Because you can't always get back to your car once a ferry sets sail, a little thought about what to pack — and where to keep it — makes any crossing more comfortable. The key is a well-stocked day bag you take up with you.
What you need depends on the crossing: a quick hop needs almost nothing, while a long or overnight sailing rewards a bit more planning. This guide runs through it, with a handy checklist.
by Len
The golden rule: a day bag
On most ferries you can't return to your car during the crossing, as the car deck is closed at sea. So the single most useful thing is to pack a day bag with everything you'll want on board, and take it up with you.
Keep tickets, documents, medication and valuables in this bag rather than leaving them in the car. Everything else can stay in the boot.
Essentials for any crossing
Whatever the route, keep these in your day bag:
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Tickets and documents: booking reference, ID or passports where needed
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Medication: anything you take regularly, plus travel-sickness remedies
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Money and cards: for on-board cafés, shops and duty-free
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Phone and charger: plus a power bank for longer crossings
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A layer: it can be breezy on deck even in summer
For a longer or overnight crossing
On long or overnight sailings, add:
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Overnight kit: toothbrush, essentials and a change of clothes if you're in a overnight cabin
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Entertainment: a book, tablet or downloaded shows for the hours at sea
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Snacks and water: handy between meals, though there's catering on board
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Comfort items: an eye mask, earplugs or a travel pillow for sleeping
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Warm layers: for time out on deck, especially at night
Travelling with children
With children, a little extra packing pays off:
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Snacks and drinks: to keep everyone happy between meals
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Activities: toys, colouring or a tablet for the crossing
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Spare clothes: and any baby-changing essentials
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Comforter: a favourite toy or blanket for naps
What to leave in the car
If you're driving, plenty can simply stay in the boot — main luggage, bulky items and anything you won't need until you arrive. There's no point hauling it all upstairs.
Just make sure anything you might want during the crossing, and anything valuable, comes with you in your day bag before you leave the car deck.
Quick packing checklist
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Day bag: tickets, ID/passport, medication, money, phone, charger, a layer
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Long crossing: snacks, water, entertainment, power bank
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Overnight: wash kit, change of clothes, eye mask, earplugs, travel pillow
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With kids: snacks, activities, spare clothes, comforter
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In the car: main luggage and anything not needed until arrival
Related guides
For more, see our guides on ferry luggage allowances, choosing a cabin or seat, and seasickness tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for a ferry crossing?
A day bag with tickets, ID, medication, money, phone and charger, and a warm layer — plus overnight and entertainment items for longer sailings.
Can I get back to my car during the crossing?
Usually not — the car deck is closed at sea, so take everything you'll need on board with you in a day bag.
What should I pack for an overnight ferry?
Add a wash kit, a change of clothes, comfort items like an eye mask and earplugs, and some snacks and entertainment for the hours on board.
Do I need to bring food on a ferry?
Not necessarily — most ferries have cafés or restaurants — but snacks and water are handy, especially on longer crossings or with children.
What can I leave in the car?
Main luggage and anything you won't need until you arrive can stay in the boot. Keep documents, valuables and essentials with you.