You booked online, an email arrived, and it looks official. On a flight that would be enough to start the day. On a ferry it depends on the operator, the route and sometimes the port. Knowing which situation you are in saves a stressful queue.
1. A confirmation is not always the ticket
EU law requires carriers to issue a ticket, which may be electronic (Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010, Article 4). But the email you receive straight after paying may not be it. Ferryhopper, a booking platform, says its confirmation email is not your e-ticket, and that depending on the company you may board with the e-ticket, with the confirmation email and your ID, or only after collecting a printed ticket.
2. The three common situations
| Situation | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| E-ticket, no check-in | Have the e-ticket (QR code or PDF) ready on your phone or printed; some companies also ask for ID. |
| E-ticket with online check-in | Check in online through the operator or the booking site before you go, then keep the boarding document. |
| Paper ticket | Collect it at the operator's desk or the port ticket office before boarding; leave time for the queue. |
Ferryhopper notes that many companies now issue e-tickets without check-in, but that where online check-in is not offered you may need to check in at the port and pick up printed tickets.
3. Find out which one is yours
Read the booking email to the end, then the operator's own page for the route. Look for the words e-ticket, check-in, boarding pass or ticket collection. If it is still unclear, ask the booking site or operator in writing: does this booking let me board as it is, or do I need to check in or collect a ticket, and where?
4. Names and documents
Make sure the passenger names match the documents you will carry. For a crossing to another country you will need the travel document that the destination country requires; see what the EU Entry/Exit System changed for Schengen border crossings.
5. The day before you sail
- Open the ticket or check-in page while you still have Wi-Fi, and save it offline.
- Note the terminal and gate: large ports have several, sometimes far apart.
- Check the time the operator asks you to arrive, and whether a ticket desk queue comes on top.
- If you asked for assistance, have the written confirmation ready (see our access guide).
- Look for a message from the operator: Ferryhopper says companies may text passengers directly about last-minute changes.
6. If something is wrong at the port
Go to the operator's own desk rather than the gangway. Bring the booking reference and the payment confirmation. If the departure has been cancelled or delayed by more than 90 minutes from an EU port, you are entitled to choose re-routing or a refund (Article 18); see our plan B guide.