Ferry from Dover to Dunkirk
Tickets, prices & schedulesYou can travel from Dover to Dunkirk all year round, with around 10 daily crossings. The journey from southeast England to the northern coast of France takes 2 hr and tickets are priced from about €100 with a car.
DFDS serves the route between the British and French ports with conventional ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.
Discounts
When travelling by ferry from Dover to Dunkirk, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific traveller categories. Typically, children under 16 are entitled to 50% off normal ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free.
On-board services and amenities
The conventional ferries serving the Dover - Dunkirk route are equipped with a range of modern amenities and services, for a smooth and relaxing journey across the Channel.
Onboard, you will typically find:
- Spacious seating areas on deck and in air-conditioned lounges,
- bars and restaurants serving drinks, snacks, and meals,
- shops selling duty-free goods,
- designated play areas for children
- kennels for pets
- Wi-Fi access to stay connected during the trip
Cabins and accommodation
Due to the short length of the trip, there are no cabins available on ferries from Dover to Dunkirk. Standard deck/lounge seating is included in the ticket price.
Luggage
When travelling with DFDS, you can bring up to 50 kg of luggage with you on board. Note that there are no luggage carts.
Travelling with pets
Pets are allowed on most ferries serving the Dover - Dunkirk route, provided you include them in your reservation when booking your tickets. Usually, your pet can stay in your vehicle for the trip, however, on some ferries, you can also book a space in the kennels on board.
Remember to bring your pet’s travel and health documents, including microchip identification, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, as well as the tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the trip.
Useful tips for your ferry trip to Dunkirk from Dover
Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Dover to Dunkirk:
- The port of Dover gets very busy, so it’s recommended to be there at least 1.5 hr ahead of your departure for a smooth boarding with your vehicle.
- The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking motion sickness medication before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
- When planning your trip, keep in mind that there is a 1-hr time difference between the UK and France.
- For peace of mind, book your return ticket to England on the Dunkirk - Dover ferry.
- Alternatively, you can also travel from the UK to France on the Dover - Calais and Newhaven - Dieppe ferries.
- For all travel options, check out our Map of ferries, where you can visualize your ferry trip from England to France and beyond, in just a few clicks!
Where to take the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk
Ferries to Dunkirk depart from the Eastern Docks in the port of Dover, one of the world's busiest passenger ports. The seaside town is in Kent, about 112 km southeast from London.
You will find all necessary amenities in the Passenger Services Building (PSB), located on the west side of the port. Facilities include cash and currency services, toilets, cash points, vending machines, free Wi-Fi access, restaurants, and a games room.
How to get to the port of Dover
You can easily reach the port of Dover by car and public transport:
- From London or the M25, take the M20 motorway towards Folkestone, then continue on the A20 into Dover. Once there, simply follow the signs for Eastern Docks / Dover Ferry Terminal.
- There are regular train services from London, with Dover Priory being the nearest station to the ferry terminals. You can reach the port from the train station in about 25 min on foot and 5-10 min by taxi.
- Multiple buses from the town centre of Dover also serve the port area.
Where does the ferry arrive in Dunkirk?
Ferries from Dover typically dock at the port of Dunkirk, which is just outside the town of Loon-Plage and about 10-15 km (roughly a 10- to 20-min drive) from the historic centre of Dunkirk.
The ferry terminal is located adjacent to the A16 motorway, making it straightforward for onward travel, whether by car or taxi. There are taxis and bus services connecting the port to the centre of Dunkirk and its train station, with journeys taking around 15-20 min.
At the port, you will find many essential traveller amenities, such as check-in booths, restrooms, a small café, waiting areas with Wi-Fi, and dedicated lanes for cars, motorhomes, and freight.
How long is the ferry ride from Dover to Dunkirk?
The Dover to Dunkirk ferry time is normally around 2 hr, making it one of the fastest and most convenient Channel crossings.
Dover - Dunkirk ferry companies
Related posts from our blog
FAQs
Yes, the ferries serving the Dover - Dunkirk route have car decks for the transportation of vehicles. The cheapest ferry ticket from Dover to Dunkirk with a car costs about €100, roughly €55 with a motorcycle and around €130 with a caravan.
Important: you can only travel with a vehicle on DFDS trips between England and France.
No, the Dover - Dunkirk ferry route is only served by conventional ferries. The fastest ferry needs 2 hr to cover the distance between the ports.
The distance between Dover and Dunkirk is approximately 47 nautical miles (around 87 km).
As you will be crossing the international border between the UK and France, you will need to bring along a valid passport.
When travelling with your vehicle, make sure to also bring your driving licence, vehicle registration and insurance documents.
With DFDS, you can book your tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.
Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.
Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.