How long does it take to pass through a lock?

To pass through a lock, allow about 20 minutes to enter the lock chamber, tie up, wait for the water level to rise or fall, and then exit the chamber. During busy periods, you may have to wait in line before entering.

If the thought of having to stop regularly to pass through locks worries you, remind yourself that you should enjoy the experience because you won’t be doing it every day. It’s a unique experience, characteristic of river cruising and its history, during which you’ll take turns handling the steering, mooring, and possibly operating the lock if there’s no lock keeper.

If, despite all this, you’re really looking for a cruise with very few or no locks, we can offer you routes with little or no elevation changes, such as the Camargue (no locks), the Grande Saône in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, the Lot, or the Shannon River in Ireland.