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Hull - Rotterdam
Rotterdam - Hull
Dover - Calais
Calais - Dover
Cairnryan - Larne
Larne - Cairnryan
Number of Passengers
Please enter the number of passengers, if you have more than 9 passengers Click here
Dover To Calais
Adult 16+
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Access to Pet Lounge
Pet Staying in Car
Calais To Dover
Adult 16+
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Access to Pet Lounge
Pet Staying in Car
Number of Passengers
Please enter the number of passengers, if you have more than 9 passengers Click here
Hull To Rotterdam
Adult 16+
Infant 0-1
Toddler 2-3
Child 4-15
Small dog
Large dog
Extra large dog
Small Pet
Other pet
Rotterdam To Hull
Adult 16+
Infant 0-1
Toddler 2-3
Child 4-15
Small dog
Large dog
Extra large dog
Small Pet
Other pet
Number of Passengers
Please enter the number of passengers, if you have more than 9 passengers Click here
Cairnryan To Larne
Adult 16-59
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Student 16-25
Senior 60+
Pet Staying in Car
Larne To Cairnryan
Adult 16-59
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Student 16-25
Senior 60+
Pet Staying in Car
Vehicle Details
Please select your vehicle type. Please note: Vehicles of any type carrying commercial goods must be booked on our freight website. Please include roof boxes and bikes in your vehicles total height.
Dover To Calais
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <6m length; <1.83m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Van
Van: <7m length, any height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Minibus
Minibus: <7m length. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Motorhome
Motorhome: <7m length; Any height. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Calais To Dover
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <6m length; <1.83m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Van
Van: <7m length, any height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Minibus
Minibus: <7m length. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Motorhome
Motorhome: <7m length; Any height. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Vehicle Details
Please select your vehicle type. Please note: Vehicles of any type carrying commercial goods must be booked on our freight website. Please include roof boxes and bikes in your vehicles total height.
Hull To Rotterdam
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <6m length; <1.83 height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Small Van
Small Van: <7m length, <2.40m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Small Minibus
Small Minibus: <7m length; <2.4m height. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Small Motorhome
Small Motorhome: <7m length; <2.4m height. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Rotterdam To Hull
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <6m length; <1.83 height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Small Van
Small Van: <7m length, <2.40m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Small Minibus
Small Minibus: <7m length; <2.4m height. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Small Motorhome
Small Motorhome: <7m length; <2.4m height. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Vehicle Details
Please select your vehicle type. Please note: Vehicles of any type carrying commercial goods must be booked on our freight website. Please include roof boxes and bikes in your vehicles total height.
Cairnryan To Larne
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: < 4.7m length. Otherwise select Full-size.
Van
Van: <7m length, any height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Minibus
Minibus: <7m length. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Motorhome
Motorhome: <7m length; Any height. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Larne To Cairnryan
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: < 4.7m length. Otherwise select Full-size.
Van
Van: <7m length, any height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Minibus
Minibus: <7m length. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Motorhome
Motorhome: <7m length; Any height. Enter length if 7.0m or greater.
Departure time
Returning time
Day trip
From: Dover
To: Calais
 
 
Day trip
 
Day trip

Family Travel Tips

Boarding and Travelling with a large family

When travelling with a large family, one way to make it easier is with our priority boarding. Here you can beat the queues and reduce your waiting time, so no one needs to get restless.

Being the first passengers on board also gives your family more time to relax, explore, and enjoy. It also means you will be the first off the ferry, starting your holiday even quicker.

Pack a Travel Bag

When travelling with a family, having an emergency travel bag is crucial. This bag should contain all the essentials needed to keep everyone happy, from toys to medication.

Travelling with P&O Ferries makes this even easier as you can bring as much food, drink, and luggage as your car can carry. But remember, you won’t have access to your vehicle during the crossing. To avoid rummaging through multiple bags, make sure your travel essentials bag is pre-packed with items that you will need to get quickly, like:

  • Nappies and baby wipes
  • Spare clothing and pyjamas
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Your child’s favourite toy
  • Phone charger
  • Money and important documents
  • Pillows and a spare blanket (handy if you’re not staying in a cabin)

This is one of the easiest ways to follow our family travel tips and make the crossing smooth for everyone.

Keep the Kids Entertained

Our ferries have plenty of ways to keep children happy. On selected summer crossings, the Junior Crew kids club entertains young explorers aged 5 to 11 with arts and crafts, face painting, puzzles, and games. They’ll even meet our mascot, Pirate Pete!

When travelling with a big family, it can be difficult to keep everyone happy. Ferry travel makes that easy by offering something for all ages, including teenagers. With our free Wi-Fi and video arcade room, there is something for everyone.

Family Holiday Ferry Travel Tips

Summer Travel Tips for Families

1. Travel Early or Late in the Day
Summer sun can make mid-day travel uncomfortable, especially for children. Plan ferry departures in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours and enjoy cooler temperatures on deck.

2. Bring Lightweight Summer Clothing
Pack breathable clothing, sun hats, and sandals. Layering works well for cooler evenings on deck while staying comfortable during sunny daytime activities.

3. Pack Portable Sun Protection
Alongside sun cream, bring portable umbrellas, or UV-protective covers for younger kids. These help your family stay safe while enjoying outdoors for the whole trip.

4. Hydrate and Snack Smart
Hot summer days increase the need for water and light snacks. Bring refillable water bottles, fruit, and easy-to-eat snacks that don’t spoil in the heat to keep energy levels high and moods happy.

5. Plan Summer-Themed Activities
Encourage kids to enjoy seasonal experiences like our scavenger hunt on board. These activities make the journey fun while keeping everyone moving and entertained.

6. Take Advantage of Seasonal Deals
Summer is peak travel time, but planning ahead can save money while enjoying all the extras. Explore our offers page so you never miss out on our latest travel deals. 

7. Capture Memories of Your Summer Trip
Summer trips are perfect for family photos and videos. Encourage children to keep a small travel journal or scrapbook of their journey to create lasting memories from your holiday.

Best Family Holiday Destinations in Europe

1. Calais, France – A gateway to northern France, perfect for families seeking adventure and beaches.

2. Dunkirk, France – Family-friendly beaches and outdoor activities make this a great summer seaside destination.

3. Paris, France – With Disneyland, kid-friendly museums, parks, and iconic landmarks. Paris is a must-visit for family travellers.

4. Zeebrugge, Belgium – Access Bruges’ canals, chocolate shops, and historic landmarks with the whole family.

5. Ostend, Belgium – Sandy beaches, promenades, and family-friendly attractions for a fun coastal break.

6. Hook of Holland, Netherlands – Explore nearby Dutch coastal towns and enjoy easy access to Amsterdam.

7. Rotterdam, Netherlands – Modern architecture, interactive museums, and outdoor parks make it ideal for families.

8. Hull, England – Historic city with museums, waterfront walks, and access to Yorkshire countryside adventures.

9. Newcastle, England – Science and history museums, nearby beaches, and scenic countryside for outdoor fun.

10. Portsmouth, England – Close to the New Forest, historic naval sites, and easy ferry connections to northern Europe.

Ferry Travel Destinations in Europe

European Family-Friendly Ferry Holiday Destinations

Europe is full of family-friendly destinations that offer something for everyone. From the sun-soaked beaches of southern France and Spain to the historic cities of Italy and the Netherlands, there are endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Families can enjoy interactive museums, scenic train rides, outdoor parks, and cultural festivals that cater to children of all ages. Travelling by ferry makes it easy to bring your own vehicle, allowing you to explore multiple destinations at your own pace and do things you all enjoy.

Camping Holidays in Northern Ireland

Travelling around Europe with family is easy when travelling by ferry. You can explore multiple destinations at your own pace, make stops, and create memorable experiences together.  Whether you are travelling to France, the Netherlands, or Belgium and beyond, discover all the different things to do as a family and start planning your trip today.

Ready to start your European family adventure? Book your ferry to Europe and have the family holiday you will never forget!

Family Travel Around Europe FAQs

1 Where to travel in Europe with family?
Europe offers countless family-friendly destinations. Popular spots accessible via P&O Ferries include Disneyland Paris for theme park fun, the beaches of Calais and Dunkirk, historic cities like Bruges in Belgium, and coastal towns in the Netherlands such as Hook of Holland and Rotterdam. Each destination combines cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and attractions suitable for children of all ages, making them perfect for family holidays.
2 How to travel Europe with family?
The easiest way to travel in Europe with your family is by ferry. This method allows you to bring luggage, car seats, and all the essentials without worrying about strict airline restrictions. P&O Ferries offers multiple routes connecting the UK with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, allowing you to explore various destinations at your own pace. Planning flexible itineraries, booking accommodations in advance, and keeping kids entertained on board ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone.
3 How to travel with a family of 5 in Europe?
Travelling with a larger family is simple when you plan and choose family-friendly transport. Booking a P&O ferry lets you travel together with plenty of space for everyone’s luggage and personal items. Opting for our priority boarding also reduces waiting time. Here you can have the flexibility to explore cities, beaches, and attractions across Europe without the stress of juggling multiple flights or trains.