If the idea of hitting the open road in Europe with your own car sounds like the dream — it is! And P&O Ferries makes it easier than ever. Whether you’re cruising along the French Riviera, exploring the tulip fields of the Netherlands, or tasting your way through Belgium, taking your car across the Channel opens up a world of freedom and flexibility.
Here’s your ultimate guide to planning a car-friendly European road trip with P&O Ferries — where the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
🛳️ Why Take Your Car with P&O Ferries?
Traveling by ferry offers advantages that flying or rail just can’t match:
- Unlimited Luggage – No weight restrictions or baggage fees.
- Freedom to Explore – Drive wherever you like, on your own schedule.
- Comfortable Onboard Experience – Enjoy cafés, sea views, shopping, and even Club Lounge upgrades.
- Bring Your Pets – Your furry friend can come along for the ride!
- More Affordable for Families – One vehicle, multiple passengers, one cost-effective ticket.
📍 Popular Ferry Routes for Road Trips
🚢 Dover – Calais (France)
The quickest and most popular route — just 90 minutes. Ideal for trips to:
- Northern France (Normandy, Lille)
- Belgium (Bruges, Ghent)
- Germany or even Switzerland with an overnight stop
🚢 Hull – Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Perfect for overnight crossings. Ideal for exploring:
- Amsterdam and the Dutch countryside
- Northern Germany or Denmark
- Scenic Baltic routes
🚢 Liverpool – Dublin (Ireland)
Explore the Wild Atlantic Way, historic castles, and charming towns in Ireland at your own pace.
🗺️ Sample Itinerary: 7-Day France–Belgium Road Trip
Day 1: Ferry from Dover to Calais
Relax onboard, grab a meal, and arrive in France ready to drive.
Day 2–3: Explore Lille and Arras
Stay in boutique hotels, enjoy French cuisine, and visit WWI memorials.
Day 4–5: Bruges & Ghent, Belgium
Drive 1.5 hours to Bruges. Walk canals, taste Belgian chocolates, and discover medieval architecture.
Day 6: Return to Calais via coastal roads (e.g., Cap Gris-Nez)
Stop for seafood and seaside walks along the Côte d’Opale.
Day 7: Return ferry to Dover
🧳 Road Trip Essentials (Don’t Forget!)
- ✅ Passport
- ✅ EU/UK Driving License
- ✅ European car insurance & breakdown cover
- ✅ Reflective vest, warning triangle & GB sticker (or UK sticker post-Brexit)
- ✅ Euro coins/card for toll roads
- ✅ SatNav or offline maps
🐾 Traveling with Pets?
P&O Ferries offers pet-friendly cabins and kennels on certain routes. Make sure to bring:
- Pet passport or required health certificates
- EU-compliant microchip and rabies vaccination
- Your pet’s favorite travel crate or blanket
🚘 P&O Road Trip Tips
- Book Early: For better prices and sailing times
- Flexi Ticket: Offers greater schedule freedom and peace of mind
- Club Lounge: For a quiet space, free drinks/snacks, and priority boarding
- Fuel Up Before You Board: Cheaper fuel in the UK than mainland Europe
🌍 Best European Road Trip Ideas with P&O Ferries
| Destination | Highlights | Ferry Route |
|---|---|---|
| Loire Valley, France | Castles, wine routes, countryside | Dover–Calais |
| Dutch Tulip Route | Flower fields, windmills, local markets | Hull–Rotterdam |
| Belgian Beer Trail | Brewery visits, historic towns | Dover–Calais |
| Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland | Coastal cliffs, villages, Gaelic culture | Liverpool–Dublin |
🧭 Final Thoughts: The Road is Yours
A European road trip with P&O Ferries isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s about the freedom to explore Europe your way. With your car as your travel companion, you’re in full control of the adventure.
No train schedules. No luggage limits. No rush.
Just you, the open road, and the smooth sail across the sea.
👉 Ready to plan your road trip? Book now at www.poferries.com and start your journey the car-friendly way.