Choosing a Ferry - Van Hire Abroad
If you're moving abroad, planning a big booze cruise or perhaps taking a touring sports team or band abroad, you will probably need to book your hire van on a ferry (or the Channel Tunnel). This may seem a bit scary but is easy if you take the right approach.
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Here's a step-by-step guide to what you need to do (click each item for more info):
- Arrange permission for overseas use with your van hire company
- Find out the shipping dimensions for your hire van
- Choose which ferry crossing (route) you will use
- UK-Spain Ferry Example - Why Longer Can Be Better
1. Arrange overseas use with your van hire company
In most cases you need to specifically arrange European use after you have made the booking. However, not all companies allow this, so check that you will be allowed before you book.
An additional payment for European insurance and breakdown cover is normally required. (See our list of UK van hire companies that offer this service).
2. Find out the shipping dimensions of your hire van
Ask your hire company for the shipping dimensions of the vehicle you will be taking. These are its height, length and width, including any roof racks, bike racks, etc. (but excluding mirrors).
To book a ferry, you will always need to know height and length, and sometimes width. Make sure you get these figures in metres, as this is how ferry companies measure them.
3. Choose which ferry crossing (route) you will use
The best choice isn't always the cheapest or shortest - you need to consider the total cost of the journey and the total time taken to reach your destination.
If you can't decide between a longer crossing with less driving and a shorter crossing with more driving, work out the total cost of each option. Here are the factors you need to consider:
Motorway toll costs for each route (most European motorways are tolled in some way, France especially is quite expensive)
Fuel costs for each route (see our van sizes page for typical fuel consumption information)
How many days it will take? If you aren't used to driving long distances in Europe, be realistic. Calculate the cost of overnight accommodation for you and any passengers.
(As a rule, don't plan more than 400-500 miles in a day unless you are sure you can do it)
ViaMichelin have an excellent European route planner that will do most of this work for you - click here to open in a new window)
Don't forget any mileage surcharges your hire company might apply, although most don't
Get quotes for each of the possible ferry crossings (click here for an instant online quote from P&O Ferries)
Once you have all of the data you need, compare the total costs, time taken and stress levels.
4. UK-Spain Ferry Example - Why Longer Can Be Better:
Most people find that a longer crossing and less driving is much less hassle and often cheaper. Probably the best example of this is if you are moving to Spain.
By taking the P&O Portsmouth - Bilbao route, you arrive in Spain first thing in the morning, refreshed after a good night's rest - click here.
Bilbao is located centrally on the north coast of Spain, which allows you to reach most Spanish destinations within a day's driving - saving 2 days' driving, fuel costs and tolls in France.
