Cheap Ferry Tickets

Until a few years ago ferry fares had been relatively expensive, but recent years have seen prices being driven low due to extra competition in the way of number of operators and ferry routes available. Price competition has in fact become so fierce that one of the leading cheap ferry operators, Speed Ferries, went into receivership in late 2008. However the Dover to Boulogne service that was previously operated by Speed Ferries was soon replaced by an equivalent service by LD Lines who took advantage of the gap in the market.

For many people the cost of a ferry is a secondary consideration after convenience and some ferry operators rely on the popularity (and exclusivity) of their routes to keep their fares comparatively high. However, the companies servicing the shorter ferry routes offer little convenience over one another and are thus forced to compete on price alone. This means that the very cheapest ferry routes are those that are shorter, but the trade-off is these are often less convenient unless you're actually planning to stay in the north-east of France. If your destination is further west or south then the shorter routes will mean you'll have more continental driving to do, but for many this compromise is far outweighed by the savings they make. However, you need to be aware that in the current financial climate, with the ever-increasing cost of fuel and the current performance of the pound against the Euro, the extra miles you might need to drive in France could eat into any savings you make.

How to Find a Cheap Ferry

The pricing structure of ferry tickets can be confusing for first time travellers; while attractive fares are offered on "day trips" and single tickets, return fares are sometimes less of a bargain. If you're taking a touring caravan or are driving a van-based vehicle you'll likely pay a premium, and as with many online purchases you also need to be wary of additional extras that are excluded from initial pricing quotes.

If you're willing to sacrifice the convenience of longer ferry routes to save some money then there are some excellent deals to be had on fares. The following tips should help you get the best deal and secure a cheap ferry ticket:

Firstly, and this will sound obvious, but compare different ferry operators. Make sure that you compare like for like, including days and times, and include additional fees you'll need to pay.
Check prices for off peak travel - nighttime and mid week fares are usually much cheaper than the more popular weekend daytime crossings, but avoid long overnight crossings where you'll pay a premium for accommodation
Check the price of two single tickets rather than a return fare. This will also allow you to book your incoming and outgoing legs with different ferry operators and even on different routes, which could also be beneficial if you're on a touring holiday and don't necessarily want to drive back to your port of arrival.
Try to factor in the additional fuel costs you might incur by opting for a shorter crossing. In some cases you might find that you save very little money depending on your final destination. In cases like these you really need to weigh up the benefits of saving this marginal amount against the inconvenience caused by additional driving. At the end of the day you're the only person who can make this decision!
Avoid fast "sea cat" crossings and opt instead for a traditional ferry, as you pay a premium for the extra speed and convenience that "fast ferry" crossings provide.