(c) Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)What Is the Luggage Allowance on a Ferry?
How much luggage you can bring on a ferry as a foot passenger or with a vehicle, and where to store it on board.
By Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub· Published June 11, 2026· updated July 17, 2026
Ferries are far more generous with luggage than airlines. Most operators have no strict weight limit — the practical rule is simply that you must be able to carry your bags yourself, as there are usually no porters.
Foot passengers
You can typically bring as much as you can comfortably carry on and off in one go. On larger ships there are luggage racks near the entrances or in the lounges; on short crossings you keep bags with you. There's no airline-style weight allowance to worry about on most routes.
Travelling with a vehicle
If you're taking a car, the simplest approach is to leave luggage in the vehicle. Remember that on most crossings you cannot return to the car deck while underway, so take anything you'll need — medication, valuables, warm layers — into the passenger areas with you.
What to check
- Oversized items (bicycles, surfboards, large trolleys) may need to be declared or booked.
- Some high-speed services have less storage space than conventional ferries.
- Don't leave valuables unattended in luggage racks on busy sailings.
Policies vary, so confirm with the operator if you're carrying anything unusually large or heavy.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a weight limit for luggage on a ferry?
Most operators set no weight limit for foot passengers — the practical rule is that you must be able to carry your bags on and off the ship yourself. A minority of high-speed and small island services state a formal allowance in their ticket conditions, so check the fare rules if you are travelling unusually heavy.
Can I leave my luggage in my car on a ferry?
Yes, and the boot is usually the best place for it. Just remember that on most crossings the vehicle deck is closed while the ship is underway, so take medication, documents, valuables, chargers and a warm layer up to the passenger decks before the ship sails.
Do ferries charge extra for luggage?
Almost never for ordinary bags. Fees can apply to bicycles and to declared oversized items, and vehicle fares already cover whatever is packed inside the car. If in doubt about something unusually large, ask the operator before booking.
Can I access my car during a ferry crossing?
On nearly all services, no — vehicle decks are closed to passengers while the ship is underway for safety reasons, and on overnight ferries you will not return to your car until arrival. Take everything you need for the voyage with you when you park.
How do I take a bicycle on a ferry?
Bicycles travel on the vehicle deck, secured to a rail, and most operators ask you to book them in advance — sometimes free, sometimes for a small fee, occasionally as the smallest vehicle category. Space is tightest on high-speed craft, so declare the bike when you book.
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