Dover to Dunkirk
DFDS sails exclusively on Dover-Dunkirk, to Calais you have 3 options
Dover to Dunkirk Ferry Guide
The DFDS ferry from Dover to Dunkirk sails up to 12 times per day, making it a frequent option. The crossing takes just 2 hours, making it one of the shortest return trips to France, alongside the Dover to Calais routes. It's an ideal choice for those looking to travel between France and England.
Dunkirk is located in northern France, just over the border with Belgium on the English Channel. From Dover, several ferries sail daily to France, allowing you to bring your car, camper, or caravan on board. The crossing takes about half an hour longer, but the drive is slightly shorter if you're heading towards Northwestern Europe.
Map: crossings from Dover to France, to Dunkirk and Dover
Travelling from England through France to Belgium or the Netherlands? Dunkirk is an ideal port and a great alternative to the Calais-Dover crossing. From Dunkirk, it's just a 30-minute drive to Belgium and 2 hours to the Netherlands.
About the crossing to Dunkirk
The Dover to Dunkirk ferry, operated exclusively by DFDS, offers a reliable and less congested alternative to the Dover–Calais route. With a journey time of approximately 2 hours and up to 12 daily departures, it's an excellent choice for travelers heading to northern France, Belgium, or the Netherlands.
The Crossing in Brief
- Operator: DFDS
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Frequency: Up to 12 sailings per day
- Vehicle Access: Yes (cars, campers, caravans)
- Foot Passengers: Not permitted
- Best Alternative: Calais – Dover (90 minutes)
Port Information
- Dover Port (UK): Eastern Docks, Dover CT16 1JA
- Dunkirk Port (France): Terminal Car Ferry, Port 5670, Route de la Maison Blanche, Loon-Plage.
Onboard Experience🛳️
DFDS ferries on the Dover–Dunkirk route are equipped with a range of facilities to enhance your journey:
- Dining: Restaurants offering vegetarian and gluten-free options
- Shopping: Duty-free shop with savings up to 50% compared to UK high street prices
- Entertainment: Children's play area and Jack's Treasure Hunt app
- Premium Lounge: Access to a luxurious lounge with complimentary snacks, beverages, and comfortable seating
- Connectivity: Free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the crossing.
On board, ferry routes and ferry impressions
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- Dover to France crossings captured
🗓️ Timetable
DFDS operates sailings every 2 hours. Below is a sample schedule:
Note: Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure.
Dover Dunkirk Timetable
| Check in closes | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 1:15 | 2:00 | 5:00 |
| 3:15 | 4:00 | 7:00 |
| 5:15 | 6:00 | 9:00 |
| 7:15 | 8:00 | 11:00 |
| 9:15 | 10:00 | 13:00 |
| 11:15 | 12:00 | 15:00 |
| 13:15 | 14:00 | 17:00 |
| 15:15 | 16:00 | 19:00 |
| 17:15 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
| 19:15 | 20:00 | 23:00 |
| 21:15 | 22:00 | 1:00 |
Comparison with the alternative routes
Note: Foot passengers are not permitted on Dover–Dunkirk and Dover–Calais routes with DFDS.
| Route/crossing | Sailing time | Operators | Foot Passengers | Vehicle Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover ⇄ Dunkirk | ~2h | DFDS | ❌ | ✅ |
| Dover ⇄ Calais | ~1h30 | DFDS, P&O, Irish Ferries | ❌ | ✅ |
| Folkestone ⇄ Calais (Eurotunnel) | ~35 mins | Le Shuttle (Eurotunnel) | ❌ | ✅ |
💡 Travel Tips
- Booking: Reserve early to secure the best fares and availability.
- Discounts: DFDS offers up to 15% off on Channel crossings when booking in advance .
- Travelling with Pets: Pets are allowed onboard; ensure you have the necessary documentation and make arrangements during booking.
- Luggage: No strict luggage limits; however, passengers must handle their own luggage .
Destination Proximity
- Dunkirk to Bruges: ~1 hour drive
- Dunkirk to Brussels: ~2 hours drive
- Dunkirk to Amsterdam: ~3.5 hours drive
Choosing Dunkirk over Calais can save driving time for destinations in Belgium and the Netherlands.
What are the best alternatives for this crossing
For the shorter Dover crossings you can choose to travel to Calais as well or take the train from Folkestone to France. Brittany Ferries also has a lot of crossings to France, from for example Portsmouth 4 ferries leave to France as well.
Prices and availability for this crossing.
What is the sailing schedule and the best alternative?
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for this crossing, and to find the best alternative, simply fill in the booking module for ferries to France, and Dunkirk or Calais. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.
When travelling on crossings between France and the UK, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Bring your passport: Since Brexit, a driver's licence or ID card is no longer sufficient for travel.
- Download entertainment in advance: On longer night crossings, it’s a good idea to download series or movies beforehand, as Wi-Fi on board can be expensive, and roaming in international waters is costly.
- Foot passengers: Not all ferries accept foot passengers, so check ahead of time.
- Travelling with young kids on a night ferry? We’ve got some helpful tips for travelling with kids here.
- Remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road after disembarking. It can be a bit confusing for the first 10 minutes, but you'll adjust quickly.
- Worried about getting seasick? In this article, you’ll find some tips to help prevent it.
