Upon arrival at the terminal, follow your guide who will be following the signs for whatever particular company of ferry you will be boarding. You will go through a self-service check-in where you scan your booking reference. You will then receive a paper hanger with your details, normally for your car rearview mirror, you can just hang on to this in your pocket but the seasoned traveler is known to keep a clothes peg with them to pin the hanger to their windshield for the security to see from afar.
After check-in, you will pass through UK and French border controls consecutively. Have your passport and boarding pass ready, an accessible pocket will do. Each check is the same process, show them your boarding pass and passport for them to check and then you'll be on your way.
Follow the marshals' instructions to board the ferry. Motorcycles are typically loaded last. You may jump the queue so as to not sit in stop/start traffic but you will have to wait at the end to allow the cars to pass and still board last.
It can be a bit bumpy riding up the steep ramps and onto the ferry, so take it slowly at your own pace and follow any guidance given. Typically you will ride up on to the ferry and park in a motorcycle bay. Using the side stand only, no centre stands.
The ferry will provide tie-down straps to secure your motorcycle. There is not always a member of staff to help you with this but don't worry, one of your guides will be able to help you.
To secure your bike you will use a standard ratchet strap with a “seat pad” in the middle. Hook the long part of the strap in a floor anchor and lay the seat pad on your seat. You may need to extend the strap to hook in the second hook to the floor anchor. Pull any excess strap tight before operating the ratchet. Use the ratchet handle to tighten the strap until your bike is adequately secured. Give it a slap and say “that ain't goin anywhere” and you're good to go!
Grab anything you want to take/eat on the ferry as you won't be allowed back down until the end of the journey.
The journey across the Channel takes approximately 90 minutes. There are plenty of facilities including different food options, seating, toilets and duty free. Some ships even have a cinema!
Once the ferry arrives at your destination, you will be allowed back down to your motorcycle, it is a good idea to get ahead of the crowd to allow you time to release your bike and get your gear back on. During this time, if needed, swap your speedo to Kph from Mph. Wait for the marshals to signal that it is safe to disembark. Drive off the ferry carefully, it can be bumpy and slippery depending on the weather, again, take it slowly at your own pace. Follow the guide and signs for onward travel.
Remember to adjust to driving on the right-hand side of the road immediately upon disembarking in France. Be aware of local speed limits and road signs.
Always check the latest travel requirements and restrictions before your journey. Check out our other guides for more specifics.
It’s as simple as the first trip, just remember if needed to swap your speedo back to Mph and to ride on the left again!
