Can you drive from France to England? Sort of! Here’s how.

In 2023, England welcomed no less than 3.2 million crossings from France. Many of those travelers brought their vehicles. But how? To get to England from France with your car, you can either take a ferry or a shuttle train underneath the Channel Tunnel. Here, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of the two options, as well as inform you of departure cities, ferry and train schedules, and crossing prices.

In this article:

• Different ways to cross the English Channel by car
• Where to depart from when crossing the Channel
  • From Pas-de-Calais
  • From Normandy
  • From Brittany
• Practical tips for getting to England with a car
  • Do you need a Passport to go to England?
  • Driving in England
• Train or ferry: what’s the best way to cross the Channel by car?

How to cross the English Channel by car

London at sunset: See the Tower Bridge and the city’s glittering skyline bathed in perfect evening light. Source: iStock

It can be easy to forget that Great Britain is actually an island. There’s no bridge connecting the country to the European continent — if there was, it would have to be 33.3 km long, which is the closest point between the French and English coasts at the Strait of Dover! Since no such bridge exists, we’ll have to go over the water…or under it.

Crossing the English Channel with your car by ferry

Cars ready to be transported aboard a ferry connecting the United Kingdom to France under clear skies. Source: Freepik

A variety of departure cities

This is probably the main advantage of taking the ferry to cross the English Channel with your car. Unlike the rail alternative, the maritime option offers numerous departure points from Brittany, Normandy, and Pas-de-Calais. This can be a crucial factor in choosing your mode of transport to England, depending on where you are driving from.

Less time behind the wheel

With ports located throughout northwestern France, you may have to drive less than you would to reach Calais, which is the only option when accessing the train, (especially if you are coming from the western or southern regions of the country). What’s more, once on the boat, you won’t have to stay in your car. This is something to consider if you are traveling with children who may become impatient after too much time in the car.

Travel comfort 

After a smooth boarding process, you can leave your car in a special garage deck and enjoy all the services on board your ship. It’s nice to be able to stretch your legs after hours of driving, stroll on the outside deck, or simply read the latest summer thriller in one of the comfortable armchairs in the large lounge! And when you take the boat, a simple means of transport becomes a real experience that is an integral part of your vacation!

Crossing the English Channel by train

Cars, motorhomes, and all other types of vehicles are welcome on board. Source: LeShuttle

Although the ferry is already a great option for traveling to England with your car or motorhome, the undersea tunnel, which has been operating since 1994, also has a few advantages in its favor.

Speed of crossing

Once underway, the Channel Tunnel train takes just 35 minutes to reach Folkestone from Calais. This is significantly faster than the ferry, and for good reason: in the dry confines of the tunnel, the train can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h. So, for those who are anxious about traveling underwater, don’t worry too much: you won’t be spending too long in the depths.

Departure Frequency

Trains connecting Calais (France) to Folkestone (England) run every day of the year and operate almost 24/7. Departures are frequent from the terminals, allowing you to organize your trip with greater flexibility.

The possibility of a daytrip 

The train allows you to cross the Channel with your car to England and return to France on the same day, or the next day, without feeling like you’ve wasted too much time on transportation. If you live in northern France and want to take a quick trip or a long weekend in London, for example, this is a great option!

Where can I cross the English Channel with my car?

The magnificent fortified town of Saint-Malo, in Brittany, also has a major port from which numerous ferries depart for Great Britain. Source: freepik.

Once again, the choice depends mainly on where you are coming from. If you are driving from Belgium, northern France, or the Grand Est region, the ports or terminals in Pas-de-Calais will probably suit you best. If you are coming from the capital, Normandy is the place to consider. As for Brittany, you will find it most convenient if you are coming from the south of France.

One thing is certain: you will have more than one option for crossing the English Channel with your car from the French coast! To help you make your choice, here are all the possible sea and rail connections:

From Calais

⛴️ Calais – Dover

This is often the preferred route for traveling to England from France. It’s ideal for getting to London in less than two hours after leaving the ship.

• Crossing time: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
• Ferry companies: P&O Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries
• Average price: €104 for 1 car and 2 passengers
• 🎟️ Tickets Available

🚇 Calais – Folkestone

The fastest route is via the Channel Tunnel train operated by LeShuttle, formerly Eurotunnel. And although we specialize in ferries, you can also buy Channel Tunnel train tickets on our platform!

• Crossing time: Approx. 35 minutes
• Train company: LeShuttle
• Average price: €123 for 1 car and 2 passengers (although 9 are allowed per 1 vehicle booking)
• 🎟️ Tickets Available

⛴️ Dunkirk – Dover

An interesting alternative if you are coming from Belgium, with less traffic and a faster crossing.

• Crossing time: Approx. 2 hours
• Ferry company: DFDS
• Average price: €115 for 1 car and 2 passengers
• 🎟️ Tickets Available

From Normandy

⛴️ Caen – Portsmouth

The perfect option for overnight travel, with comfortable cabins and facilities on board.

• Crossing time: Approx. 7 hours
• Ferry company: Brittany Ferries
• Average price: ~€200 for 1 car, 1 cabin and 2 passengers
• 🎟️ Tickets Available

⛴️ Dieppe – Newhaven

One of the shortest crossings to the beautiful city of Sussex.

• Crossing time: Approx. 4 hours
• Ferry company: DFDS
• Average price: ~€170 for 1 car, 1 cabin and 2 passengers
• 🎟️ Tickets Available

⛴️ Cherbourg – Portsmouth

Depart from the tip of Normandy, from one of the largest ports in western France.

• Crossing time: Approx. 6 hours
• Ferry company: Brittany Ferries
• Average price: €96 for 1 car and 2 passengers
• 🎟️ Tickets Available

 ⛴️ Cherbourg – Poole

A slightly shorter crossing from Cherbourg, ideal for exploring the popular Dorset region.

• Crossing time: 5 hours for daytime crossings and 10 hours overnight
• Ferry company: Brittany Ferries
• Average price: €220 for 1 car and 2 passengers
• 🎟️ Tickets Available

From Brittany

⛴️ Roscoff – Plymouth

The best option for residents of Finistère in Brittany!

• Crossing time: Approx. 5 hours
• Ferry company: Brittany Ferries
• Average price: €163 for 1 car and 2 passengers
• 🎟️ Tickets Available

⛴️ Saint-Malo – Portsmouth

Perfect if you are coming from the south of France or the Aquitaine region.

• Crossing time: Approx. 5 hours
• Ferry company: Brittany Ferries
• Average price: €251 for 1 car and 2 passengers
• 🎟️ Tickets Available

Want to find out about all the sea and rail routes, check out offers and promotions, and learn more about the companies operating the crossings? Read our detailed article on travel between France and England!

Practical tips for traveling to England with your car

Driving in the United Kingdom is an art form! On the streets of London, you can encounter everything from typical London taxis to horse-drawn carriages pulled by spirited horses! Source: Unsplash.

Do you need a passport to travel to England?

Yes. Since April 2, 2025, European Union citizens must also present a valid passport and an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK.

But don’t worry: we’ve summarized everything you need to know about entering the UK as a European Union citizen in this article. Read it before you take the train or boat to put your mind at ease.

Our advice: Remember to renew your passport in advance, if you haven’t already done so.

Driving in England

If you are planning to cross the Channel with your car, take the time to read these few lines. England is particularly well suited to road trips, nature breaks, or coastal getaways! If you are crossing the Channel by car, don’t hesitate to bring your leisure equipment: surfboard, tent, or bicycle. Here are some useful recommendations to help you prepare for driving in the United Kingdom and avoid any unpleasant surprises once you arrive.

Documents required for driving in the UK:

• Your license: Any national license issued by a European Union country or an international license is recognized in the United Kingdom.
• Vehicle registration document
• Insurance certificate or documents

In England, you have to drive on the left side of the road!

Be careful when leaving the ferry or train terminal. Whether you are in a car, on a motorcycle, or on a bicycle, remember that in the United Kingdom, traffic drives on the left. It takes a little time to get used to, but the signage is very clear and will guide you effectively as soon as you arrive.

Be particularly careful when driving outside cities, at intersections, or when leaving a parking lot. If you are driving your own vehicle, it is often easier to get used to.

So, train or ferry? Which should you choose to cross the English Channel with your car?

Being well prepared will help you enjoy a stress-free trip. Source: Pexels.

It all depends on your budget, the size of your vehicle, whether you are traveling with children, your tourist itinerary in the United Kingdom, and, above all, where you are driving from to reach the English coast. But here is our suggested answer:

🚇 Choose the train if:

• You are coming from northern France, eastern France, or Belgium.
•  You want a short crossing.
•  You plan to travel to London or the surrounding area.
•  You are traveling alone.
•  Driving long distances is not a problem for you.
•  You want frequent departures for a more flexible trip.

⛴️ Choose the ferry if:

• You are coming from further south in France
•  You want to enjoy the experience of crossing the water
•  Your tourist itinerary in the United Kingdom focuses on landscapes and nature rather than the city
•  You are traveling with your family
•  You are looking for more economical routes offered by certain companies

Either way, you can do it with Ferryscanner.

iPhone? Android? Either way, you’re going to have a great trip. Source: Ferryscanner

Whether you decide to take the train or the ferry to the UK, you can already book your tickets (including your car!) on the Ferryscanner platform or on our mobile app. We’ve already given you a rough estimate of prices based on different departure cities, but if you search on Ferryscanner, you’ll find prices updated in real time.

Follow our advice and you’ll be on the English coast in no time. It just goes to show that Brexit hasn’t deterred the French from visiting their British friends. The page has turned since the Hundred Years’ War!