P&O Ferries : Book Ferry Tickets, Timetables & Prices
About P&O Ferries
P&O Ferries is one of the UK’s most iconic and longest-serving ferry operators, connecting England, France, the Netherlands, and Northern Ireland with over 180 years of maritime heritage. The company operates modern, award-winning vessels on some of the busiest sea crossings in the world — including the famous Dover–Calais route, an overnight cruise-ferry to Rotterdam, and a quick crossing between Scotland and Northern Ireland. Whether you are heading to France for a short break, exploring Holland on a mini-cruise, or commuting between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, P&O Ferries offers reliable, comfortable, and frequent services for every type of traveller.
Book your P&O Ferries tickets through FerryNav and compare live prices, timetables, and cabin options in seconds. Best available fares, no hidden fees, instant confirmation.
The roots of P&O Ferries stretch back to 1837, when the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company was founded to carry mail and passengers between Britain and the Iberian Peninsula. Over the following century, P&O became one of the world’s largest and most prestigious shipping companies. P&O Ferries as a dedicated ferry operation emerged in the 1960s to meet the rapid growth in cross-Channel car travel in post-war Europe.
In March 2022, P&O Ferries made international headlines when it controversially dismissed its entire crew of 800 seafarers — an event that led to significant legal scrutiny and a major reputational challenge. However, the company responded by investing heavily in new vessels and improving its services. In 2023, P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté entered service — the first hybrid ferries on the English Channel — and the company cut approximately 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions that year alone. Today, P&O Ferries is headquartered in Dover and is owned by DP World, a global ports and logistics group based in Dubai.
Key facts:
Founded: 1837 (P&O Ferries as current entity: 2002)
P&O Ferries operates seven modern passenger vessels across its route network. These include two brand-new hybrid ferries launched in 2023 and a pair of the largest cruise-ferries in Europe on the Hull–Rotterdam overnight route.
The P&O Ferries Fleet
P&O Pioneer (2023) — One of the world’s largest double-ended ferries at 230.5 metres. Serves Dover–Calais. Hybrid diesel-electric propulsion delivering a 40% reduction in carbon emissions. Features P&O’s largest ever duty-free shopping area (588m² with World Duty Free), a Food Market, The Kitchen restaurant, a Club Lounge with complimentary drinks, and Wi-Fi throughout.
P&O Liberté (2024) — Sister ship to P&O Pioneer. Also serves Dover–Calais. Same hybrid technology and on-board facilities. Together, these two vessels are the flagships of the fleet and represent the most significant investment in new tonnage in decades.
Spirit of Britain (2011) — Serves Dover–Calais. Capacity: 2,000 passengers and 195 cars. Features restaurants, bars, duty-free shopping, children’s play area, and Wi-Fi.
Spirit of France (2012) — Serves Dover–Calais. Sister ship to Spirit of Britain. Same facilities and capacity. One of the largest ferries ever built for the Dover–Calais route at the time of its construction.
Pride of Hull (2001) — Serves Hull–Rotterdam. One of the largest cruise-ferries in Europe at 215 metres. Capacity: 1,360 passengers. Features 546 cabins across 12 decks, Four Seasons buffet restaurant, à la carte dining, a casino, show lounge with live entertainment, cinema, Sky Lounge piano bar, and duty-free shopping.
Pride of Rotterdam (2001) — Sister ship to Pride of Hull. Also serves Hull–Rotterdam. Identical capacity and facilities. At the time of their launch, both vessels were the world’s largest cruise-ferries ever built.
European Highlander — Serves Cairnryan–Larne (Scotland to Northern Ireland). Capacity: 410 passengers and 375 cars. Features comfortable seating, café, bar, and Wi-Fi.
On-board amenities
Restaurants, buffets, food markets, and à la carte dining
World Duty Free shopping — up to 40% off high street prices
Private cabins with en-suite bathrooms (Hull–Rotterdam)
Club Lounge with complimentary drinks (P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté)
Casino and show lounge with live entertainment (Hull–Rotterdam)
Cinema (Hull–Rotterdam and Dover–Calais Spirit class)
Children’s play areas
Pet Lounge (Dover–Calais)
Wi-Fi on all vessels
Accessible facilities, wheelchair-friendly lifts, and adapted cabins
Destinations Covered by P&O Ferries
France — Calais & Northern France
The Dover–Calais crossing is the shortest and most frequent way to reach France from the UK. From Calais, you have immediate access to the French motorway network — Paris is just 3 hours away, and Belgium is reachable in under 1 hour. Furthermore, duty-free shopping at Calais port is among the best in Europe.
The Netherlands — Rotterdam & Holland
The Hull–Rotterdam overnight crossing is one of the most popular ways to travel to Holland from northern England and Scotland. Rotterdam city centre is easily reached from the Europoort terminal, and Amsterdam is just 75 minutes away. Moreover, P&O Ferries offers mini-cruise packages to both Rotterdam and Amsterdam — from just £73 per person including two nights on board, live entertainment, and a day in the city.
Northern Ireland — Belfast & Beyond
The Cairnryan–Larne crossing connects Scotland to Northern Ireland in approximately 2 hours. From Larne, Belfast is just 30 minutes by road, offering easy access to the Giant’s Causeway, the Causeway Coastal Route, the Mourne Mountains, and the vibrant food and culture scene of Belfast city centre.
P&O Ferries Prices & Promotions
P&O Ferries ticket prices vary by route, travel date, and how far in advance you book. Use FerryNav’s search to compare live fares on your chosen dates.
Price guide
Dover to Calais — Day Trip: from £60 for a car (travel up to 30 June 2026)
Dover to Calais — Short Break (3 days): from £134 return with a car
Dover to Calais — Long Break (7+ days): from £106 each way with a car
Hull to Rotterdam — Mini Cruise: from £73 per person including 2 nights on board and a day in the city
Hull to Rotterdam — Mini Cruise to Amsterdam: from £117 per person
All prices are indicative and subject to availability. Search FerryNav for the latest live fares.
Ticket types
Saver: The lowest available fare. Fixed and non-refundable. Best for travellers with firm plans who book well in advance.
Standard: Mid-range flexibility. Amendments available for a fee.
Flexible: Full amendments and refund options available. Recommended for uncertain travel plans.
Promotions & discounts
Children under 4 travel FREE on all routes
Children aged 4–15 receive discounted fares
Day Trip to France from £60 for a car (up to 30 June 2026)
Short break 3-day return from £134 on Dover–Calais (up to 31 December 2026)
Tulip season Holland deals from £49 per person
World Duty Free savings: up to 40% off cosmetics, perfume, and spirits on board
World Duty Free Reserve & Collect: browse and reserve duty-free products before you travel
Tip: For summer sailings, book at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Dover–Calais summer departures are extremely popular and prices rise quickly as the season approaches.
Practical Information
Check-in & boarding
P&O Ferries uses an eTicket system — after booking you receive a confirmation by email. You can use this on your smartphone or as a printed copy at the port.
Dover to Calais: vehicles arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. Foot passengers at least 90 minutes before departure.
Hull to Rotterdam: check-in opens at 3:00 PM. All passengers should arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.
Cairnryan to Larne: vehicles check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.
Luggage
No published formal weight limit for hand luggage
Luggage can be left in your vehicle on the car deck — inaccessible during the crossing
Take all valuables and essential items before the car deck closes
Lockers available on board for valuables on overnight sailings
Vehicles
Cars, motorcycles, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans accepted on all routes
Declare your correct vehicle dimensions at booking
Note: on Hull–Rotterdam and Cairnryan–Larne, foot passengers are not accepted — a vehicle is required
Foot passengers are welcome on Dover–Calais only
Pets
P&O Ferries accepts pets on all routes. Policies, however, vary by route.
Dover to Calais: dogs can travel in the dedicated Pet Lounge from £12 / €14 per pet each way, or remain in your vehicle
Hull to Rotterdam: dog-friendly cabins available. If fully booked, pets stay in air-conditioned onboard kennels
Cairnryan to Larne: all pets must remain in your vehicle
Required for UK–EU travel: valid microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Dogs entering the UK must have a vet-recorded tapeworm treatment
Travel documents
Valid passport required on all routes
UK citizens travelling to France or the Netherlands need a valid passport — national ID cards are not accepted
UK visitors to EU countries need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — apply via gov.uk
EU residents also require an ETA to visit the UK from 2 April 2025
Frequently Asked Questions — P&O Ferries
The P&O Ferries Dover to Calais crossing takes approximately 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes). P&O Ferries offers up to 28 sailings per day in peak season, making it one of the most frequent ferry services in the world. Both foot passengers and passengers with vehicles are accepted on this route.
Yes. P&O Ferries accepts cars, motorcycles, campervans, motorhomes, and vehicles towing trailers or caravans on all routes. Note that on Hull–Rotterdam and Cairnryan–Larne, foot passengers are not accepted — a vehicle is required to board these routes.
Cabins are available on the Hull–Rotterdam overnight route, served by the Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam. Both ships offer a full range of cabin grades, from standard inside cabins to Club-class sea-view suites. On Dover–Calais, the crossing is too short for overnight cabins, but a Club Lounge with comfortable seating and complimentary drinks is available on P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté.
Yes. On Dover–Calais, dogs travel in the dedicated Pet Lounge from £12 per pet each way. On Hull–Rotterdam, dog-friendly cabins are available. On Cairnryan–Larne, pets must stay in your vehicle. Required documents for UK–EU travel include a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate.
Yes. P&O Ferries offers World Duty Free shopping on board, with up to 40% off cosmetics, perfume, and skincare, and up to 30% off spirits, wines, and beers compared to UK high street prices. P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté furthermore feature the largest ever P&O duty-free shopping area at 588m². A Reserve & Collect service also lets you pre-order products before you travel.
P&O Pioneer, launched in 2023, is one of the world’s largest double-ended ferries at 230.5 metres. Its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system delivers a 40% reduction in carbon emissions versus the vessels it replaced. The double-ended design means the ship does not need to turn around in port, saving time at both Dover and Calais. Its sister ship P&O Liberté has the same technology and facilities.
Yes. P&O Ferries operates the Cairnryan–Larne route, connecting Scotland to Northern Ireland in approximately 2 hours. This is a vehicle-only route — foot passengers are not accepted. From Larne, Belfast is just 30 minutes by road.
For summer Dover–Calais sailings, book at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead to get the best available fares. Early booking can save 30 to 50% compared to last-minute prices. For Hull–Rotterdam, booking early also ensures the best cabin availability — particularly dog-friendly cabins which sell out quickly.
P&O Ferries — Customer Reviews & Reputation
P&O Ferries has rebuilt its reputation significantly since 2022 through investment in new vessels, improved customer service, and a renewed focus on the passenger experience. The two new ships, P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté, have been particularly well received and are widely praised for their modern facilities, environmental credentials, and improved comfort.
What passengers praise most
P&O Pioneer and P&O Liberté consistently receive strong reviews for their modern interiors, the quality and range of duty-free shopping, and the Club Lounge experience. The Hull–Rotterdam crossing is furthermore frequently praised as an outstanding value overnight experience — passengers regularly highlight the Four Seasons buffet restaurant, the casino, the live entertainment, and the comfortable cabins. The frequency of the Dover–Calais service, with up to 28 sailings per day, is consistently cited as a major practical advantage. The dedicated Pet Lounge on Dover–Calais is additionally well regarded by dog owners.
Areas for improvement noted by some passengers
Some passengers noted disruption during the transition period following the controversial 2022 crew changes. While services have stabilised significantly since then, some long-term customers note that the on-board atmosphere has changed. A small number of passengers additionally report that foot passenger facilities at Dover could be improved.
Ratings & recognition
P&O Ferries has received positive recognition for its environmental programme, having cut approximately 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2023 alone through the introduction of hybrid vessels. P&O Pioneer was consequently launched to significant industry acclaim and has been recognised as one of the most technically advanced ferries ever deployed on the English Channel.
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
