Ferry vs. Flight vs. Drive: Pros and Cons of UK to Ireland Travel

Ferry vs. Flight vs. Drive: Pros and Cons of UK to Ireland Travel: A Complete Guide

While traveling from the UK to Ireland or vice versa, you might have noticed that the distance between the two destinations is relatively short and often below 300 miles from one shore to another. However, the method of transport you choose to use will make a significant difference on the travel time, costs, and even stress level. Although flying or driving would be the quickest and most convenient options respectively, taking a ferry ride has its charm. So, is it right for you?

The First Mile Matters: Why Your Journey Starts Before the Port

However, one should examine the means that the traveler would employ to arrive at the departure point. It is essential for there to be no interruptions on the way. For example, a person traveling from Hertfordshire would make arrangements to take the Luton Airport Taxi from Hemel Hempstead and then proceed with the budget flight to Dublin or Cork. In case of choosing the ferry route, the same person will travel to either Holyhead in Wales or Liverpool. The efficiency of the first stage, which may involve a private car, coach or taxi trip, will influence the final decision greatly.

Pro #1: No Lengthy Security or Baggage Restrictions

The biggest benefit of the ferry is the easy way of embarking. It doesn't involve the necessity to arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure due to the security procedures such as check-in. No one forbids you from carrying any liquids, laptops or going through the body scan and patting down. You may carry big bottles of shampoos and lotions, tents and bicycles, even a whole car packed up with stuff. This is especially beneficial for those traveling with kids. Flying requires the traveler to weigh all their bags and leave all sharp things at home.

Pro #2: Scenic Crossings and Onboard Comfort

Irish sea view from ferries going from Holyhead to Dublin or Fishguard to Rosslare is simply breathtaking. Modern ferries feature reclining seats, movies, restaurants, kid's entertainment, and even duty-free shops. You could either stroll, have some sleep in a cabin, or enjoy the ocean breeze at the deck—all this is impossible to experience while flying. Those who detest sitting in the tiny airplane seats with recirculated air might consider fast ferry trip as a short cruise holiday. And if you are a driver, you can have a refreshing break from driving in the highway.

Con #1: Travel Time and Frequency

The biggest drawback is the time needed. It takes approximately three hours and 15 minutes to travel by ferry between Holyhead and Dublin with 1.5 hours added for embarkation and disembarkation. Flying by plane from London to Dublin takes 1.5 hours in air but considering security checks, transit and waiting, the whole process might take 4-5 hours, which is roughly the same amount of time as the ferry. From UK north cities like Manchester and Glasgow, flights are quicker. Additionally, ferries are less frequent and operate at fewer intervals during the day; sometimes there are two to four departures while there are hourly flights. In case of missing the ferry, you will have to wait for 6 hours before the next departure while organizing Hemel Hempstead to Heathrow Airport trip on a Monday morning might not even take 15 minutes.

Con #2: Weather Delays and Seasickness

However, ferries are affected by weather conditions. Windy conditions or stormy days can result in sailings being cancelled, particularly within the Irish Sea. Although sailings can take place, the bad weather causes seasickness among those who get seasick easily. However, the modern day stabilizers help ease seasickness to some extent. Weather may delay flights, but cancellations are less probable as opposed to ferry sailings, which will be completely affected by weather. If one chooses to drive via ferry, the whole journey is dependent on the state of the sea.

Comparing Costs: Ferry vs. Flight vs. Drive

The ferry seems to be cheaper when used by groups of people or the owners of vehicles. One foot traveler will be expected to pay £30-£50, while the car and its driver could cost £100-£180. However, air travel is even more expensive because of the cost of the ticket that stands at between £20 and £40. Moreover, there are other costs such as the charge for luggage (£30-£60), transfer from the airports (£20-£50), and renting a car (£50+/day) in Ireland. Therefore, the ferry with the car will save £200-£400 in rental and luggage fees for a family of four.

Also read: What Important Things Should I Know Before I Move to London

Environmental Impact: The Green Choice

The average emissions from ferry are estimated to be around 100 to 150g CO2 per passenger kilometer compared to 250 to 300g by flights. Hybrid vessels that utilize electricity or Liquefied Natural Gas are even better from environmental perspective. The ferry journey would be more environment friendly choice compared to flights especially when considering the fact that emissions on higher altitudes have bigger warming capacity.

Final Verdict: Who Should Take the Ferry?

Use the ferry if: (1) You’re traveling with your vehicle (automobiles are permitted, but bicycles can also be carried), or you’re transporting a lot of luggage; (2) You don’t like being screened and packed tightly in an aircraft; (3) You enjoy ocean scenery and a leisurely pace; (4) You’re traveling out of northwest England, Wales, or Scotland from a port town. Don’t use the ferry if: (1) You get seasick easily; (2) You’re trying to arrive inland in Ireland as fast as possible (for example, the trip from Dublin to Cork is a 2.5-hour drive); (3) You’re traveling on a time-sensitive schedule; (4) You have a phobia of bodies of water. Air travel is faster from London or any of the many cities with access to an airport. The combination of driving and taking the ferry will serve best for road trippers looking for their own transport.