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Best Ways to Travel from the UK to Europe

Planning a short break in Europe? Our handy transport guide is here to help you choose what the best method of travel is for you.

Ferry

Eurostar

Eurotunnel

Plane

When it comes to travelling from the UK to Europe, there's a mode of transport to suit every holidaymaker. Perhaps you're not a confident flyer? Maybe you're looking for the most budget-friendly option? Or possibly you want to make a more sustainable choice? There's a perfect travel option for you. Take a look at the most popular, convenient and great value ways to travel to Europe from the UK.

Ferry icon

Ferries from the UK to Europe


Thinking about experiencing the wonders of sea travel? There are plenty of lines to choose from, including well-known names like P&O Ferries and DFDS Ferries, each offering different routes, amenities and cater to a range of budgets.

Ferries to Europe from the UK are a popular option with travellers for many reasons:

  • Ferry travel is typically cheaper than flying
  • The check-in process is far less hassle and much quicker than flight check-ins - many recommend arriving only 45-60 minutes before departure
  • You'll have the convenience of having your car to travel onwards
  • There's often less baggage restrictions, perfect if packing light isn't your forte
  • Ferries offer a more relaxed experience - stretch your legs, move about and generally enjoy various amenities onboard.

UK departure locations:

  • Dover
  • Portsmouth
  • Newcastle
  • Newhaven
  • Cairnryan Port
  • Hull
  • Liverpool

Popular destinations:

  • Calais
  • Amsterdam
  • Rotterdam
  • Dublin
  • Larne


Eurostar icon

Hop on the Eurostar from the UK to Europe


The Eurostar, a high-speed rail service, is one of the quickest, easiest, and most eco-friendly ways to cross the channel. It takes just 2hr 16 from London St. Pancras to reach the centre of Paris!

Just some of the reasons holidaymakers love to travel from the UK to Europe with Eurostar:

  • Perfect for city breaks - travel directly into a handful of European cities. No airport transfers to worry about
  • Check-in is fast and convenient - groups are asked to arrive only 45 minutes before departure
  • Passengers are allowed a generous free-of-charge baggage allowance - 2 suitcases and 1 piece of hand luggage per person
  • There's plenty of space to relax and get comfy. Plus there's on-board entertainment and free wifi on their new e320 trains
  • It's a much greener option compared to flying. For example, a journey from London to Paris uses 93% less CO2 per passenger than flying.

UK departure locations:

  • London St Pancras International
  • Ashford International
  • Ebbsfleet International

Popular destinations:

  • Calais
  • Disneyland® Paris
  • Brussels
  • Amsterdam
  • Rotterdam
  • French Alps (In winter months)
  • Larne
Browse Eurostar


Eurotunnel icon

Getting the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle to Europe


If you're looking for a more sustainable, fast and simple way to travel to France and beyond, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is a great choice. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle takes you and your car from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes!

Benefits of travelling to Europe from the UK by Eurotunnel:

  • Speed! Crossing the channel takes just 35 minutes. On average, that's 1 hour quicker than travelling by ferry
  • It offers great value for money as fares include your vehicle and up to 9 people
  • There's no luggage restrictions so you can pack (and take home) as much as you want
  • It's a convenient option for less able-bodied passengers as all drivers and passengers stay in the comfort of their vehicle for the duration of the journey
  • Furry friends (from dogs, cats and even ferrets) can travel with you
  • Helps reduce your carbon footprint. Travelling with Eurotunnel is more eco-friendly than by going by ferry as it emits 73x less CO2e

UK departure locations:

  • Folkestone

Popular destinations:

  • Calais
Browse Eurotunnel


Ferry icon

Catch a flight to Europe from the UK


With hundreds of airports located across Europe, served by a large number of airlines (catering to a range of budgets), it's no surprise that plane travel is a convenient choice for many UK travellers.

Why is plane travel from the UK to Europe so popular?

  • Air travel is undoubtedly the quickest ways to travel, especially when going long distances
  • There are some great deals to be had, especially if you book in advance and have flexibility on travel dates. And thanks to websites like Skyscanner, it's never been easier to search and compare the cheapest flights
  • It's widely considered to be one of the safest forms of transport, especially when compared to travelling by road
  • While it can be stressful at times, for many air travel is a fun and exciting experience. There's something quite thrilling about looking out at the world from high above in the clouds

UK departure locations:

  • London Heathrow
  • London Gatwick
  • London Stansted
  • London City
  • London Luton
  • Manchester
  • Birmingham
  • Newcastle
  • Liverpool
  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • Cardiff
  • Belfast

Popular destinations:

  • France
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Turkey
  • Greece
  • Italy
  • Switzerland
  • Sweden
  • Poland
Browse Skyscanner