How do I work out the cheapest ferry crossing from South UK to France

RACHIE77

I'm wanting to look at some sort of Skyscanner type comparison site. We want to go to Normandy in a motorhome, we live near Winchester and dates are quite flexible.

It appears the cheapest way to get across is to drive to Dover, and then drive Calais to Normandy.

There are so many variables that I can change to figure out the most economical way to get there, is there any sites that help me try different ideas out easily?

maman

I don't know of a site but, from past experience, I think you're right and the ferry from Dover is generally the cheapest crossing although you do need to consider the fuel used driving each way.

Personally I don't mind driving to Dover or to the tunnel on the way as there's the excitement of going away to help cope with the boring journey. Coming back though (I live near you) I prefer to pay for Caen to Portsmouth and get home ASAP.

hollydays

Dover to Dunkirk is often the cheapest.
You just have to compare Dfds and P&O
You could sail into Le Havre or Caen but it's debateable if it's worth paying the extra..
Any offers they've had are for for cars rather than motorhomes
You could look at https://www.ferrysavers.co.uk but I don't know how accurate this prices are

Shelldean

I agree with Hollydays we found dfds Dover to Dunkirk the cheapest route. Unfortunately it's a route, that takes you further from your destination.

So you need to work o it fuel costs as well.
We once did Dover to Calais then drove to Brittany. As it worked out cheaper than driving to Plymouth and going to Roscoff.
However we worked out it was Mich better in that instance to pay the higher ferry.fare.And be closer to our destination.


Early and late crossings tend to be cheaper, and midweek cheaper than weekend.

mad_rich

Ferrysavers and Directferries offer a price comparison, but you will have to do your own work to add in the driving costs.

Viamichelin will calculate tolls and an estimate of fuel costs of the different journeys (not sure if there's an option to select the higher tolls you'd get in a motorhome).

Free motorways here: https://about-france.com/routes-from-calais.htm

Dover-Dunkirk is usually the cheapest crossing, but I would have thought that once you've added in the driving on both sides, you will find the extra cost of going from Southampton is small and worth it.

martindow

Not used a ferry for some years but Newhaven - Dieppe used to be relatively cheap and cut out some of the driving on both sides of the channel.

hollydays

Via Michelin let’s you put in a caravan, which my be similar, not sure.

John259

Have you tried http://www.rome2rio.com ? You specify your starting point and destination and it comes back with possible travel options.