Check in times for cross channel ferries

[Yonihadtoask]

Hi.

We I are planning our annual trip to Le France. Bit late this year.

In previous years we have used the Eurotunnel - for speed and less hassle.

However, as I have left it late the price is now just about double that of a Dover-Calais ferry.

We aren't driving as far to our destination in France this year, so have more time to play with - therefore am pricing up using the ferry instead.

How far in advance of sailing does one have to 'check in'? I know with the tunnel we just rock up about 30 mins before or catch the earlier one. If it is more than an hour prior to sailing, then it will be adding a lot of messing about time on to our journey. We have a 4.5 hour drive down from W Yorkshire to start with.

It's an hour usually but it can take while to get off as well so I would allow an extra two hours on top of the ferry crossing time.

Thanks cheerup.