Last year, when I was planning my trip from Cardiff to Dublin, I found myself stuck on one question: should I take the ferry or book a quick flight? At first glance, flying seemed like the fastest option — a short hop across the Irish Sea. But then I started looking deeper into what each choice actually meant, especially as a student trying to balance time, cost, and experience.
The ferry, for example, isn’t just transport — it’s part of the journey. Standing on the deck, you really feel the crossing, and there’s something memorable about watching the Welsh coastline disappear and then seeing Ireland slowly appear on the horizon. It also allows you to bring more luggage (something students like me always appreciate!) and you arrive straight into cities like Dublin or Rosslare without the airport hassle.
On the other hand, flights are undeniably quicker. In less than an hour you’re across the sea, and for anyone tight on time, that’s a big plus. But when I compared ticket prices and factored in getting to and from airports, security checks, and baggage restrictions, I realized it wasn’t always as simple as “flight = faster and cheaper.”
I’m curious — for those who have made this crossing, which do you prefer and why? Do you value the speed of flying, or the experience of sailing? And for students or budget travelers, what’s the smarter choice in the long run?
Here’s something I came across while planning: https://europeandriverslicense.com/ — I found it while researching travel logistics around Europe
The ferry, for example, isn’t just transport — it’s part of the journey. Standing on the deck, you really feel the crossing, and there’s something memorable about watching the Welsh coastline disappear and then seeing Ireland slowly appear on the horizon. It also allows you to bring more luggage (something students like me always appreciate!) and you arrive straight into cities like Dublin or Rosslare without the airport hassle.
On the other hand, flights are undeniably quicker. In less than an hour you’re across the sea, and for anyone tight on time, that’s a big plus. But when I compared ticket prices and factored in getting to and from airports, security checks, and baggage restrictions, I realized it wasn’t always as simple as “flight = faster and cheaper.”
I’m curious — for those who have made this crossing, which do you prefer and why? Do you value the speed of flying, or the experience of sailing? And for students or budget travelers, what’s the smarter choice in the long run?
Here’s something I came across while planning: https://europeandriverslicense.com/ — I found it while researching travel logistics around Europe