Taking a motorcycle on a ferry

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Motorcycles travel on ferries constantly, and most operators handle them well — bikes are usually cheaper than cars, boarded first, and given their own securing routine by the crew. The process is different enough from driving a car aboard that it's worth knowing in advance: how the fare works, what "lashed down" actually means for your suspension, and what to carry so the crossing itself is comfortable.

Booking a motorcycle crossing

Motorcycles are booked as their own vehicle category, distinct from cars, and the fare is usually lower — often significantly so on short crossings such as the Channel or Irish Sea routes. You'll typically be asked for the bike's approximate length and whether you are travelling solo or two-up, since some operators price a pillion passenger as a separate passenger fare on top of the bike fare. Sidecars and larger touring bikes with panniers may be asked for extra dimensions; declare panniers and top-boxes if the booking form asks, since they add width the marshal needs to account for when parking you on deck.

Group rides are common on ferries, particularly on continental touring routes, and most operators can handle a block booking of several bikes together — useful if you want to be parked and lashed as a group and disembark together at the other end. Ask when booking rather than assuming it will happen automatically. For the wider booking process — operators versus aggregators, cabin choices and when prices move — see our guide to how to book ferries.

Boarding: why motorcycles usually go first

On most car ferries, motorcycles are directed to board ahead of cars — sometimes queuing in a separate lane entirely. This isn't a courtesy; it's practical. Bikes need more careful, lower-speed manoeuvring onto the ramp and around other vehicles already parked on deck, and loading them before the car deck fills up gives the crew room to position and lash each one properly. Follow the marshal's directions exactly — they will tell you where to park and often assist with balancing the bike while manoeuvring at walking pace over the ramp lip, which can be more pronounced than a car's ground clearance is designed for.

Keep the bike in first gear (or in gear generally) once parked, engine off, side stand down, until crew ask you to dismount — some crews prefer riders to stay with the bike briefly while lashing straps are attached, others ask you to step away immediately. Follow whatever the marshal on your specific sailing asks.

How lashing works

Once parked, crew secure the bike using ratchet straps run through dedicated lashing points on the vessel's deck and looped around the bike's frame, handlebars or a purpose-fitted strap point — never around plastic fairings, mirrors or anything not structurally rated to take load. Most crews are experienced at this and know where to loop a strap on common bike types, but it is entirely reasonable to point out a specific frame point if your bike has an unusual fairing or a particularly vulnerable component nearby.

Once lashed, leave the bike — you won't be able to adjust or check it until you return to the vehicle deck before disembarkation. As with cars, you're required to leave the vehicle deck once the ship is underway; see our general guide to taking a car on a ferry for what happens on the passenger decks during the crossing.

What to bring for the crossing

Riding gear is bulky and, on a hot day, uncomfortable to sit in through a multi-hour crossing — plan to change once aboard if the route is long enough to make it worthwhile. Bring:

• A change of clothes if the crossing is more than a couple of hours and you'd rather not sit in full leathers.
• Anything from your panniers or top-box you'll need during the crossing — you cannot get back to the vehicle deck once underway.
• Documents (licence, insurance, vehicle registration, and passport) in a bag you carry with you rather than left with the bike.
• A dry bag or cover if your gear will sit in an open area — some ferries have covered motorcycle parking, others do not; ask if it matters to you.

Weather and rough-sea considerations

Motorcycles are more exposed to a rolling sea than a car, since there's no cabin holding items in place and the bike itself, despite lashing, has more moving parts under load. On routes with a reputation for swell — longer North Sea or Bay of Biscay crossings, for instance — crews are generally used to the extra care motorcycles need, and lashing on these routes tends to be more thorough as standard. If you're at all concerned, it's reasonable to ask crew directly how the bike will be secured for that specific sailing. If seasickness is a worry on a longer crossing, our guide to avoiding seasickness on a ferry covers where to sit and what to bring.

Riding off at the other end

Return to the vehicle deck when the announcement is made, not before — decks are usually locked to passengers until close to arrival. Crew will release the lashing straps; wait for them to finish rather than trying to free your own bike, since a partially released strap under tension can whip. Once released, start the bike, check your mirrors are still where you left them, and follow the marshalled lane off the ramp — take the ramp at a slow, steady pace, particularly if it's wet, since the transition and any metal deck plates can be slippery. If you're riding on to continue a road trip on the other side, our International Driving Permit guide covers whether your licence needs anything extra for the country you're landing in.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to take a motorcycle on a ferry than a car?

Generally yes — motorcycle fares are usually lower than the standard car rate on most routes, though a pillion passenger may be charged as a separate passenger fare on top. Check the specific operator's fare structure when booking.

Do I need to do anything special when booking a motorcycle ferry crossing?

Book in the motorcycle category rather than as a car, and declare panniers, a top-box or a sidecar if the form asks for extra dimensions. If riding with a group, ask whether you can be booked and parked together.

Will my motorcycle be damaged by the lashing straps?

Properly applied lashing, looped through frame points or dedicated strap fittings rather than fairings or mirrors, is standard practice and does not damage a bike under normal crossing conditions. If you have concerns about a specific model, mention it to the crew before they finish securing it.

Can I stay with my motorcycle during the crossing?

No, not on most routes — like car passengers, motorcyclists are required to move up to the passenger decks once the ship is underway and cannot return to the vehicle deck until shortly before arrival.