Crossing the Channel to France with a car: will I have to quarantine on my return to the UK?
Although the United Kingdom has left the European Union, existing rules on travel to EU countries remain the same until December 31 this year, with our Gallic neighbours included on the UK's list of countries exempt from quarantine.
That is the advice for the moment: in the short term there is concern about France joining Spain on the list of nations from where new arrivals must self-isolate for two weeks.
France has been exempt from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice against all non-essential international travel since July 4, while reciprocal quarantine measures remain in force if you are arriving from the UK meaning that as yet there are no restrictions.
So, assuming that you have already arranged to drive to France, or intend to so in the next few weeks, the major non-virus-related question is: Channel Tunnel or ferry? Choosing the right Channel crossing can be bewildering, so here you’ll find details of the different routes, along with the relative merits and pitfalls of each. Bon voyage!
Dover – Calais ferries
This is the best-known and most popular of all the Channel ferry crossings, so it’s no surprise that there are so many operators vying for your business. It’s also the most frequent ferry crossing, with upwards of 30 crossings every day at peak times. But for all of the services listed here, always check with the operator as schedules may vary as the industry gets back up to speed.
There’s little to choose between each operator in terms of price or facilities – all use standard roll-on, roll-off ferries with a couple of restaurants, a bar, some lounges, a duty-free shop and a selection of amusements. And no matter which you choose, the crossing takes the same amount of time, so we’d recommend shopping around with each company and choosing whichever comes out cheapest and most convenient for your particular needs.
Be aware, though, that while this is the quickest ferry crossing, taking a Eurotunnel train will be much faster.
Folkestone – Calais train (Eurotunnel)
Eurotunnel says that it is now permitted for anyone without symptoms of Covid-19 to travel from the UK to France aboard its Shuttle trains, subject to completion of a health declaration, which you must carry with you when you travel.
The speed of the Eurotunnel train is the secret to its success. However, because it takes so little time, there are no lounges, restaurants or amusements on board, so you might want to bring your own food and entertainment.
It’s also worth noting that the Eurotunnel service usually costs considerably more than a ferry from Dover, even if you book well in advance. But if you want to get to France fast, for example if you’ve got a long journey ahead, this is the way to cross the Channel.
Dover – Dunkerque ferry
Dunkerque is the lesser-known destination from Dover, and it’s frequently the cheapest way to get across the Channel, as the Calais crossing is in higher demand. Dunkerque is about a 40-minute drive from Calais, but don’t forget that the crossing also takes around 30 minutes longer.
That said, if you plan to travel to or through Belgium, Dunkerque will be the more convenient port to arrive at. This crossing is also usually served by standard roll-on, roll-off ferries, which means you’ll get restaurants, shops and other amusements.
Newhaven – Dieppe ferry
Another of the less well-known ferry crossings, the Newhaven-Dieppe route is nevertheless popular with those in the south-east who want to travel to western France. The crossing takes around four hours.
It’s reasonably inexpensive compared with similar crossings from Portsmouth, just down the coast, but it’ll cost more than travelling from Dover. Again, this is served by roll-on, roll-off ferry, although cabins are usually available on this route for an additional cost, should you want a bit of extra privacy.
Portsmouth – Le Havre ferries
There are several ways of crossing from Portsmouth to Le Havre. The cheapest is an overnight crossing which takes nine hours, allowing passengers to get a full night’s sleep. However, you can also opt for a slightly more expensive crossing, which runs during the day and takes five and a half hours. Either way, you'll travel on a roll-on, roll-off ferry, with cabins available for an additional cost.
There’s also the option of a shorter service, which is operated with a fast catamaran. This has fewer facilities and less space on board than a normal ferry, but it’ll get you there in three hours and 45 minutes. It is rather costly, though, especially compared with the Newhaven-Dieppe service, which is almost as fast and can cost as little as half as much.
Portsmouth – Caen ferry
The journey to Caen from Portsmouth takes a little longer than the one to Le Havre – six hours in total, or seven if you choose an overnight crossing – but it does get you closer to central and south-eastern France.
It’s also usually operated by a cruise ferry, which is larger and plusher than a standard roll-on, roll-off ferry. Again, you can opt to have a private cabin, if you wish, though it’ll cost you more.
Portsmouth – Cherbourg ferries
There are two ways to cross from Portsmouth to Cherbourg. The most frequent is a fast catamaran, which runs once a day and takes three hours. That extra speed comes at a price, though: it’s more expensive than most crossings, and you’ll find fewer facilities and less space on board.
You can also take the roll-on, roll-off ferry service that runs once a week, on a Sunday, and takes five and a half hours. It costs roughly the same as the Le Havre crossing from Portsmouth, but you might find it positions you better for your trip if you’re visiting Brittany.
Portsmouth – St Malo ferry
The ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo is the longest channel crossing there is, at 12 hours. It also usually works out to be the most expensive option. That said, it’s an overnight crossing, so the ferry travels more slowly to allow you a full night’s sleep, and it’s operated by a more spacious, more luxurious cruise ferry. You do get a reserved, reclining seat for your money – but if you want a private cabin with beds, you’ll have to pay extra.
This is a good crossing to choose if you’re visiting western France, and you like the idea of arriving rested and ready to start the rest of your journey the following morning. That makes it popular with travellers coming from northern England and Scotland, who have already driven a long way before their crossing.
Poole – Cherbourg ferry
The only French destination you can choose from Poole is Cherbourg. The crossing only takes four and a half hours, but it usually works out more expensive than travelling from Portsmouth to Le Havre or Caen.
That said, you do get the use of a plush cruise ferry for the duration of your crossing, though if you want the privacy of a cabin, that will cost you extra.
Plymouth – Roscoff ferry
The ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff is a popular choice among residents of Wales and south-western England, for whom it’s very convenient. However, it is usually the second most expensive crossing.
During the day, it takes six hours, thought at night the ferry runs more slowly to allow passengers a full night’s sleep, meaning it takes eight hours. The ferry itself is a cruise ferry, and you normally get a reserved seat with your ticket; private cabins with beds add to the price.
Plymouth – St Malo ferry
The Plymouth – St Malo ferry is usually slightly cheaper than the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff, but it only runs once a week. It’s an overnight service that takes 11 and a half hours, and it’s also operated by a cruise ferry.
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