Book Ferries Within the UK and Europe

Ferry Tickets in Europe and the UK

The most common reasons people take the ferry is because they're travelling with the car, have a pet or there are no airports at their destination. Ferries provide endless sea views, better leg room, and an all-around more relaxed travel experience — not to mention ferries are more eco-friendly than aeroplanes. Nothing beats arriving at a new locale by water! With Omio it’s easy to get ferry tickets to your dream location.

Europe is bursting with dynamic coastlines and historic port towns. From the volcanic island of Ischia in Italy to the stunning Greek harbours twinkling throughout the Aegean sea, it’s easy to get ferry tickets for Greece with Omio. Traveling by ferry and hydrofoil is one of the most exciting ways to discover new destinations in Europe and the UK. If you’re looking to avoid air-travel, don’t want to worry about baggage restrictions or you’re looking for comfort, then getting ferry tickets is a cheap, frequent and accessible way to travel. Many ferries have on-board dining, bars and cafes, lounge areas, cabins, ocean views and several decks to take in the fresh sea air. They run both during the day and overnight, which means getting ferry tickets is ideal when traveling with a big group or with your family.

Omio has teamed up with some of the top ferry companies in Europe to cover more than 700 ferry routes in Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Scandinavia and the UK. With Omio, you’ll be able to compare ferries with trains, buses and flights, find the most convenient option for your next trip, and book a ferry. Omio makes booking ferry tickets hassle-free; just jump on board and enjoy a smooth journey across the sea.

UK ferry routes you need to explore

Think the best way to travel around England is by car or train? Think again! Book a ferry from bustling port cities like Portsmouth and Liverpool and experience England’s beautiful coast from the water.

The UK has a long history of shipping and maritime travel, which is highlighted by the number of UK ferry routes. Choose from a range of famous seaports that offer cheap and easy journeys between the UK and mainland Europe. Well-known and popular port cities include Liverpool, Dover, Harwich and Holyhead, whilst popular destinations include France, Ireland, Dublin and Holland.

The Omio app covers the most popular UK ferry routes, including: Dover to Calais (France), Dover to Dunkirk (France), Liverpool to Dublin (Ireland), Holyhead to Dublin (Ireland), and Harwich to Hoek van Holland (the Hook of Holland). It’s easy to get ferry tickets online with Omio, allowing you to begin your exploration of Europe.

Ferry booking in Wales

The primary ferry ports in Wales are located in Fishguard, Holyhead and Pembroke. Keep these ports in mind if you’re trying to travel from Wales to Ireland by ferry.

Popoular ferry routes to and from Wales

Ferries tickets and hydrofoils from UK

There are numerous providers offering ferries from the UK to Europe, including P&O Ferries, Brittany Ferries, Stena Line, Condor Ferries and Irish Ferries. If you’re lucky, you might even get to ride on a hydrofoil, which is a type of ferry that appears to hover slightly above the water.

Top ferry companies in the UK

StenaLine

StenaLine is one of the largest ferry providers in Europe. Many of the most popular ferries to Europe from the UK are operated by StenaLine. Key UK ports for StenaLine ferries include Harwich, Belfast, Holyhead and Fishguard.

Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries is one of the most popular ferry operators in Ireland, with the two most popular ports being Dublin and Rosslare. From these ports, travellers can reach Pembroke, Holyhead and Dover in the UK, and Calais and Cherbourg in France.

DFDS

DFDS is a Danish company, with one of the largest ferry networks in Europe. Ferries to Europe from the UK run regularly from ports such as Dover, Newcastle and Newhaven.

Why get a ferry to France and other European destinations from the UK?

One of the most iconic sights aboard a ferry to France from the UK are the white cliffs of Dover, which you can view from the English Channel. It’s a short boat ride from Dover to Calais in France, from where you'll have immediate access to the rest of mainland Europe. When you get ferry tickets from the UK to Europe, you’ll find the ferries are well-equipped, run regular services and are a comfortable way of traveling to and from the UK. In addition, it’s easy to make a ferry booking, so you’ll be on your way before you know it. Get ferry tickets and take the short trip from Holyhead in Wales across the Irish Sea to Dublin. Visiting the Beatles’ stomping ground in Liverpool before heading to Ireland. Popular ferry providers from the UK include Stena Line, DFDS, and Brittany Ferries. Book a ferry now with Omio to get the best deals for your ferry holiday!

Ferry destinations in Ireland

The island of Ireland is just a stone’s throw away from the UK with ferry routes going into the ports of Dublin, Rosslare, Belfast and Larne. Amongst the most popular routes to Northern Ireland are a ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast, and a ferry from Cairnryan to Larne. Other routes that you can get ferry tickets for are to the Republic of Ireland, which include a ferry from Liverpool to Dublin, a ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and a ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare. It’s also possible to get direct ferry tickets from France and Ireland between Cherbourg and Rosslare.

Book a Ferry in Ireland

Whether you’re eager to explore the city of Belfast where the HMS Titanic was built, or keen to hear some Irish music in Dublin’s famous Temple Bar, there’s no better introduction to Ireland than through its rugged coastlines. Ferries to Ireland are served by Stena Line which operate routes from England, Scotland, Wales and France. Using the Omio app you can book ferry tickets, compare prices and timetables to find the best ferry journey to Ireland.

Ferry destinations in France with Brittany Ferries

It’s possible to get ferry tickets to a range of destinations in France from the UK with Brittany Ferries. These neighbouring countries are well connected with a variety of routes being offered. Popular routes include a ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo and Plymouth to Roscoff with Brittany Ferries. Alternatively, the short journey between Dover and Calais is a family favourite.

Ferry destinations from Italy

Italian ports welcome a huge number of holidaymakers and commuters making their journey from national ports to small coastal harbours and islands off the Italian mainland. Some of the most popular ports in Italy that you can get ferry tickets to include Venice, Naples and Amalfi with cheap and regular ferries operated by Tirennia, GNV, Grimaldi, SNAV, Anek Superfast, Alilauro, Travelmar, Fast Ferries, NLG and Positano Jet.

Book a Ferry: Popular ferry routes in Italy

The most popular ferry routes in Italy can be anything between 45 minutes long, on a ferry from Naples to Capri, or over 13 hours, if you choose the overnight ferry from Civitavecchia to Cagliari or Ancona to Split. Other popular routes among locals and tourists include a ferry from Palermo to Cagliari, a ferry from Naples to Sorrento and a ferry from Naples to Ponza.

You can also get ferry tickets from Italy to Croatia, with the popular route across the Adriatic sea travelling between Venice and Porec. In addition, you can make a ferry booking from Italy to France.

Ferries connecting the Gulf of Naples and the Amalfi Coast

The Gulf of Naples is an area noted for its breath-taking scenery. Stretching 9 miles wide, it includes the islands of Ischia, Procida and Capri, which are only a short distance from the historic city of Naples on the coast. The Gulf of Naples is one of the busiest areas of marine traffic in Italy, with ferries taking passengers across to the Amalfi coast.

The Amalfi coast boasts beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and picturesque villages perched along cliff edges. Popular destinations include: Positano, Ponza, Ventotene, Casamicciola, Forio, Sorrento, Minori, Maiori and Cetara, all of which are easy to reach by boat. Travellers also enjoy local wines and fresh fish dishes in this part of Italy.

There are two main hydrofoil and ferry companies operating around the Gulf of Naples. SNAV and Travelmar. No matter where you want to go in the Gulf of Naples or the Amalfi coast, you can compare services on Omio, choose the connection that is best for your trip, and book a ferry to your destination. Click on the links to book ferry tickets, discover new destinations, departure times, offers, onboard services and other useful tips for planning your vacation.

Ferries for the island of Sardinia

Nestled in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is one of Italy’s largest island and only a short ferry ride from the mainland. If you fancy a sea-journey over to the Costa Smerelda (Emerald Coast), there are direct routes to Sardinia’s main port towns of Alghero, Olbia, Caligari, and Porto Torres. There is also a direct ferry between Corsica and Sardinia, from the port of Bonifacio to Paulau (on Sardinia’s northern coast).

Ferries to and from Sicily

The island of Sicily is the largest in the Mediterranean and home to a rich culture of art and architecture, blending ancient traditions from Greece, Spain and North Africa. Famed for its local wine and world-famous food (think cannoli and Sicilian lemons), the island of Sicily has plenty to offer, and is served by multiple ferry routes from across Italy.

The Sicilian ports are Palermo, Messina and Catania. The main routes from mainland Italy to Sicily include a ferry from Naples to Palermo, a ferry from Livorno to Palermo, a ferry from Calabria to Messina and a ferry from Genoa to Palermo. Popular routes are served by GNV, Grimaldi and Tirrenia.

Ferries to and from Tuscany

Tuscany! Famous for the dramatic Apennine mountains and its capital city, Florence, home to Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ and Michelangelo’s ‘David’. Its ports may be less famous, but they are a great way to access this stunning part of Italy. Tuscany’s ports are Livorno, Piombino, and Orbettelo, with popular routes from Piombino to the island of Elba, from Orbotello to the island of Giglio, and from Livorno to Palermo. Follow the links for more information on prices, journey times, and ferry tickets.

Most popular ferry destinations from Greece

There’s no better way to travel in Greece than by ferry. Ferries in Greece offer the chance to hop between the breath-taking Greeks islands, some of which are only accessible by boat. There are three ports in the capital city Athens: Piraeus, Lavrio and Rafina. They offer multiple journeys to locations including the Dodecanese, North Aegean, Saronic islands, the Cyclades, the Sporades and to Crete. If your vacation is taking you to the north of Greece, you will also find ferries departing from the port of Thessaloniki.

There are multiple ferry operators that you can get ferry tickets with throughout Greece. These include: Grimaldi, Golden Star Ferries, Anek Superfast, Seajets and Fast Ferries. Smaller, local ferry operators also offer ferry tickets, which are available to book on Omio. Read on to discover all about the Greek islands, including popular routes, ferry operators and timetables.

What are the Ionian islands?

The Ionian islands are a group of seven islands to the west of mainland Greece in the Ionian sea. This is a popular island group for holidaymakers, which include the islands of Zakynthos, Zante, Ithaca, Corfu, Paxos and Kefalonia.

The two main ports on mainland Greece that you can get a ferry booking to the Ionian islands are Patras and Igoumenitsa. It’s possible to get daily ferry tickets from Igoumenitsa to Corfu with Kerkyra Lines and Kerkyra Seaways.

What are the Dodecanese?

The Dodecanese islands can be found in the southern Aegean sea and are formed of 15 larger islands and around 150 smaller ones. Their location on the southern-western coast of Turkey and to the southeast of Greece means these islands lay at an important cultural cross-roads throughout antiquity. They are famed for their medieval churches, Byzantine art and Ottoman influences. Among the most popular islands for visitors are Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Kalymnos and Leros with around five crossings in the winter and about three crossings per week in the summer to each from Piraeus (Athens). Blue Star Ferries serves the routes to the Dodacenese and offers weekly crossings to some of the smaller islands.

What are the North Aegean Islands?

The North Aegean islands are scattered across the most northerly of the Greek islands and can be found in the north-eastern Aegean sea. The islands are spread widely and include Ikaria, Limnos, Lesbos, Samos, Thassos, Fournoi and Chios, which is said to be the birthplace of the poet Homer. Blue Star Ferries and Seajets operates routes to these islands.

What are the Saronic Islands?

Located off the north-east tip of the Peloponnese and the Attica peninsula. These islands are the closest Greek islands to Athens making them an ideal place for a day trip or weekend escape from the city.

There are multiple, daily departures between the port of Piraeus in Athens and the islands of Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Agistri, and Spetses. The main ferry operators for ferry tickets to these islands are Anes Ferries and Blue Star Ferries. You can read more about the Saronic Gulf on our online magazine, The Window Seat.

What are the Cyclades?

Located in the heart of the Aegean sea, these islands are famed for their blue-domed churches and tiny cobbled streets. The Cyclades include the most popular Greek island-destinations of Mykonos, Santorini, Ios, Paros, Naxos and Milos. During the summer seasons, you can get ferry tickets for multiple crossings to the large Cycladic islands from the ports of Rafina and Piraeus in Athens. Weekly ferries are available to some of the smaller islands. It’s possible to make a ferry booking to these islands with Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries and Seajets.

What are the Sporades?

The Sporades are a group of scattered islands in the north-eastern Aegean sea and south of Mount Pelion. The four largest islands are Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros, while the smallest islands are uninhabited. The quickest ferry routes to the Sporades depart from the port of Volos in the Thessaly region, which is half-way up the country between the city of Athens and Thessaloniki. The port of Volos offers daily ferry tickets to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. In the summer months, there are also ferry tickets from Thessaloniki (the second largest city on mainland Greece) to the Sporades. Ferries are operated by Seajets, Blue Star Ferries and Anes Ferries.

How do I book ferry tickets to Crete from Athens?

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. Like all the Greek islands, it boasts stunning beaches and coastlines, but also offers the possibility to hike in the lush wilderness of the Samariá Gorge, and take in the bustling, metropolitan delights of its capital city, Heraklion.

Crete has three main ports: Heraklion, Sitia and Chania. The ferry routes departing from Athens are operated by Blue Star Ferries and Anek Superfast. The journey duration is around 9 hours, with many scheduled to run overnight so that you arrive fresh in the morning. The Omio app allows you to compare journeys, find cheap tickets and book a ferry, quickly and easily.

Ferry destinations in Spain

The main sea ports in Spain are in Barcelona, Cadiz, Huelva and Tarifa, each offering ferries to stunning coastal cities, as well as routes between the Spanish islands in the Canaries and the Balearics. Amongst the most popular routes for holidaymakers and locals are journeys from Barcelona to Alcúdia, Tarifa to Ceuta, Cadiz to Gran Canaria, Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife to Gran Canaria.

Ferries in Spain

Fancy hopping between islands to visit the sparkling beaches of the Canary islands? Simply get your ferry tickets and enjoy the ride. Hydrofoils and ferries in Spain offer a great opportunity to visit the islands and coastal towns with ease and comfort. Ferries in Spain run multiple routes through various operators including Grimladi, GNV, Balearia, Fred Olsen and TrasmedGLE. It’s simple to book a ferry with the Omio app. You’ll find the cheapest tickets, up-to-date timetables and quickest routes all in one place.

Ferry destinations in Scandinavia

Scandinavia, consists of the historically and culturally linked “Scandia” countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, as well as the Faroe Islands, and Åland. Ferries between these countries offer a unique view of the spectacular landscapes which are celebrated by the locals and tourists alike. The main ports are Helsinki and Turku in Finland; Stockholm, Varberg, Kristianstad and Gothenburg in Sweden; and Grenaa and Frederikshavn in Denmark.

Ferries in Scandinavia

There is no better way to appreciate the beauty and history of Scandinavia than by boat. Ferry tickets provide you with the opportunity to visit the fjords, see steep-cut valleys shaped by ancient glaciers, or explore the ancient port city of Gothenburg. Popular ferry routes between Scandinavian countries include a ferry from Frederikshavn to Gothenburg and a ferry from Stockholm to Paldilski. Ferry routes in Scandinavia are operated by DFDS, Stena Line, Tallink, and Viking Line.

Top Ferry Companies in Europe

Omio has teamed up with some of the top ferry and hydrofoil operators in Europe to cover more than 700 ferry routes. Ferry and hydrofoil operators vary in size, from smaller regional operators to larger vessels which travel internationally. Omio works with ferry partners in Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Scandinavia, Ireland and the UK to bring you the best options for journeys, ferry tickets, and up-to-date timetables.

Booking ferry tickets with Omio

The best way to secure a cheap ferry ticket is to book early. With Omio, you’ll be able to compare ferries with trains, buses and flights, and find the most convenient option for your next trip. Bear in mind, that in some places ferries operate seasonally and offer more frequent services during the summer months. You can check the latest timetables and schedules using the Omio app, where you can also make a ferry booking and get your ferry tickets. Omio makes booking ferry tickets hassle-free; just jump on board and enjoy a smooth journey across the sea.

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Other popular ferry destinations in Europe

Other popular ferry routes in Europe