For many trips to the islands or the continent, you've got a choice: fly, or take the ferry. Flying usually wins on raw speed, but that's only part of the picture — and once you count the whole door-to-door journey, the gap often narrows.
The ferry has real strengths: your car, generous luggage, pets, and a calmer journey. This guide compares the two honestly, so you can pick what suits your trip.
by Len
Speed and the door-to-door journey
On paper, flying is far quicker. But the flight itself is only one part — add getting to the airport, checking in early, security, boarding, waiting for bags and travelling from the arrival airport, and the real door-to-door time grows.
Ferries have their own overheads, but for shorter crossings, or when the port is closer than the airport, the total journey can be surprisingly competitive.
Cost
Cost depends heavily on how you travel:
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Solo with hand luggage: budget flights can be very cheap and hard to beat
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Families: ferry fares are often per vehicle plus passengers, which can work out well for groups
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With a car: no need to hire one at the other end, a big saving on the ferry side
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Extras: flights add up with bags, seats and transfers; ferries bundle more in
Taking your car
This is where the ferry has a clear edge:
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Your own vehicle: arrive with your car, packed and ready for a road trip
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No car hire: skip the cost and hassle of renting at your destination
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Freedom: explore on your own schedule once you land
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Motorhomes and campers: the ferry is the natural, often only, choice
Luggage
Luggage strongly favours the ferry:
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Generous allowances: no strict weight limits or per-bag fees
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No weigh-in: pack the car or bring what you can carry
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Bulky items: bikes, sports kit and gear travel easily
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Flying: baggage fees and limits can add a lot to a cheap fare
Pets
For pet owners, the ferry is usually the kinder option:
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Your dog comes with you: your dog comes with you, not in an aircraft hold
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Pet-friendly cabins: available on many longer crossings
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Less stress: a calmer experience for anxious animals
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Flying: carrying pets is far more restricted and stressful
Comfort and experience
The feel of the journey is very different:
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Room to move: walk around, eat a proper meal, sit out on deck
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The journey as part of the trip: sea views, sunsets and sometimes wildlife
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No cramped seats: more space than an economy cabin, especially with a cabin of your own
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Downsides: crossings take longer, and rough seas can affect some travellers
When each one wins
A simple way to decide:
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Fly if: you're travelling light, solo or as a couple, and speed matters most
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Take the ferry if: you're bringing a car, pets, lots of luggage, or travelling as a family
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Ferry for the journey: if you'd rather enjoy the trip than rush it
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Consider the whole route: compare true door-to-door time and total cost, not just the headline fare
Related guides
For more, see our guides on taking your car on a ferry, travelling with pets, and ferry luggage allowances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to take the ferry or fly?
It depends — budget flights can be cheapest for solo travellers with hand luggage, while ferries often work out better for families, or anyone taking a car.
Is the ferry slower than flying?
The crossing is slower than a flight, but once you add airport time, check-in, security and transfers, the door-to-door gap is often smaller than it looks.
Why take the ferry instead of flying?
To bring your own car, travel with pets, carry generous luggage, avoid airport stress, and enjoy a more spacious, scenic journey.
Can I take my pet more easily on a ferry than a plane?
Yes — on a ferry your pet travels with you, often in a pet-friendly cabin, rather than in an aircraft hold, which is far less stressful.
When is flying the better choice?
When you're travelling light, solo or as a couple, without a car or pets, and speed is your top priority.