With the Rugby World Cup well and truly under way there's no better – or easier – way for fans to travel to the iconic tournament than by ferry.
As the world's largest ferry ticket booking site, Direct Ferries offers fans a convenient, reliable and cost-effective way to see the hotly anticipated England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales rugby matches across France and enjoy the sites and scenes of ‘L'Hexagone'.
Unleash the spirit of adventure
Ferry journeys enhance the travel experience and offer a fun and adventurous way to reach your destination. Not only this, but with fixtures on up and down the country, choosing to travel by ferry with a car means fans can move between matches at their own leisure, in their own time.
Providing the freedom to roam inspires the spirit for adventure. Explore the picturesque coastal and country regions of France on scenic and traffic free roads and take some time to visit the nation's renowned cultural landmarks in host cities, including Bordeaux, Lille, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, Paris, St Etienne and Toulouse.
Ferries = Hassle Free Travel
Ferry travel is the answer to travelling cost effectively, comfortably, flexibly, sustainably and stress free.
There is no costly luggage allowance, and you can wave goodbye to airport delays and flight cancellations. Pack your car to the brim with your favourite tees and rugby merch and use the roof for extra baggage or even bikes. All strapped in? It's time to kick back, put on the A/C, play your best road trip tunes and enjoy all the benefits of travelling in the comfort of your own car.
Ships are equipped with spacious and comfortable lounges, restaurants, bars, TV areas, cinemas and duty-free shops, not to mention the stunning and calming sea view. And for overnight crossings, en suite cabin options offer peace, rest and privacy to ensure that you arrive at your destination revitalised and ready to embrace rugby fever!
Ferries are a more sustainable travel choice
The travel sector accounts for around 8% of global carbon emissions, and there is now more than ever a desire for people to make greener and more eco-friendly choices when it comes to travelling and reducing their travel carbon footprint.
Ferry travel allows travellers to make greener and more eco-friendly choices. The Direct Ferries Carbon Calculator allows passengers to calculate their carbon footprint, travelling by train and ferry, car and ferry (petrol and electric) and short-haul flight, so they can see the positive impact they are making in just a few clicks.
For example, the calculator shows that a car travelling with four passengers travelling to a match from London to Paris could lower their emissions by 60% by travelling with a car and ferry, in comparison to taking a short-haul flight.
Ferries offer Freedom and Flexibility
Taking a ferry to France has never been easier. Rugby fans can depart from a number of ports on England's south coast, including Dover, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Poole and arrive at their destination in as little as 90 minutes.
Choose between Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries or DFDS and bring the car across the Channel.
Take the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo with Brittany ferries and drive five hours south to the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux to watch Wales play Fiji. The UNESCO-listed city of Bordeaux is a stylish coastal city which elegantly blends tradition and modernity. Known for its exquisite wines, take some time out to indulge in a wine tasting experience. Or get active at the beach, and experience the coastal magic of Arcachon, Europe's longest and highest dune of sand.
Or Sail from Portsmouth to Le Havre and drive two and a half to three hours to cheer on your favourite teams and watch them battle it out at the Stade de France in Paris. The iconic French capital will host some of the most crucial matches during the tournament – with a wealth of things to do and explore.
Take the time to explore the city's landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Tickets are selling fast, so please visit the Direct Ferries website to find the perfect ferry for your World Cup Rugby trip. And even if games are sold out, the parties and atmosphere around the tournament will be well worth the experience!
Book now to experience the biggest Rugby World Cup matches by ferry this September
