How do you charge for vehicles?

When you travel with your vehicle, the cost will depend on the type of vehicle and its length.

The length of a vehicle includes any racks, towbars etc, and any overhanging roof rack items. It is very important that you provide an accurate length when you book. Or, if you are travelling with a hire car, and don't yet know the exact length, it's important that you update your booking prior to travel with the correct dimensions, once you have them.

If your vehicle is longer than stated you may have to pay an excess charge, or we might not be able to accommodate you on board at busy times and we are very keen to avoid this.

As a guide, you'll find vehicle charges for each route shown on individual timetables. And we've provided more details below based on vehicle types.

Cars

All cars are charged at the same rate irrespective of length, but please make sure you give us an accurate length for your car - including any cycle racks, etc - so we can ensure we have enough space on the vessel.

Trailers, caravans and boats

When towed by a car or a van (not exceeding 6 metres long, 3 metres high, 2.3 metres wide and 3.5 tonnes plated weight) - trailers, caravans and boats are charged by length, up to 2.5m, 6m, 8m, as appropriate. Over 8 metres will be charged at commercial vehicle rates.
When towed by a commercially rated vehicle (e.g. van exceeding 6 metres etc.) the combined length will be charged at commercial vehicle rates.
Livestock trailer rates are available on request.
Horse transporters are charged at commercial vehicle rates.

Minibuses and Coaches

Minibuses not exceeding 5 metres are charged at the same rate as a car. The driver's fare is not included.
Minibuses/midi coaches 5 to 6 metres are charged at the light good vehicles rate. The driver's fare is included.
Coaches over 6 metres are charged at coach rates, this includes the driver's fare. Rates available on request, contact our Travel Trade Department.

Motorhomes

A motorhome is defined as a windowed vehicle with permanent living facilities. This does not include horse boxes and other livestock carriers. If you have a UK vehicle your V5 document should show the body type of your motorhome as 'Motor Caravan'. If you have a converted van which we consider not to be a motorhome, you will be charged the appropriate van fare. It is a good idea to carry a copy of your V5 with you when you are travelling in a converted van.

If you are travelling in a converted van and you don't have a copy of your V5 (identifying the vehicle as a 'Motor Caravan') with you, you can request a refund if you have been charged the appropriate van fare. Send a copy of your receipt and your V5 to Customer Care within 30 days of travel and consideration will be given to refunding the excess fare paid less a refund charge.

Motorhomes up to 12 metres - charged by length, up to 6, 8, 10 and 12 metres, as appropriate.
Motorhomes over 12 metres - commercial vehicle rates apply.

Light goods vehicles (LGV), Pickups and Commercial Vehicles

Light vans and pickups not exceeding 6 metres long, 3 metres high, 2.3 metres wide, and 3.5 tonnes plated weight, are charged at the light goods vehicle rate. The LGV rate includes the driver's fare.

Light vans and pickups that exceed any of these sizes or weights, by any amount, are charged at commercial vehicle rates.

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes plated weight require to be fitted with lashing points and at the point of shipment must produce a written declaration of the gross vehicle weight and description of load.

All commercial vehicles, light vans and pickups based on a commercial vehicle chassis, exceeding 6 metres, are charged at commercial vehicle rates. The driver's fare is included in the commercial vehicle rate.

Vehicles will be measured prior to embarkation. Vehicles which exceed the declared dimensions, by any amount, will be charged the correct fare and may not be accommodated on board at busy times.

Commercial and Light Goods Vehicles Weighing Information

If you are driving a commercial vehicle or light goods vehicle, please remember that it is the responsibility of the operator and the driver to ensure that the vehicle is not loaded over and above the plated weight.

Vehicles in excess of their plated weight will be refused shipment.

Any vehicle weighing over 3.5 tonnes will be charged as a commercial vehicle for the purpose of shipment.

Find out more about our weight restrictions.