Eurotunnel LeShuttle vs the Ferry
Let’s break down the key differences between ferries and LeShuttle. We’ll start with price, often the #1 factor, and then compare every significant aspect to decide a clear winner for each.
Price: LeShuttle vs Ferry
LeShuttle: Often higher, dynamic pricing, cheaper off-peak if booked early, starting price difficult to reach Ferries: Wider range of fares, often cheaper overall, more promos, starting price easier to reach.Winner: The Ferry
It's not the 'starting' price that wins this one
| Route / Crossing | Carrier / Service | Duration of crossing | Approx. starting price (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚄 Folkestone → Calais | LeShuttle | ~ 35 min | From ~ £69 |
| Dover → Calais | P&O Ferries | ~ 1 h 30 min | ~ £76 |
| Dover → Calais | DFDS | ~ 1 h 30 min | ~ £77 |
| Dover → Calais | Irish Ferries | ~ 1 h 30 min | ~ £70 |
| Dover → Dunkerque | DFDS | ~ 2 h | ~ £46 |
| Newhaven → Dieppe | DFDS | ~ 4 h | ~ £56 |
| Portsmouth → Caen | Brittany Ferries | ~ 6 h | ~ £162 |
| Poole → Cherbourg | Brittany Ferries | ~ 4 h 30 min | ~ £128 |
| Portsmouth → Cherbourg | Brittany Ferries | ~ 5 h | ~ £127 |
| Portsmouth → Le Havre | Brittany Ferries | ~ 5 h 29 min | ~ £108 |
| Plymouth → Roscoff | Brittany Ferries | ~ 5 h 15 min | ~ £180 |
| Portsmouth → St Malo | Brittany Ferries | ~ 8 h 50 min | ~ £167 |
| * Prices are indicative for a car with passengers and vary by date, time, and booking conditions. | |||
Very important: These ‘from' prices are for many reasons far from usable if you seek the cheapest tickets to cross the channel. Use our booking engine below to see the real price difference instantly.
>> Instantly compare the tunnel vs ferry pricing
Frequency and possible delay
LeShuttle: Departs every 15 to 30 minutes, with easy changes when space is available, Can't be influenced by weather. Rarely any cancellations. Main risks are terminal congestion or exceptional events.
Ferries: Frequent from Dover, bad ferry weather can affect sailings.
Winner: LeShuttle
Complexity of process
LeShuttle: Stay in the car, straightforward checks, simple flow.
Ferries: Additional steps with ramps and deck procedures; sometimes vehicle lashing is required.
Winner: LeShuttle
Travelling with pets
LeShuttle: Pets stay with you in the vehicle; straightforward pet reception checks, Pets are only: cats, dogs and ferrets. Travelling with pets is more expensive compared to Ferries.
Ferries: Pets may stay in the car or use kennels, depending on the operator and route.
Winner: LeShuttle
(Though if price is your #1 reason, go take the ferry!)
Caravans and trailers
LeShuttle: Accepted with length and height limits; Anything LPG-powered is not allowed.
Ferries: More space and flexibility for long outfits; staff guide you on open decks.
Winner: The Ferry
Motorcyclists
LeShuttle: Quick, dry, minimal exposure to wind; remain with the bike.
Ferries: Chance to rest onboard; some exposure to weather during embark and Get off.
Winner: LeShuttle
Foot passengers
LeShuttle: Not accepted; vehicles only. Eurostar is the other option, but they don't travel port to port.
Ferries: Most routes accept foot passengers; lounge and seating options.
Winner: The Ferry
Onboard amenities
LeShuttle: Stay in vehicle; minimal onboard time and amenities.
Ferries: Restaurants, shops, outside decks, duty-free shopping, play areas on many ships.
Winner: The Ferry
Environmental footprint
LeShuttle: Electric train crossing; typically lower per car for the sea leg.
Ferries: Higher ship fuel consumption per crossing; varies by vessel and load.
Winner: LeShuttle
Alternatives and reach
LeShuttle: Single route Folkestone to Calais; efficient for northern France and onward to Belgium, Netherlands, Germany.
Ferries: Multiple UK to France landings, including Calais, Dunkirk, Dieppe, Le Havre, Cherbourg, Caen, Roscoff, and St. Malo.
Winner: The Ferry
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