Ferry travel has seen a 116% YoY increase in bookings by UK travellers.
UK holidaymakers seeking a more flexible and scenic way to explore Europe are increasingly opting for ferry travel as their preferred mode of transportation.
The rise in ferry bookings, +116% YoY from 2023 to 2024 as reported by the leading multi-modal travel booking platform, Omio, is fuelled by a desire for more experience-rich journeys, with 73% of holidaymakers planning holidays with the primary intention of slowing down and switching off.
Ferries have become an increasingly popular mode of transport among Omio’s customers. To keep up with rising demand, Omio has substantially expanded its inventory of routes. Omio anticipates that the ferry boom will continue in 2025, as early bookings this year have surpassed those made for the same period in 2024.
Trends like slow travel, rooted in taking a more relaxed and immersive approach to travel, are also accelerating the growing popularity of ferries. Whether it’s a one-hour hop to a neighbouring town on the Amalfi Coast or hopping between two Baltic capitals, ferries offer travellers the chance to relax and explore at their own pace.
Coastline hopping across the picturesque Amalfi coast remains popular among UK travellers, with many weaving ferry routes into their summer plans:
- Naples <> Capri: +113% YoY
- Naples <> Positano: +102% YoY
- Amalfi <> Positano: +79% YoY
- Amalfi <> Salerno: +77% YoY
- Naples <> Amalfi: +63% YoY
Ferry routes to destinations like Corfu and Helsinki are experiencing significant growth. The Sarandë to Corfu route saw a remarkable +560% increase in bookings as travellers seek quieter and more economic alternatives to the Cycladic islands. The Ionian island recorded a 7% increase in summer bookings for 2025 and ranks second among the top 10 most popular destinations for a European break from the UK.
Similarly, the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry route has seen substantial growth with British travellers (+244%), driven in part by the rising demand for nature-based and adventure travel and a seamless way to experience two Nordic capitals in a single trip.
“Ferry crossings often allow travellers to connect with quieter, and harder to reach destinations, avoiding the hustle of more heavily congested routes. These crossings tend to offer a sense of freedom to explore with the ability to bring cars and bikes, pack without compromise, and arrive at your destination ready to roam,” says Veronica Diquattro, President B2C Europe & Supply at Omio.
“Modern ferries equipped with improved facilities are another draw for travellers. Routes with a range of dining options, entertainment, and premium cabin choices all enhance the overall travel experience, turning the journey into a more memorable part of the holiday.”
For travellers eager to embrace ferry adventures, finding and securing the perfect route has never been easier. With Omio’s intuitive platform, passengers can search, compare, and book ferry trips in just a few taps, whether planning ahead or deciding en route.
The app offers support in 33 languages and 31 currencies, allows tickets to be stored in one place, and provides a range of search filters for price, journey time, and departure windows. With options to add cabins, seats, or even a car, plus 24/7 customer service, it’s designed to make ferry travel as flexible and stress-free as the journey itself.
