So you want to go off motorcycle touring? But you’re not sure which is the fastest and cheapest way to get out of the UK?
Travelling down to the LeShuttle can be time-consuming, yet booking a ferry can quickly get expensive. However, I’m here to show you that with a bit of planning, it is possible to bring the price down with my motorcycle ferry hack. Here is how I managed to obtain a cheap ferry crossing from the UK to Europe and reduce the overall cost while still making the trip comfortable and convenient. So read on if you want to know how to get the cheapest ferry from the UK to Europe!
Booking early to secure the best fare
The first step was simply booking ahead of time. Early booking locked in a base fare of £138, which is usually the cheapest rate available before prices start climbing closer to departure dates.
Next came the cabin. This typically ranges from about £88 to £103 depending on the sailing. It is possible to skip it and opt for a standard seat instead, but I chose not to compromise on sleep for this journey.
Using discount codes at the right time
Irish Ferries often releases promotional codes if you catch them at the right moment. By applying a 50 percent discount code to the cabin, the price dropped from £88 to £44.
At this point, the total booking came down to £183.11. Still not exactly cheap, but there were more savings to be made.
Making the most of loyalty points
Over time, I had accumulated Tesco Clubcard vouchers from everyday spending, mainly fuel purchases. These vouchers can be converted into ferry credit, sometimes with enhanced value depending on promotions.
I redeemed around £91 worth of vouchers and applied them directly to the booking. That alone made a noticeable difference to the final cost.
Keeping food costs to a minimum
Food onboard ferries can be expensive, and most motorcycle tourers are on a strict budget, so I planned.
Before boarding, I picked up a petrol station sandwich for £3.05 as a backup meal. I also paid 20p at a coffee shop just to fill a flask with hot water for tea later.
I brought the rest of my food with me:
- Fruit pot onboard: €7 compared to about 13p at home
- Porridge: €5 compared to roughly 25p
- Coffee: €5.95 compared to effectively free from home supplies
A little preparation went a long way in avoiding inflated onboard prices.
Final cost breakdown
After everything was accounted for:
- Fuel: £13.04
- Food during the crossing: £4.25
- Total out-of-pocket ferry cost: £17.29
Why I chose the ferry over LeShuttle
Driving down the M6 from the north of England can be a long and tiring journey. In my experience, it often leads to needing an overnight stop either before or after using LeShuttle, which adds hotel costs on top of everything else.
For me, the ferry is simply more practical. I can sleep on board, wake up in mainland Europe, and continue driving without extra stops or added expenses.
