Trip between the UK and France: ferry or LeShuttle?

Travelling between the UK and France may already be on your bucket list, but one important question remains: should you cross the Channel by ferry or with LeShuttle?

Both options have their advantages. Ferries offer a relaxing journey with plenty of space and onboard facilities, while LeShuttle is the fastest option for crossing between the UK and France with a vehicle. On Ferryhopper, we can help you compare the two and choose the best option for your trip.

Disclaimer: yes, this is Ferryhopper, not Tunnelcrosser; but ferries and LeShuttle are both on our radar. Read on!

Two large ferries close to the port of Calais in France

How to travel between the UK and France

If you’re planning to explore the UK or France by car, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is how to cross the English Channel: by ferry or with LeShuttle?

Ferries between the UK and France depart from Dover, Newhaven, Portsmouth, Poole, and Plymouth. They arrive at the French ports of Calais, Dunkirk, Dieppe, Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, St-Malo, and Roscoff. The shortest and most frequent crossing is Dover - Calais, which usually lasts 1.5 hours. Other ferry routes include Dover - Dunkirk and Newhaven - Dieppe, as well as longer western Channel crossings connecting Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth with Normandy and Brittany. These routes are currently operated by ferry companies DFDS, P&O Ferries, Brittany Ferries, and Irish Ferries.

As for LeShuttle, it carries vehicles through the Channel Tunnel between Folkestone and Calais. Services run several times a day, and the crossing takes around 35 minutes.

Tip: to see all available options for your trip, check out our guide to ferries to France from the UK.

Why take a ferry between the UK and France?

Although ferries generally take longer than LeShuttle, the journey can be part of the travel experience rather than simply a way to cross the Channel. 

Here are some of the main advantages of travelling by ferry:

• Travelling by ferry will give you the opportunity to take a relaxing break from driving, move freely on the vessel and enjoy the sea breeze from the deck.
• If you’re travelling as part of a large group, you can spend the crossing together in one of the vessel’s communal areas.
• Ferries usually have cafés, restaurants, lounges, shops, and other onboard facilities.
• Longer crossings allow you to relax or sleep in a cabin before continuing your journey.
• With several UK and French ports to choose from, you can select a route that brings you closer to your final destination and potentially reduce the amount of driving required.
• The ferry can also be a more child-friendly option, particularly if your little ones would rather explore the ferry than remain in the car.
• Most ferry routes accept foot passengers, allowing you to travel between the UK and France without a vehicle. By contrast, LeShuttle is only available to passengers travelling with a vehicle.

View of the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover from the deck of a ferry

Why travel with LeShuttle?

LeShuttle may be the better option if you want a fast crossing and a wide choice of departure times.

Its key advantages include:

• The crossing between Folkestone and Calais takes only around 35 minutes, making it the fastest way to cross the Channel with a vehicle.
• Services operate frequently throughout the day, providing a wide choice of departure times.
• As the journey takes place inside the Channel Tunnel, it is not affected by rough seas.
• Pets can remain with you in your vehicle during the crossing, provided all applicable travel requirements are met.

LeShuttle is especially practical if you are driving between London or South East England and Calais, northern France, Belgium or other destinations in north-western Europe.

Ferry or LeShuttle: which one is cheaper?

How much does the ferry to France from the UK cost? Passenger tickets for UK - France ferries start at around €37 per person, while vehicle fares start at approximately €40. Ferry fares are generally calculated according to the number and age of the passengers, as well as the vehicle type, route, and travel date. Discounts are usually available for infants and children.

LeShuttle tickets start at over €130 for a one-way journey from the UK to France. However, prices are charged per vehicle rather than per passenger, and you can travel with up to 9 people in the same vehicle for the same basic fare. This means LeShuttle may offer better value for families and larger groups, despite its higher starting price.

Ultimately, the cheapest option depends on the number of passengers, whether you are travelling with a vehicle, and your chosen departure date. A ferry will generally be the more affordable option for foot passengers, solo travellers, and couples, while LeShuttle may be more cost-effective for larger groups sharing one vehicle.

Ferry crossing the English Channel during sunset

Book your Channel crossing on Ferryhopper 

Ready to travel between the UK and France? On Ferryhopper, you can compare ferry and LeShuttle schedules and prices, choose the crossing that suits you, and book your tickets quickly and easily with no hidden fees.