Ferry from Dover to Dunkirk

Looking to plan a quick excursion to France? On the Dover - Dunkirk route, DFDS offers special fares for short return trips that last anywhere from a day to 5 days.

• 1-day break: return within 24 hours.
• 3-day break: return within 24-72 hours.
• 5-day break: return within 72 hours to 5 days.

Each offer is designed for a getaway of a specific length, from a same-day return to a stay of a few days. Check the short break label and fare conditions to find the option that fits your plans.

Here's how to book your short break:

1. Search for a return trip from Dover to Dunkirk on Ferryhopper.
2. Choose a return date that fits the length of your short break.
3. Look for the short break label in the search results and select your fare.

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.

DFDS operates the Dover - Dunkirk ferry route with conventional ferries, which are equipped with a range of modern amenities and services for a smooth and relaxing journey across the Channel. Onboard, you will typically find:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Restaurants and bars, which serve a range of drinks, snacks and meals (including vegetarian and child-friendly options)
• Family-friendly entertainment, including play areas for children and a treasure hunt app
• Duty-free shops and kiosks with goods, including cosmetics, perfume, sweets and alcohol
• Free Wi-Fi hotspot, to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The ferries serving the route from Dover to Dunkirk in France are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as adapted seating and amenities in common areas.

DFDS offers boarding and disembarkation assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr 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 and accommodation

Can I book a cabin?

No, 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.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, on select Dover - Dunkirk ferry crossings, DFDS offers an upgrade to the premium lounge. These comfy seats are in an exclusive lounge, have extra room and include complimentary food and drinks.

Upgrades for seats in the premium lounge start at around €20.

Luggage

When travelling with DFDS, you can bring as many bags as you can carry onboard yourself. Note that there are no luggage carts.

Can I travel with my pet?

Yes, pets are allowed on most ferries serving the Dover - Dunkirk route, provided you include them in your reservation when booking your tickets.

Remember to bring your pet’s travel and health documents, as well as the tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Important: certain dog breeds are banned and not permitted to travel between the UK and France. These include XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers (including American Pit Bull Terriers), Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On the Dover - Dunkirk route, your pet can stay in your vehicle for the trip, as there are no kennels or pet-friendly cabins on board. Make sure you leave a window slightly open for ventilation.

What travel documents do I need for my pet?

When travelling from England to France with a pet, you will need to bring the following:

• Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification
• A valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip)

Dogs will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before returning to the UK.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Dover to Dunkirk:

• The port of Dover gets very busy, so we recommend to be there at least 2-3 hr ahead of your departure, especially during the high season or long weekends.
• 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 to Dover ferry well in advance.
• Alternatively, you can also travel from Dover to France on the Dover - Calais ferry.
• You can also travel to France from Newhaven, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Poole. For more details on all routes, ticket prices and operators, check out our blog on UK to France ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk

Ferries to Dunkirk depart from the Eastern Docks in the Port of Dover, beneath the White Cliffs. The seaside town is in Kent, approximately 2 km from Dover town centre and 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. There is no long-stay parking at the port, on this route, you normally take your vehicle aboard rather than leave it behind.

How to get to the port of Dover

• By car: follow the M20 and A20 via Folkestone, or the M2 and A2 via Canterbury, then signs for Eastern Docks.
• By train and taxi: the nearest railway station is Dover Priory, about 2 km from the ferry terminal. High-speed trains from London St Pancras take just over 1 hr, followed by a short bus or taxi ride.
• By local bus: route 66 links Dover Priory with Eastern Docks in around 30 min.
• From Gatwick Airport: allow approximately 1.5-2 hr by car, depending on traffic, for the roughly 130 km journey.

Check-in and boarding at Dover

For your ferry to Dunkirk, head to the Eastern Docks and follow signs for DFDS check-in. Keep your booking confirmation and passports ready, along with any required visas, vehicle documents and pet travel paperwork.

The DFDS check-in normally closes 1 hr before departure, so allow enough time to complete border and security checks before this deadline. Once checked in, join your allocated vehicle lane and wait for staff to call you forward for boarding.

Check your booking confirmation and current travel updates for instructions specific to your sailing.

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 15 km from the historic centre of Dunkirk. There are taxis and local bus services connecting the port to the centre of Dunkirk and its train station.

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.

Onward travel from Dunkirk port

From the DFDS terminal at Loon-Plage, you can drive towards Dunkirk or join the A16 motorway for Calais and Belgium.

• Dunkirk city centre: the drive to the centre of town takes around 20 min. Once there, you can use the DK’Bus network to explore the centre and Malo-les-Bains.
• Lille: the car ride is approximately 1 hr via the A25. Alternatively, travel to Dunkirk railway station, then take a direct train to Lille, which takes around 30-35 min on the high-speed and around 1 hr with regular services.
• Bruges: the journey takes around 1 hr, following the A16 and E40 into Belgium.
• Brussels: it takes about 1 hr 45 min to 2 hr via the A16 and E40.
• Paris: allow around 3-3.5 hr via the A25 and A1. Direct trains from Dunkirk to Paris Gare du Nord take approximately 2 hr, plus your transfer to the station.