If you’re planning a family trip to France, it’s easy to default to booking flights. But once you factor in transfers, check-in queues, baggage restrictions and the general stress of getting a family through an airport, ferry travel starts to look a lot more appealing. Here are 8 top reasons why families should consider ferry travel to France instead.
#1. Travelling with kids by ferry is easy
Travelling with kids by ferry can feel like a holiday in itself from the moment you step on board. There’s space to move around, places to explore, and none of the “sit still and wait” pressure that comes with a flight.
#2. Kids will enjoy the adventure
You don’t have to worry about restless children strapped into seats for the whole journey — the ship itself is one big adventure for them to explore.
#3. No baggage weight restrictions
Travelling by car and ferry means you’re free to pack as much as you need, without weighing every bag beforehand. Fancy bringing the bikes, the buggy, or extra beach gear? There’s no baggage allowance stopping you.
#4. No airport hassle
There’s no shuffling everyone and everything from the car park to the terminal, through security, through the gate, and onto the plane. With a ferry, you simply drive on.
#5. No standing in queues
The only queue you’ll need is the one to board the ferry, and you can wait it out in the comfort of your own car instead of standing in line with tired kids and heavy bags.
#6. You’ll save money on car hire
Since your own car travels with you, there’s no need to arrange car hire, car seat rental or extra insurance on the other side — a saving that adds up for families.
Recommended Reading: 10 Fun Things to Do with Kids at Ferry Destinations in France and Spain
#7. No airline food
Not a fan of airline meals? On a ferry crossing, you can enjoy a proper sit-down dinner on board, giving your holiday a head start before you’ve even landed in France.
#8. Arrive refreshed
On longer crossings, booking an overnight cabin means the whole family can get a proper night’s sleep and arrive ready to make the most of the holiday, rather than starting it exhausted.
Recommended Reading: 10 Of the Best Family Camping Spots in Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ferry travel to France cheaper than flying with a family?
It depends on the route, time of year and how much luggage or how many cars are travelling, but families often find ferry travel works out better value once car hire, baggage fees and airport transfers are added into the cost of flying.
How long does a ferry crossing to France take?
Crossing times vary widely depending on the departure port and destination, from short daytime crossings to longer overnight sailings. Check with your chosen ferry operator for current crossing times on your route.
Is it worth booking a cabin for a ferry crossing with kids?
For overnight or longer crossings, a cabin gives the family a proper bed and some private space, which can make a big difference to how rested everyone feels on arrival.
Can we bring our own car on the ferry?
Yes — one of the main benefits of ferry travel is that you drive your own car onto the ferry and off again at the other side, so you have your own vehicle for the whole holiday.
Related Articles
- 10 Fun Things to Do with Kids at Ferry Destinations in France and Spain
- 10 Of the Best Family Camping Spots in Europe
- Family Holiday Packing Tips That Actually Work
Planning a ferry trip? Bookmark this article and share it with anyone in the family group chat who’s still on the fence about flying versus sailing.
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