Ferry from the UK to France: complete guide for 2026

Discover all routes across the Channel! 🚢
Thu, 5 March 2026 The Ferryhopper Team

Ferries from the UK to France connect southern England with northern France throughout the year. From the ports of Dover and Newhaven, you can sail to Calais, Dunkirk and Dieppe, reaching the French coast in as little as 1.5 hr.

On Ferryhopper, you can compare all UK - France ferry routes, check real-time prices and timetables, discover the latest offers, and book your ferry tickets online with no hidden fees.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip with the ferry from the UK to France in 2026.

Note: the UK - France ferry schedules for 2026 are available on our search engine as soon as ferry operators publish them.

Sunset view of the English Channel from the back stern of a ferry

Crossing the Channel and heading for France at sunset

Ferry routes from the UK to France

There are year-round ferry connections between the UK and France. Specifically, you can travel from the ports of Dover and Newhaven in south-east England to Calais, Dunkirk and Dieppe in northern France.

Important: the Dover - France ferries operated by DFDS and Irish Ferries do not allow foot passengers, only travellers with vehicles.

Ferries from Dover to Calais

The Dover - Calais ferry route is served with around 20 daily crossings, usually every hour. The ferry trip takes around 1 hr 30 min and ticket prices start at around €105, including a car. This route is served by both DFDS and Irish Ferries.

Ferries from Dover to Dunkirk

You can travel by ferry from Dover to Dunkirk up to 10 times a day. The journey takes about 2 hr and ferry tickets cost from about €100 with a car. This route between England and France is operated by DFDS.

Ferries from Newhaven to Dieppe

There are usually up to 3 daily crossings on the Newhaven - Dieppe ferry route. The journey typically takes 4-5 hr and tickets cost from around €75, including a cabin. Note that deck-only tickets are not available on this route.

Aerial view of low tide at Calais, France

Low tide at the beach of Calais

Tickets, offers & discounts for UK - France ferries 2026

UK - France ferry ticket prices

Ferry ticket prices from the UK to France usually start at around €75 to €105, depending on the route and whether you’re travelling with a vehicle. Here are some indicative starting prices:

  • Dover - Calais: from €105, including a car
  • Dover - Dunkirk: from €100, including a car
  • Newhaven - Dieppe: from €75, including a cabin

The most budget-friendly UK - France ferry route is typically Newhaven - Dieppe, with prices starting at around €75 for a single passenger, including cabin accommodation. The Dover routes are particularly popular with travellers bringing a vehicle, as the starting fares include car transport.

Keep in mind that these prices are indicative for standard bookings. If you’re travelling as a family or group of friends and sharing a car or cabin, the overall cost per person can be lower, as the vehicle fee is split between passengers.

Your final ferry ticket price will depend on the exact route, ferry company, season, accommodation type (where applicable), and whether you’re travelling as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.

Tip: for the latest schedules and prices, compare all available UK to France ferry routes on Ferryhopper and book your tickets online with no hidden fees.

Offers and discounts

When you travel by ferry from England to France, you can take advantage of the regular discounts that ferry companies offer every year. These discounts are applied automatically when you book through Ferryhopper, so you’ll always get the best available price.

While these discounts differ from one company to another, children under 16 often enjoy 50% off regular fares, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel free of charge.

You can keep an eye out on Ferryhopper for the latest special offers on UK - France ferries. The ferry companies often have early-bird discounts for bookings made well in advance, so planning ahead is often the best way to secure lower ferry ticket prices.

Panoramic view of beach and city of Dunkirk, France

Welcome to Dunkirk!

On-board services & amenities

The conventional ferries serving the UK - France ferry routes are equipped with modern amenities and services, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey across the Channel.

Onboard, you will typically find:

  • Comfy air-conditioned lounges and seating on outer decks to enjoy the sea view
  • Restaurants, cafés and bars, which serve a range of drinks, snacks and meals (including vegetarian and child-friendly options)
  • Play areas with games to keep children entertained
  • Duty-free shops and kiosks selling everything from cosmetics and perfume to sweets and alcohol
  • Car decks for the transportation of vehicles
  • Free Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The UK - France ferries are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as adapted amenities.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins & accommodation

On Newhaven - Dieppe ferries, you can book cabins for 2-4 passengers, and you can generally choose between:

  • Standard interior cabins
  • Exterior cabins with a sea view
  • Family cabins with a double bed, bunk beds, TV lounge, and a sea view
  • Business cabins with sofa, desk and a sea view
  • Cabins for passengers with disabilities
  • Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins have air conditioning, wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom.

There are no cabins on Dover - France ferries, however on vessels operated by Irish Ferries, such as the Oscar Wilde and Isle Of Inishmore, you can book a seat in the Club Class lounge. These lounges are in an exclusive area on board and feature comfortable seating and sea views, Wi-Fi and complimentary drinks and snacks.

Luggage

Each ferry company has its own luggage policy:

  • On DFDS ferries, each passenger can carry up to 50 kg of luggage. The luggage must be taken by yourself from and on board. Note that there are no luggage trolleys.
  • When travelling with Irish Ferries, you may bring as many pieces of luggage as you can fit into your vehicle.

Pet travel

Pets are allowed on most UK - France ferries, provided you include them in your booking. The ferries generally have designated pet-friendly areas, however pets are not allowed in lounges, dining areas or cabins.

Where do pets stay?

On the routes from England to Calais and Dunkirk, your pet can stay with you or in your vehicle for the trip. If you opt to keep your pet in your car, make sure to leave the window a bit open. On Newhaven - Dieppe ferries, you may also have the option of an on-board kennel.

During the trip, when not staying in your vehicle or the kennels, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead.

What travel documents do I need for my pet?

To travel on UK - France ferries with your pet, you’ll need to bring:

  • A microchip ID (the chip number must match the travel documents)
  • A valid EU Pet Passport (issued in the EU or Northern Ireland) or a GB Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
  • A valid rabies vaccination, administered at least 21 days before travel and recorded in your pet’s passport or certificate.

If you’re travelling back from France to the UK with a dog, you’ll also need proof of tapeworm treatment, administered by a vet 1-5 days before arrival. This requirement does not apply when travelling from the UK to France.

View of the port of Dieppe, France

Arriving at the port of Dieppe on the coast of Normandy

FAQs about UK - France ferries

Where do ferries from the UK go in France?

Ferries from Dover sail to Calais and Dunkirk, while ferries from Newhaven go to Dieppe.

Can I just turn up at the port and get a ferry from the UK to France?

Yes, but it’s not always the best option, especially during peak travel times such as weekends, holidays, or the summer months. While you can sometimes buy ferry tickets at the port on the day of travel, availability is not guaranteed.

For the best choice of departure times and fares, it’s generally recommended to book your UK - France ferry tickets on Ferryhopper well in advance. This way, you can compare routes and operators, find the best prices, and secure your spot before arriving at the port.

Do I need a passport for the UK - France ferry?

Yes, as you will be crossing the international border between the UK and France, you will need to bring along a passport that is valid for at least 3 months.

If you are a British citizen, you can typically stay in the Schengen area (including France) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or similar purposes.

How much is the cheapest ferry to France from the UK?

The cheapest route from the UK to France is the Newhaven - Dieppe ferry, with prices starting at around €75 as a foot passenger and just under €100 if you travel with a car. These prices include a cabin, which is compulsory on this route.

However, if you are travelling with a motorbike, the prices for the Dover - France routes start at around €60.

How long does the UK - France ferry trip last?

The duration of the UK - France ferry trip ranges from 1 hr 30 min to 5 hr, depending on the route and company. Here are indicative travel times for each route:

  • Dover - Calais: 1 hr 30 min to 1 hr 40 min
  • Dover - Dunkirk: about 2 hr
  • Newhaven - Dieppe: 4 hr to 5 hr

What is the fastest ferry from the UK to France?

The fastest ferry from the UK to France is the Dover - Calais route, which normally takes around 1.5 hr.

Can I travel from the UK to France with a vehicle?

Yes, the ferries serving the UK - France routes have car decks for transporting vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, and caravans. Keep in mind that DFDS and Irish Ferries only allow travellers with vehicles on routes from Dover to France.

Make sure to bring along your driver’s licence, as well as vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Which ferry companies operate from the UK to France?

There are 2 ferry companies connecting the UK and France:

  • DFDS serves the routes from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk, as well as from Newhaven to Dieppe.
  • Irish Ferries mainly operates ferries on the Dover - Calais route.

View of ferry from beach on the coast in northern France

A ferry approaching the sandy coastline of northern France

Book UK to France ferry tickets for 2026

Looking for a scenic escape to mainland Europe? All you need to do is hop on the ferry from England to France, enjoy the sea breeze, and arrive ready to explore Calais, Dunkirk, Dieppe and beyond!

You will find all available routes from England to northern France and Normandy, compare companies, and book your ferry tickets quickly and securely on Ferryhopper. On our Map of ferries, you can visualise and plan the perfect UK - France ferry trip in 2026 with no hidden fees.