Ferries

Arriving at Port

Ferry companies are now issuing Ticket on Departure. Keep reference number handy. You must arrive at the port about one hour prior to sailing. If you should miss your ferry, your ticket is usually valid for any sailing, but only subject to availability.

Ferry companies reserve the right to make an amendment charge at the port if you do not travel on the sailing booked, particularly if you change your price band, or if your vehicle is longer or higher than that shown on the ticket. It may mean applying to the ticket office and queueing to await any cancellations particularly if you have an overheight vehicle, such as a caravan or motorhome, as overheight vehicle space is limited on long sea routes. On arrival at the port, you go through ticket control and passport control together.

In most embarkation lounges, there are toilets, disabled facilities and baby-changing facilities along with refreshments in cafés/bars or vending machines.

Staying Overnight at the Port

For holidaymakers with caravans and motorhomes it is possible to pull up for the night at the following ports -Cherbourg, Caen and Dunkerque. You can also stay overnight at Poole and Plymouth. This is particularly useful if you arrive at the port from one of the late afternoon or evening sailings or wish to get an early morning crossing.

There are also a good number of overnight sites near all the ports.

Loading Procedure

Ferry Loading Procedure is usually in accordance with a pre-determined plan depending on length, height, width and weight to comply with security regulations. Sometimes, therefore, you may have to wait longer than others. Disabled passengers should let the staff at the check-in desk know if they need to be parked next to a lift to get from the vehicle deck to the passenger decks. They will then inform the loading staff who will make sure that you are parked in the correct position and give any assistance needed. You are also expected to ensure that your car alarm is not activated which means locking the car manually or deactivating the alarm. Access to the vehicle decks is prohibited during the crossing, so take everything you need from the car with you.

Take note of the number or letter of your vehicle deck to help you relocate your vehicle when it comes to disembarkation.

On-Board Accommodation

If you have sleeping accommodation booked, claim this as soon as you have boarded.

If you require accommodation ask at the information desk for availability. If you have a cabin, you will be woken up early in the morning, to allow you to breakfast. Listen carefully to all Public Address announcements and once you have rejoined your vehicle for disembarkation, do not start your engine until told to do so. This avoids polluting the air on the vehicle decks.

On-Board Services

On board there are usually a cafeteria, restaurant, shops, bar, telephones, games rooms with electronic games and a play area for small children. Films are usually screened in the cinema on long-sea crossings.

Ferry Companies

Eurotunnel travellers on arrival at the terminal at Folkestone, report directly to the Check-in point for Tickets purchased in Advance where you will receive boarding instructions. When you have loaded leave the windows open so that you can hear announcements during the journey. Please stay in or near your vehicle and ensure that children are supervised at all times. Toilets are located in every third wagon. There are no refreshments on board, so it is a good idea to take some drinks and light snacks with you in the car. The train will enter the Tunnel a minute or two after leaving the platform and normally arrives 27 minutes later in France.
Vehicles fitted with LPG containers to power domestic services e.g. cooking, refrigeration, heating and water heaters are accepted as long as the containers are switched off, weigh no more than 47kg and are not more than 80% full. If your vehicle is fitted with such a container, you must declare this at Check-In.LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and dual powered vehicles (i.e. vehicles fitted with an LPG tank as an alternative fuel) cannot be accepted for transport by Eurotunnel.

Ferry Routes