on ticket type (fee applies) |
Comparison based on Dover-Calais ferry route (the closest match to the tunnel route). Other ferry routes have different timings and prices.
Total Journey Cost: Ferry vs Tunnel
The crossing fare is only one part of the total journey cost. Both options land you in the Calais area, so UK fuel to reach the port and French fuel and tolls from Calais onwards are broadly similar. Here is a realistic cost breakdown for a typical London to Paris journey.
Eurotunnel Journey (London to Paris)
Ferry Journey (London to Paris)
Costs based on off-peak midweek crossings and a standard family car (45 mpg). Peak summer fares add £70-£160 to these totals.
For the London to Paris route shown above, the ferry saves around £35 off-peak. However, if you are travelling from Cambridge or further north, the extra 30 miles to Dover compared to Folkestone narrows the gap. The tunnel's speed advantage also matters more for shorter trips where the crossing represents a larger proportion of total journey time.
When to Choose Ferry vs Tunnel
Choose a ferry when...
- Budget is your priority and you can book off-peak midweek crossings
- You have young children who need space, toilets, and entertainment during the journey
- You want to break up the drive with a proper meal or let passengers rest
- Your destination is in Normandy, Brittany, or western France (use Portsmouth/Plymouth ferries to cut French driving)
- You live in western or northern England and Portsmouth/Poole/Plymouth ports are more convenient
- You are travelling in peak summer when tunnel prices spike above £200
- You enjoy the crossing as part of the holiday experience
Choose the Eurotunnel when...
- Speed is your priority and you want the fastest crossing
- You live in South East England (Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex) where Folkestone is the nearest port
- You want flexibility to arrive early and potentially catch an earlier departure
- You are making a spontaneous or last-minute trip (more frequent departures)
- You or your passengers are prone to seasickness
- You prefer to stay with your vehicle throughout the crossing
- You are travelling in poor weather when ferry delays or cancellations are more likely
- You are travelling mid-morning or afternoon when tunnel frequency is highest
Seasonal Pricing: When Fares Change
Both ferry and tunnel fares fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. Understanding these patterns helps you secure the best prices and avoid paying double or triple the off-peak fare.
Peak season (July and August)
Summer school holidays see the highest demand and the highest fares. Weekend crossings can cost £160-£180 for a ferry and £249+ for the tunnel. Friday and Saturday departures cost significantly more than Tuesday or Wednesday. If you have flexibility, travelling mid-July or late August instead of early August can save £50-£80 per crossing. Booking 2-3 months ahead is essential for summer travel.
Shoulder season (May, June, September)
These months offer the best balance of decent weather and lower fares. Expect to pay £80-£120 for ferries and £120-£180 for the tunnel on weekends, dropping to £60-£90 for ferries and £100-£140 for the tunnel midweek. Late May and early September are particularly good value as schools are still in session but weather in France is often excellent.
Off-peak (October to April excluding holidays)
This is when you find the lowest fares. Midweek crossings can drop to £55-£70 for ferries and £89-£110 for the tunnel. However, beware of Christmas, New Year, February half-term, and Easter holidays when prices jump back to peak levels. Off-peak travel is ideal for flexible travellers, retirees, and those visiting ski resorts or taking city breaks in Paris or Lyon.
Day of the week matters
Friday and Saturday departures cost significantly more than Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday crossings, even in the same week. If you can shift your departure by a day or two, you will often save £40-£80 per crossing. Sunday and Monday sit somewhere in between. Both ferry operators and Eurotunnel use dynamic pricing, so fares rise as capacity fills up.
Compare Your Route
Stop guessing which crossing is cheaper. Enter your start point and destination to compare ferry and tunnel costs including fuel, tolls, and crossing fares for your specific journey.
Try Dover to CalaisFrequently Asked Questions
Is the ferry or Eurotunnel cheaper?
The ferry is usually cheaper, especially during peak season. Off-peak Dover-Calais ferry fares start from around £55, while the Eurotunnel typically starts from £89. However, in summer, ferry prices can reach £160-£180 while the tunnel can exceed £249. The cheapest option depends on your travel dates and how far in advance you book. Midweek crossings (Tuesday to Thursday) are significantly cheaper than weekends for both options.
How long does the ferry take compared to the Eurotunnel?
The Eurotunnel crossing takes 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, while the fastest ferry (Dover to Calais) takes 90 minutes. However, you need to factor in check-in times. The tunnel recommends arriving 30 minutes before departure but you can often board earlier if slots are available. Ferries typically require 45-60 minutes check-in. In total, the tunnel journey is around 1 hour 15 minutes port-to-port versus 2 hours 15 minutes for the ferry.
Which is better for families, ferry or tunnel?
Most families prefer ferries, especially with younger children. On a ferry, passengers can leave their cars, use toilets, buy food and drinks, let children play in designated areas, and stretch their legs. The 90-minute crossing provides a break from driving. The Eurotunnel requires everyone to stay in the vehicle for the 35-minute crossing, which is fine for older children but can be challenging with toddlers. Ferries also have baby changing facilities, family lounges, and entertainment options.
Can you get out of your car on the Eurotunnel?
No, you must stay in your vehicle throughout the 35-minute Eurotunnel crossing for safety reasons. You can recline seats, use devices, and eat snacks you bring with you, but there are no toilet facilities accessible during the crossing. Passengers needing toilet access should use facilities at the terminal before boarding. This is the main difference from ferries, where you leave your vehicle and access full passenger facilities.
Which has more frequent departures, ferry or tunnel?
The Eurotunnel has more frequent departures, with trains leaving every 20-30 minutes during busy periods and hourly during quieter times. This gives you flexibility to arrive early and potentially catch an earlier departure. Dover-Calais ferries typically run every 1-2 hours depending on the time of day and operator. Other ferry routes (Portsmouth, Plymouth, Newhaven) have fewer daily sailings, ranging from 1-3 departures per day. If you need flexibility, the tunnel offers the most options.
Do ferry and tunnel prices include all passengers?
Yes, both ferry and Eurotunnel fares are priced per vehicle and include all passengers (typically up to 9 people in a standard car). This makes both options excellent value for families or groups. The price covers your vehicle, driver, and passengers regardless of how many seats are occupied. However, if you want extras like a cabin on a ferry or lounge access on the tunnel (FlexiPlus), these cost extra. Basic crossing fares include everything you need.
Which is better in bad weather, ferry or tunnel?
The Eurotunnel is unaffected by weather and almost never cancels due to conditions. Ferries can be delayed or cancelled in severe weather, particularly high winds or storms. Rough crossings can also cause seasickness for sensitive passengers. If you are prone to seasickness or travelling during winter months when weather disruption is more likely, the tunnel provides more reliability. However, modern ferries are large and stable, and cancellations are relatively rare even in winter.
Can I change my ferry or tunnel booking if my plans change?
Both operators offer flexibility, but it depends on the ticket type. Standard ferry and tunnel tickets usually allow amendments for a fee (typically £10-£30) subject to availability and any fare difference. Flexible tickets cost more upfront but allow free changes. The Eurotunnel often lets you travel on an earlier or later departure on the same day without extra charges if space is available. Check the terms when booking, as the cheapest advance tickets may have restrictions or high amendment fees.