Ferry to Paris from the UK
Getting to Paris by Ferry
Although there’s no direct ferry route from London to Paris, imagine a journey starting on the Thames, crossing the English Channel, and sailing along the Seine River from Le Havre to Paris. While this remains a fantasy, let’s explore the real options for reaching Paris by ferry.
Routes to Paris
To get to Paris, start with one of the 10 ferry routes from the UK to France. These are operated by:
- DFDS
- P&O Ferries
- Irish Ferries
- Brittany Ferries
Once you arrive at a French port, continue your journey to Paris by car or train, making it a simple and convenient way to reach the French capital.
Map: crossings from the UK in the direction of Paris.
This map displays the different routes from Southern England to French coastal cities, which can serve as a starting point for further travel to Paris. It allows you to conveniently zoom in and out to identify the crossings that lead to Paris.
About these crossings
The Best Routes and Ferries to Get to Paris
When it comes to getting to Paris by ferry, we’ve narrowed it down to the best routes, avoiding the longer and more expensive options. Here are the top choices based on convenience and experience:
Portsmouth to Le Havre:
- A longer crossing but offers a direct drive from Le Havre to Paris.
Portsmouth to Caen:
- A comfortable crossing with excellent road links from Caen to Paris.
Dover to Calais:
- One of the shortest and most popular routes. From Calais, you can drive or take a train to Paris.
Newhaven to Dieppe:
- Another convenient option, with a pleasant journey from Dieppe to Paris by car or train.
By choosing any of these recommended routes, you’ll enjoy a scenic ferry journey and an efficient connection to Paris.
Most Logical Ferry Routes to Paris
- Portsmouth to Le Havre: Longer crossing, direct drive to Paris.
- Portsmouth to Caen: Comfortable crossing with great road links.
- Dover to Calais: Shortest route, drive or train to Paris.
- Newhaven to Dieppe: Convenient crossing, easy access to Paris.
On board & maps of the crossings
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- On this map, you can observe all the crossings from the UK / England to France – departing from Dover, Portsmouth, Newhaven, Poole, and Plymouth.
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- © FerryGoGo.com – Ferry to Paris Route Map; Last Update: October 2023
Prices and availability for this crossing
Additional Information
When travelling on crossings between Paris 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.
Luggage & Pets
On most ferries, there are no restrictions on the amount of luggage you can reasonably bring. Pets are allowed, but additional fees apply, and they must stay in designated kennels on board. For some destinations, pets need to meet specific requirements, such as certain vaccinations and a pet passport. You can find country-specific regulations and company policies in this post.
Useful for travellers to France
