Do I need to print my ferry ticket?

No, it's not required. The e-ticket or boarding pass you receive by email can be shown directly on your phone at check-in. If you prefer, you can also print it. The main thing is to have it with you, along with your ID card or passport.

How long before departure should I arrive at the port?

For an international crossing, arrive 2 to 3 hours before departure to allow for identity checks and vehicle loading. For a short domestic route, a smaller margin is usually enough. When in doubt, allow extra time — it's better to wait than to miss boarding.

Can I go back to my car during the crossing?

No. The car deck is closed and locked for the entire crossing for safety reasons. So take everything you'll need with you before boarding: medication, documents, warm clothing, snacks and a charger. You won't be able to return to your vehicle once at sea.

Should I choose a seat or a cabin?

It depends on the length of the trip. For a short daytime crossing, a reclining seat is perfectly fine. For a long overnight voyage, a private cabin lets you sleep in peace and arrive rested. You choose your accommodation type when you book.

What documents do I need for check-in?

Bring your ID card or passport, your booking confirmation, and — if you're driving — the vehicle registration and insurance certificate. For international crossings, a border check may take place both at boarding and on arrival, so keep your documents accessible.

Your First Ferry Crossing: A Complete Guide

Taking the ferry for the first time raises plenty of questions: how do you book, when should you arrive, how does boarding work, and what happens on board? Don't worry — a ferry crossing is simple and far more relaxed than flying. You board on foot or with your car, move around the ship freely, and enjoy the sea air. This guide walks you through the whole journey, from booking your tickets to stepping off at the arrival port. You'll find everything you need to approach your first crossing with confidence, whether it's a short hop or a long international voyage across the Mediterranean.

Search & book

How do I book my ferry ticket?

Booking takes just a few minutes online. Enter your route (departure and arrival ports) and your date, then run the search. You then compare the available ferries and choose your accommodation on board: a simple reclining seat for a short crossing, or a private cabin for an overnight voyage. Fill in the passenger details, add a vehicle if needed, and pay online. You'll immediately receive your e-ticket or boarding pass by email. Keep it on your phone or print it out — you'll be asked for it at check-in at the port. It's a smooth, paperless process from start to finish.

When should I arrive at the port?

Timing depends on the type of crossing. For an international route, plan to arrive 2 to 3 hours before departure: identity checks and vehicle loading take time. For a short domestic crossing, arriving closer to departure is usually fine. It's always better to allow extra time than to miss boarding. Have your documents ready for check-in: ID card or passport, your booking confirmation, and — if you're driving — the vehicle registration and insurance certificate. Once you've checked in, you'll be directed to the boarding lane, where staff guide you onto the ship in order.

How does boarding work?

Boarding differs depending on whether you travel on foot or by car. Foot passengers board via a dedicated gangway, while vehicles drive on separately through the car deck, following the crew's instructions. One key point: the car deck is closed and locked for the entire crossing for safety reasons. You won't be able to return to your vehicle once at sea. So be sure to take everything you'll need during the voyage with you: medication, documents, warm clothing, snacks, a charger. Once on board, head to your seat or cabin and settle in comfortably for the journey.

What can I do on board the ferry?

A ferry is far more spacious than a plane, and you can move around freely as soon as the ship leaves the quay. Depending on the crossing, you'll find reclining seats, private cabins with berths, bars and restaurants, shops, and open decks where you can get some air and take in the sea views. On long overnight crossings, a cabin lets you sleep comfortably and arrive well rested. Enjoy the journey — a ferry offers a freedom of movement no other form of transport can match. Just keep your ticket and ID handy for when it's time to disembark.

What happens when I arrive?

As the ship approaches the arrival port, the crew announces disembarkation. Foot passengers leave via the gangway, while drivers are called back to their vehicles on the car deck, which then reopens. Follow the announcements and only go down to the car deck once you're cleared to. Keep your ID accessible: depending on the route, a border or customs check may take place on the way out. Once you've disembarked, you're free to continue your journey. For your very first crossing, stay attentive to the onboard announcements — the crew guides you through every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to print my ferry ticket?: No, it's not required. The e-ticket or boarding pass you receive by email can be shown directly on your phone at check-in. If you prefer, you can also print it. The main thing is to have it with you, along with your ID card or passport.
How long before departure should I arrive at the port?: For an international crossing, arrive 2 to 3 hours before departure to allow for identity checks and vehicle loading. For a short domestic route, a smaller margin is usually enough. When in doubt, allow extra time — it's better to wait than to miss boarding.
Can I go back to my car during the crossing?: No. The car deck is closed and locked for the entire crossing for safety reasons. So take everything you'll need with you before boarding: medication, documents, warm clothing, snacks and a charger. You won't be able to return to your vehicle once at sea.
Should I choose a seat or a cabin?: It depends on the length of the trip. For a short daytime crossing, a reclining seat is perfectly fine. For a long overnight voyage, a private cabin lets you sleep in peace and arrive rested. You choose your accommodation type when you book.
What documents do I need for check-in?: Bring your ID card or passport, your booking confirmation, and — if you're driving — the vehicle registration and insurance certificate. For international crossings, a border check may take place both at boarding and on arrival, so keep your documents accessible.

Other crossings

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