Getting There
Planning your own trip to Le Mans can feel quite daunting, considering the distances involved and the vast choice of channel crossings available.
But making your own way to Le Mans by car/motorcycle is far from a chore on the right roads and with the right company; a chance to meet up with like minded race enthusiasts and friendly locals alike.
The route you choose will largely depend on where you’re starting from and how long you’ve got available, as well as your budget. With this in mind I’ve summarised some of the most popular routes taken by Le Mans goers, with links to ferry operators, maps and suggested routes to the circuit.
I’ve also tried consider the ambience of the journey; at the port, on the way down. It’s not all about being practical! There are some great driving roads in Northern France and, if you can find the time, I would strongly suggest heading off the beaten track and sampling some of what France has to offer.
Please note that all distances and times quoted are based on the fastest/most direct route as determined by Google Maps. Choosing a more scenic route may increase both the journey time and enjoyment factor of your trip!
All costs, journey times and distances are approximate and may vary. Always check with the operator (channel crossing) and a good map before travelling.
But making your own way to Le Mans by car/motorcycle is far from a chore on the right roads and with the right company; a chance to meet up with like minded race enthusiasts and friendly locals alike.
The route you choose will largely depend on where you’re starting from and how long you’ve got available, as well as your budget. With this in mind I’ve summarised some of the most popular routes taken by Le Mans goers, with links to ferry operators, maps and suggested routes to the circuit.
I’ve also tried consider the ambience of the journey; at the port, on the way down. It’s not all about being practical! There are some great driving roads in Northern France and, if you can find the time, I would strongly suggest heading off the beaten track and sampling some of what France has to offer.
Please note that all distances and times quoted are based on the fastest/most direct route as determined by Google Maps. Choosing a more scenic route may increase both the journey time and enjoyment factor of your trip!
All costs, journey times and distances are approximate and may vary. Always check with the operator (channel crossing) and a good map before travelling.
1. Calais/Dunkerque/Boulogne-Sur-Mer
These three separate ports, all in approximately the same area of northern France, see the bulk of the passenger ferry traffic. There are no shortage of operators, and as a result this is the cheapest way of getting to France. Journey times are typically an hour and a half or less.
The furthest port (Dunkerque) adds approximately 60km on to the journey to Le Mans over the closest (Boulogne Sur Mer). If you’re not keen on boats then the Eurotunnel makes for an interesting alternative.
The furthest port (Dunkerque) adds approximately 60km on to the journey to Le Mans over the closest (Boulogne Sur Mer). If you’re not keen on boats then the Eurotunnel makes for an interesting alternative.
Departs from:
Operators:
Return ticket (£):
Route to take:
Distance to Le Mans:
Journey time:
Pros:
Cons:
Operators:
Return ticket (£):
Route to take:
Distance to Le Mans:
Journey time:
Pros:
Cons:
Dover, Folkestone
Eurotunnel, LD Lines, Norfolkline, P&O Ferries, SeaFrance, SpeedFerries
£40 - £60
If you’re in a hurry then it may be hard to avoid the lure of the toll road, but if you can spare another couple of hours it’s worth following the coast north of Rouen, or south past Evreux. Why not take a detour to Paris? 467km
4hrs 30mins
Cheap, with return crossings as low as £40 return on some crossings. Option to travel by Eurotunnel or Eurostar. Convenient ports for London and the south east.
Long drive to Le Mans. Not so convenient if you live north-west of London.
Eurotunnel, LD Lines, Norfolkline, P&O Ferries, SeaFrance, SpeedFerries
£40 - £60
If you’re in a hurry then it may be hard to avoid the lure of the toll road, but if you can spare another couple of hours it’s worth following the coast north of Rouen, or south past Evreux. Why not take a detour to Paris? 467km
4hrs 30mins
Cheap, with return crossings as low as £40 return on some crossings. Option to travel by Eurotunnel or Eurostar. Convenient ports for London and the south east.
Long drive to Le Mans. Not so convenient if you live north-west of London.
2. Dieppe
The ferry crossing from Newhaven to Dieppe takes 4-5 hours, and takes roughly the same time for the overnight crossing (leaving little time for sleep). A Dover route is now available, new at the time of writing, but likely to be a similar journey time. I’ve used this route several times now as the cheap overnight sailing suits our travel arrangements; sailing at 11:30pm we have enough time to drive down after work from the Midlands.
Departs from:
Operators:
Return ticket (£):
Route to take:
Distance to Le Mans:
Journey time:
Pros:
Cons:
Operators:
Return ticket (£):
Route to take:
Distance to Le Mans:
Journey time:
Pros:
Cons:
Dover, Newhaven
LD Lines (Transmanche Ferries)
£90 - £150
Apart from Rouen, the drive down Dieppe is enjoyable. Rouen itself is a busy industrial town and a pain in the arse. Follow the coast road round to Fécamp before heading south for a much nicer alternative. From Elbeuf to Alençon can be a bit tedious on the D438 (straight and featureless), especially if you’re stuck behind a lorry, but things soon pick up at Alençon where the rest of the Le Mans traffic tends to converge.
272km
3hrs
Almost as cheap as budget ferries from Dover but with a lot less distance to travel in France.
LD Lines ferries are basic. Some odd sailing times.
LD Lines (Transmanche Ferries)
£90 - £150
Apart from Rouen, the drive down Dieppe is enjoyable. Rouen itself is a busy industrial town and a pain in the arse. Follow the coast road round to Fécamp before heading south for a much nicer alternative. From Elbeuf to Alençon can be a bit tedious on the D438 (straight and featureless), especially if you’re stuck behind a lorry, but things soon pick up at Alençon where the rest of the Le Mans traffic tends to converge.
272km
3hrs
Almost as cheap as budget ferries from Dover but with a lot less distance to travel in France.
LD Lines ferries are basic. Some odd sailing times.
