Navigating Rising Ferry Costs: How to Save on Europe’s Popular Routes in 2025

As the year draws to a close, many travelers are already planning their summer getaways for 2025. For those considering ferry travel, it’s important to be aware of the anticipated changes in ferry fares across Europe. With the European ferry sector transporting nearly 794 million passengers annually, understanding these changes can help travelers make informed decisions and potentially save money.

Understanding the Cost of Ferry Travel in 2025

According to FerryGoGo, a ferry route-finding website, the average cost for a ferry crossing with two people and a car during the high season in 2025 is expected to be €1,017. This is a slight decrease from the €1,097 average in 2024. The inclusion of eight new, shorter routes in the study has contributed to this reduction. However, Jan Willem van Tilburg, co-founder of FerryGoGo, notes that the value for money is diminishing. The price per mile has increased by seven cents, likely due to inflation and the addition of shorter routes. For example, routes like Portsmouth to Caen and Portsmouth to Jersey are cheaper overall but more expensive per mile.

The Most Expensive and Best-Value Routes

The study identifies the Denmark to Iceland route as the most expensive ferry crossing in Europe for 2025. This journey, operated by Smyril Line, costs €2,222 for two people, a cabin, and a car on a round-trip itinerary during the high season. Despite its high cost, the crossing offers good value per kilometer, costing under €17 per person per hour. On the other hand, the best value for distance traveled is the 854 km route from Barcelona to Rome, costing €755 return for two and a car, which equates to just €0.44 per kilometer.

Tips for Saving on Ferry Travel

To save on ferry travel, it’s advisable to book early, especially if traveling with a car. Parking decks on ferries fill up quickly as the season approaches, leading to rapid price increases. Booking before January can also help travelers take advantage of discount codes offered by companies like Stena Line. Additionally, longer crossings tend to offer better value for money, with routes from Ireland and the UK to Spain being relatively cheap per mile.

Dynamic pricing is widely used in the transportation sector, meaning fares can increase as more seats sell out. Therefore, travelers should consider booking their ferry trips early in the year to lock in lower prices.