ferrys, how to find cheap crossings

olias

Hi all,

I have never used ferrys before, but now have to look at taking a van accross to central france, probably mercedes sprinter long wheelbase type.
route would ideally be hull to zeebrugge as i live in the ne of england, but i would consider a crossing from the south coast if it was cheap enough.

I have tried the ferrys own websites and comparison type sites, but cannot understand the pricing, or how to get the good deals.

Just as an example, i saw po ferrys had a deal for hull zeebrugge for £109 including a cabin for 2 people plus a car. I tried to put in the details for taking a van instead and it came to £800!!!!!!

Am looking at going late jan/early feb for about 4 or 5 days if that helps.

Any advice gratefully accepted. Thanks

Olias

hollydays

A crossing with a cabin is likely to be more pricey
Dover to Dunkirk is usually the cheapest route with dfds

mgdavid

why a van, is it commercial use or private use?

If it's non-commercial, Dover/ Calais out 29jan return 2feb, van length 5.9m height 2.4m, cost £190.
Cheaper if you travel out of peak times, i.e.v early or evening/night.

Commercial is a different ballgame especially if you don't have a volume/frequency contract.

olias

Cheers all,

It is not commercial, i need to take some stuff over to my new holiday home. Will check out your suggestions.

Anyone else have any more input?

Thanks

Olias

Shelldean

Vary the time of the crossing.

Early morning and late night as usually cheaper in my experience. Although I have no knowledge of hull routes.

Midweek will also possibly be cheaper.

I agree with hollydays, Dover Dunkirk on dfds is our 2nd preferred crossing.
The tunnel allows you to use Tesco rewards which helps reduce the cost or pay for it totally. This is our preferred route, as its quicker and.I get sea sick.


But definitely vary times and dates if you have flexibility.
Slightly different but on a holiday to isle of Wight, it worked out cheaper to later on Friday and come home Sunday then to do a Sat to Sat crossing. The saving even paid for the two extra nights on the island with some left over.