Luggage packed in a car boot for a ferry trip.

Ferry Luggage Allowance

One of the quiet joys of ferry travel is how relaxed it is about luggage. There's no frantic weighing of cases, no drip-fed baggage fees — for most travellers, what you can carry or fit in your car is what you can bring.

That said, there are sensible limits, and a few things you can't take. This guide covers how luggage works for both drivers and foot passengers, and what to keep in mind.

L

Len

Guide Author

Table of Contents

The relaxed rule

Compared with flying, ferries are wonderfully generous about luggage. There's usually no strict weight limit and no per-bag charge, which is a big part of why families and road-trippers love the ferry.

The practical limit is simply what fits in your car, or what you can carry as a foot passenger — not an airline-style allowance.

Taking a car

Travelling with a vehicle, luggage is very simple:

  • ● Fill the car: pack the boot and seats as you would for any road trip
  • ● Roof boxes and racks: allowed, but declare them when booking as they affect your dimensions
  • ● No weighing: there's no baggage weigh-in as at an airport
  • ● Take essentials up: you can't return to the car at sea, so bring what you need on board

Foot passengers

On foot the rules are still generous, but you carry your own bags:

  • ● Sensible allowance: typically a couple of cases plus hand luggage, more than any airline
  • ● You carry it: you'll move your bags from check-in to the ship and to your seat or cabin
  • ● Trolleys: some terminals have trolleys, but don't count on them
  • ● Store on board: luggage racks are usually available near the passenger lounges

What you can't bring

A few restrictions still apply:

  • ● Dangerous goods: flammable, explosive or hazardous items are not allowed
  • ● Fuel and gas: spare fuel cans and gas cylinders have strict rules, especially for motorhomes
  • ● Certain foods across borders: some food and plant items can't be taken into the EU
  • ● Duty-free limits: allowances apply to alcohol and tobacco on international routes

Motorhomes and gas

If you're travelling in a motorhome or campervan, gas needs care:

  • ● Declare gas cylinders: tell the operator, as there are rules on carrying and turning them off
  • ● Turn off at the valve: gas is normally required to be turned off during the crossing
  • ● Check the route rules: requirements vary, so confirm with your operator before you travel

Tips

A few final pointers:

  • ● Pack a day bag: keep essentials in one bag to take up from the car or to your seat
  • ● Label your bags: helpful if you're storing them on a luggage rack
  • ● Don't overpack to carry: as a foot passenger, remember you're carrying it all yourself
  • ● Check duty-free limits: know the allowances before stocking up on international routes

For more, see our guides on what to pack for a ferry crossing, taking a ferry without a car, and taking your car on a ferry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a luggage limit on ferries?

Not a strict one like airlines. With a car you bring what fits; on foot you bring what you can reasonably carry — usually a couple of cases plus hand luggage.

Do ferries charge for luggage?

Generally no — there's no per-bag fee or weigh-in as with flying, which is one of the big advantages of ferry travel.

Can I bring a roof box or bike rack?

Yes — but declare them when booking, as they add to your vehicle's dimensions and can affect the fare.

What can't I take on a ferry?

Dangerous goods, spare fuel and certain gas, some foods across EU borders, and anything over duty-free limits on international routes.

How does luggage work for foot passengers?

You can bring a generous amount, but you carry it yourself from check-in to the ship and to your seat or cabin, using luggage racks on board.

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