Ferry vs Eurotunnel vs Plane

When deciding how to travel to France, the choice is clear; nothing kicks off your holiday quite like a voyage with P&O Ferries. 

Sure, a flight from London to Paris might advertise an hour-and-20-minute flight time, and the Eurotunnel shuttles you across in 35 minutes, but those numbers leave out the most stressful parts of travel. Between endless airport security queues, restrictive airplane seating, or sitting cramped inside your car in a dark tunnel, the journey often feels like a chore.

With P&O Ferries, your 90-minute Dover to Calais crossing isn't just transport, it’s the first relaxing experience of your trip. Instead of rushing from A to B in a claustrophobic air cabin or carriage, our spacious ferries invite you to stretch your legs, grab a hot bite to eat, enjoy a drink at the bar, and take in the stunning sea views from the outdoor decks.

Flying can be a headache if you’ve got lots to pack, think ski gear, camping kit, or a few bottles of French wine for the trip home. Airlines love to charge for extra bags, but with P&O Ferries, if it fits in your car, it comes along for the ride at no extra cost. No hidden fees, no worrying about weight limits.

When planning your trip to France, it’s worth taking a closer look at ferry, Eurotunnel and flight costs, as they can vary depending on when and how you travel. Ferry costs tend to be competitive, especially when booked early, and can vary based on your route, vehicle size, operator, and optional extras such as cabins or pet-friendly accommodations.

Eurotunnel costs are influenced by similar factors, including travel date, vehicle type, and booking time. While the Channel Tunnel can sometimes offer a lower starting price, fares can quickly rise during busy travel periods or for larger vehicles.

Flight costs are also seasonal and you can get affordable flights to France, however the majority of these flights limit you to a single fare.

When comparing Channel Tunnel and ferry costs, ferries often provide better overall value. Although the Eurotunnel travel time can be faster, ferries offer a more relaxed journey with the added bonus of onboard facilities, these facilities include the club lounge that gives you access to inclusive food, drinks, WiFi and desk space if you need to work while on the ferry. You also have access to the pet lounge which allows your furry friend to relax and enjoy the open air.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) introduces mandatory biometric checks alongside standard security, but your travel experience depends entirely on how you cross. Sailing with P&O Ferries makes this process seamless and stress-free.

At Dover, security and EES checks happen before you board. Forget rummaging through bags or liquid restrictions; your luggage stays securely packed in your car. Once registered, you drive onto our spacious ferry to enjoy fresh sea air, dining, and duty-free shopping during a relaxing 90-minute crossing.

When it comes to LPG vehicles, P&O Ferries allows factory-fitted models, but Eurotunnel is much stricter. They ban LPG cars outright and have heavy limits on campervan gas. If you're taking the Eurotunnel, you'll clear security and then make a quick stop at the terminal bays for your EES registration. Once that's all sorted, you are free to just relax in your car for the crossing to Calais.

Flights remain the most stressful route. You must endure invasive airport security stripping belts, removing laptops, and tossing liquids over 100ml only to face EES queues upon arrival. Standing in packed French immigration halls after a flight turns simple travel into an exhausting ordeal.