Book a passage on a ferry across the English Channel well in advance of the travel date in order to secure the best deal. Although it is possible to turn up on the day of travel and secure a spot, passengers can complete the whole booking process online, either through ferry companies directly or via online agents who compare prices for the lowest fares.
Book directly with the main carriers operating cross-channel routes. Brittany Ferries, P&O, LD Lines, Condor, Stena and DFDS all process online bookings. Each also offers the option of making a reservation by phone. You need a credit or debit card and the name, age and gender of each passenger traveling. Tickets need to be paid for in advance -- 46 days in advance for Brittany Ferries, for example, or 42 days for Stena Line. Ferry companies will send you a booking reference number rather than a ticket. Passengers present the reference number at the port to receive their tickets. With online agents, passengers receive a similar email confirmation which details the ferry company and passage details.
Ferry fares are usually quoted either for a single foot passenger or for a single vehicle, typically with up to nine passengers. For a nominal fee, you can also upgrade to priority boarding on the day of travel. When booking, you will need to provide details of the vehicle, including its weight, identified as the laden axle weight in the vehicle manual, make and model, since ferry companies allocate space by category. All passengers require passports to travel to the Continent, including children under the age of 16. Make sure you have a valid driving license, registration and insurance documents, as well as first aid kit, security triangle, breathalyzer kit and at least two fluorescent vests, all of which are mandatory for driving in France.
The two main options for ferry travel between England and France are the short crossing between Dover and Calais, or overnight crossings to ports Normandy and Brittany. Take the late night Portsmouth to Caen service on Brittany Ferries, for example, and you can reserve an overnight cabin for the eight-hour journey and enjoy self-service restaurants, live music and cabaret, movies and free Wi-Fi. Alternatively, the trip from Dover to Calais on P&O takes 90 minutes with 25 crossings a day during summer. The shorter crossings are more attractive for foot passengers and cyclists, but offer less on-board entertainment. Reduce the fares for the overnight crossings by opting for a no-frills ticket with limited dining and overnight accommodation in a reserved reclining seat.
For an overnight crossing, you will normally need to reserve on-board accommodation, either in a cabin or seat. It is not usually possible to book an open return and most companies require the same number of passengers per vehicle for the outward and return leg of the journey. If it is possible members of your party will find their own way back, book single tickets instead. Bookings can only be made for one vehicle at a time, each with a designated lead driver, who is automatically the person making the booking unless specified otherwise. If taking an RV, check the restrictions on clearance and width as restrictions apply. Bookings can be amended, but ferry companies and agents apply administration fees or penalties for doing so.
