Fare comparison
Ferries to Ireland: costs and fares
How to compare dynamic ferry fares for the same journey
- Compare final prices for your dates in the booking window
- Enter the same vehicle, passengers, cabin and flexibility each time
- For the landbridge, include both ferries and the drive through Great Britain
Ferries to Ireland: make fares comparable
Why one headline fare is not enough
A foot passenger, a car with two people and a long motorhome are three different products. A cabin, pet or flexible fare also changes the total. A static starting price without those details would be misleading and might already be out of date for the next travel day. That is why this page deliberately avoids manually maintained fare figures.
Use the booking window on the relevant route page for the current price. The comparison is only reliable when the date, direction, number and age of passengers, vehicle dimensions, cabin and fare terms are the same.
Three useful comparison scenarios
| Scenario | Include in the calculation | An often-overlooked cost |
|---|---|---|
| Direct route from mainland Europe | Ferry, vehicle, passengers, cabin, pet | Is the cabin included or booked separately? |
| Landbridge via Great Britain | First crossing, fuel, tolls, second crossing | Buffer time or an overnight stay between separate bookings |
| Motorhome or vehicle with trailer | Full vehicle dimensions, trailer, cabin | Bike rack, roof box and other attachments |
For Dublin, compare Cherbourg - Dublin with a Channel crossing followed by Holyhead - Dublin. For the south-east, compare direct sailings to Rosslare with departures from Fishguard and Pembroke. If your destination is Cork or Kerry, Roscoff - Cork may reduce the distance you need to drive in Ireland.
Enter the vehicle and cabin correctly
Do not automatically select “car” if a roof box, rear rack or trailer changes the booking category. The motorhome guide has a measurement checklist. Also check whether the booking requires a reserved seat or cabin and whether pet accommodation costs extra.
On Dunkirk - Rosslare, a cabin and meals are included in the offer. On other routes, cabins, reclining seats and food may be separate extras. Compare the complete package, not just the first figure in the search results.
Fare conditions are part of the price
A low fare can prove costly if your plans change. Before paying, check:
- whether and until when you can amend the booking,
- what difference you would pay for a new fare,
- whether cancellation is possible,
- whether outbound and return journeys are linked,
- which seller you are booking with and who handles changes.
The route pages lead to our partner Direct Ferries' booking window unless a suitable direct option is used. The total and conditions shown for the selected offer are authoritative. Also check departure times and operational changes in the timetable and in your booking confirmation on the day of travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ - Ferry costs to Ireland
Clear answers to the main questions about fares and ways to save.
Which route to Ireland is cheapest?+
There is no reliable answer without a travel date and vehicle. Compare a direct route with the full landbridge cost: the first ferry or tunnel, fuel, possible tolls, the second ferry and an overnight stay if needed. Only then are the options comparable.
How can I save money on a ferry to Ireland?+
Try neighbouring travel dates and compare fare types with their amendment and cancellation terms. Enter the same passenger numbers, pet, cabin and vehicle dimensions every time. For a motorhome, include bike racks, roof fittings and trailers.
Does a larger vehicle cost more?+
Yes. Operators classify vehicles using the booking category and the dimensions you provide. Measure the full length and height including any attachments. The booking window shows the limits for that operator; there is no single vehicle classification across all routes.