European ferry travel, a popular choice for vacationers, sees approximately 794 million passengers annually. FerryGoGo, a ferry route-finding platform, has analyzed ferry pricing for 2025, predicting an average round-trip cost of €1,017 for two people and a car during peak season. This represents a slight decrease from the €1,097 estimated for 2024. The inclusion of eight new, shorter routes in the 2025 study contributed to this lower average. However, despite the overall decrease, the cost per mile has increased by seven cents, likely due to inflation and the nature of these shorter routes. While routes like Portsmouth to Caen or Barcelona to the Balearic Islands are cheaper overall due to shorter distances, they are less cost-effective per mile. This highlights the importance of considering both overall price and price per mile when evaluating ferry travel options.
The most expensive European ferry crossing in 2025 remains the Denmark to Iceland route, operated by Smyril Line’s M/S Norrona. This 66-hour journey, departing from Hirtshals, Denmark, and arriving in Seydisfjordur, Iceland, with a stopover in the Faroe Islands, costs €2,222 for a round trip with a cabin for two people and a car during high season. Despite the high overall cost, this route offers good value on a per-kilometer and per-hour basis, costing under €17 per person per hour or €0.73 per kilometer. This journey is essentially a mini-cruise, offering amenities like cinemas, a playroom, a gym, a pool, hot tubs, a football pitch, and various dining options. Interestingly, the cost for this crossing has decreased by 19.7% (€546) compared to 2024, making it a more attractive option despite its high overall price tag.
FerryGoGo’s analysis also identified the best and worst value ferry crossings for 2025. The Barcelona to Rome route offers the best value, costing €755 for a round trip with a car and equating to just €0.44 per kilometer. Other cost-effective options include the Sete (France) to Nador (Morocco), Travemunde (Germany) to Helsinki (Finland), and Bilbao (Spain) to Rosslare (Ireland) routes, all under €0.70 per kilometer and involving overnight stays onboard. Generally, longer ferry crossings tend to be cheaper per mile, making routes like those from Ireland and the UK to Spain, and Barcelona to Civitavecchia-Rome, particularly attractive for budget-conscious travelers.
Conversely, the worst value crossings are characterized by a high cost per kilometer. The Barcelona to Palma, Mallorca route, covering a relatively short distance of 270 km, costs over €1,000, translating to €1.89 per person per kilometer. Similarly, the Barcelona to Ibiza and the Rostock (Germany) to Trelleborg (Sweden) routes also represent poor value due to their high cost relative to the distance travelled. These shorter routes often cater to specific travel needs or offer convenience despite their higher per-kilometer cost. Understanding the value proposition of different routes allows travelers to make informed decisions based on their priorities and budget constraints.
Ferry prices have fluctuated significantly between 2024 and 2025. The Almeria to Nador route saw the biggest price decrease, dropping by 29% to €586. Other routes like Travemunde-Helsinki and IJmuiden-Newcastle also experienced price reductions of around 20%, while the Hirtshals-Seydisfjordur and Bilbao-Rosslare routes decreased by approximately 15%. However, some routes saw substantial price increases. The Harwich to Hoek van Holland route experienced the most dramatic rise, increasing by almost 60% to €620 from under €400 in 2024. The Liverpool to Belfast route also saw a significant price jump, rising from €500 to €768. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of ferry pricing and the importance of monitoring prices before booking.
The dynamic pricing model, widely used in the transportation industry, influences ferry fares. Prices tend to increase as more seats are booked, particularly during peak season. January is a crucial month for ferry bookings, and the prices quoted in FerryGoGo’s report are subject to change as the year progresses. Therefore, early booking, especially for travelers with cars, is highly recommended. Ferry parking decks fill up quickly, leading to rapid price increases as the sailing date approaches. Booking before January can also unlock potential discounts offered by some ferry operators, such as Stena Line. By understanding the dynamics of ferry pricing and booking strategically, travelers can secure the best possible value for their journeys.
