Dunkirk ferry

When planning your trip on the ferry to Dunkirk, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific passenger 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.

Ferry from Dover to Dunkirk

The Dover - Dunkirk ferry route is served all year round, usually with around 10 daily crossings. The ferry trip normally takes 2 hr, and DFDS operates the route from England to France with conventional ferries. Ticket prices vary according to the travel date, vehicle type, number of passengers and availability.

Important: this is a vehicle-only route, so foot passengers cannot travel.

DFDS operates the passenger ferry connection between Dunkirk and Dover with conventional ferries.

How much luggage can you take on the Dunkirk ferry?

DFDS does not have baggage weight limits on its UK-France ferry services, as the route is vehicle-only and luggage is normally carried in your vehicle.

Make sure you can safely handle any items you take into the passenger areas.

The crossings from Dover to Dunkirk usually take about 2 hr.

Which is the fastest ferry to Dunkirk?

The fastest ferry on the Dover - Dunkirk takes around 2 hr. The route is served by conventional DFDS ferries rather than high-speed vessels, so journey times are generally similar throughout the day.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Dunkirk?

Car ticket prices start at around €100. Foot passengers cannot travel on this route, so tickets must be booked with a vehicle. Prices vary according to the travel date, vehicle type, number of passengers and availability, so booking early is recommended for busy periods.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning and booking your ferry trip to Dunkirk, keep these in mind:

• Seasonality: the route operates throughout the year, however ticket prices may be higher and vehicle spaces more limited during the summer, school holidays and other busy travel periods, so it is best to book in advance.
• Travel time vs price: there is no high-speed service to Dunkirk, all crossings use conventional ferries and take around 2 hr, so compare ticket prices and departure times rather than vessel speed.
• Departure times: ferries normally run from early morning until late evening, with departures usually available between around 02:00 and 24:00. Schedules can change, and all times are shown in local time, so remember that France is 1 hr ahead of the UK.
• Luggage and pets: check the latest DFDS luggage and pet conditions before travelling. Pets should be added to your booking and normally remain in the vehicle during the crossing. Remember to bring the necessary pet health and travel documents.
• Port location: the ferry terminal is at Loon-Plage, around 10-15 km from central Dunkirk and close to the A16 motorway. This makes it convenient for continuing by car towards Belgium, the Netherlands or other parts of northern France, but you should allow extra time if you are heading into Dunkirk city centre.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Dunkirk?

The ferries travelling from Dover to Dunkirk only allow passengers with a vehicle. Car tickets start at around €100, tickets for motorbikes start at around €55, while caravan ticket prices usually start from about €130.

Can I take my caravan on the ferry to Dunkirk?

Yes, the ferries to Dunkirk have car decks which can accommodate larger motor vehicles, including caravans.

The route to Dunkirk is operated by conventional cruise ferries with a range of modern amenities and services for a smooth and relaxing journey across the Channel. Onboard, you will typically find:

• Comfortable air-conditioned lounges and spacious seating on outer decks offering sea views
• Restaurants and bars for drinks, snacks and meals
• Onboard entertainment, including play areas and a treasure hunt app
• Duty-free shops and kiosks with everything from the essentials to high-end gifts
• Free Wi-Fi to stay connected during the trip

Are there cabins on the ferries?

No, due to the short length of the crossing to Dunkirk, the ferries do not have cabins. You can use the seating and lounge areas during the approximately 2 hr journey

What type of seats can I book?

Standard seating in the passenger lounges and outer decks is available during the crossing.

Can I travel first class?

No, DFDS does not offer premium or business-class seating options on the Dunkirk ferries.

Accessibility

The DFDS Dunkirk ferries are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility, featuring passenger lifts, adapted toilets and parking spaces near the lifts.

Boarding assistance is available upon request and prior notification of at least 2 days to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: facilities and lift access can vary by vessel, so confirm your requirements with DFDS in advance.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Dunkirk?

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

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

Important: some dog breeds may be subject to additional legal or operator restrictions, so check the latest requirements for both France and Great Britain before booking.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On the ferries to Dunkirk, your pet can stay in your vehicle for the trip, as there are no kennels or pet-friendly cabins on board. DFDS recommends that you leave a window slightly open for ventilation, and make sure your pet has water, bedding and enough space.

What pet travel documents do I need?

You must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification and 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 Great Britain.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on all DFDS Dunkirk ferries. As with any connection at sea, speed and signal quality may vary during the crossing.

What documents do I need?

As you will be crossing the international border between the UK and the France, you will need to bring along a passport that is valid for at least 3 months and has been issued within the last 10 years. Check the date of issue on your passport.

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

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Dunkirk on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Dunkirk as your destination, along with Dover as your port of departure and travel dates
2. Add passengers, pets and vehicle
3. Compare travel times and ticket prices
4. Complete your booking securely online

Once your booking is complete, you’ll receive your booking confirmation by email. Ferryhopper allows you to manage your booking, check updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

When you arrive at Dover, follow the signs to the vehicle check-in booths. Keep your passports, any required visas, vehicle documents and booking confirmation ready. After check-in and the necessary security and border controls, you will drive onto the ferry, where the crew will direct you to your parking space.

Foot passengers are not accepted on the Dover - Dunkirk route, so all travellers must check in with a car, motorbike, camper van or another permitted vehicle.

Check-in typically closes 1 hr before departure. During the high season, DFDS advises arriving a further 2 hr before the check-in deadline to allow time for passport, customs and security controls. Check the exact time shown in your booking confirmation, as all times are local.

Note: the Advance Passenger Information is collected at the port during check-in when passports are scanned, so it does not need to be submitted online before travel.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

With DFDS Dunkirk ferries, 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.

Dunkirk is a lively port city on the northern coast of France, known for its long sandy beaches, maritime heritage and pivotal role in the Second World War. Beyond its historic sites and museums, you can explore the colourful Malo-les-Bains seafront, sample Flemish-influenced cuisine, or use the city as a convenient base for trips across French Flanders and nearby Belgium.

You can find more information and ideas on things to do in our Dunkirk travel guide.

Best time to book

If you are planning to travel to Dunkirk during the high season (June to August), around major holidays, or during school half-terms, you should aim to book your tickets 2-3 months in advance. During these periods, demand is high and many popular sailing times sell out quickly, while ticket prices rise closer to the departure date.

If you are planning a trip to France during the quieter autumn and winter shoulder seasons, booking a few weeks before departure is usually sufficient to secure your preferred slot and find competitive rates.

When can I get cheaper tickets?

Ticket prices for the ferry to Dunkerque vary according to the departure time, travel date, vehicle and availability. Compare several sailings and travel on a less popular date where possible.

Arrival

The check-in for the Dunkirk ferry typically closes 1 hr before the scheduled departure time. However, your recommended arrival time depends heavily on the season:

• Standard / Low Season: arrive at least 1.5 hr before your scheduled departure to clear check-in, customs, and security checks comfortably.
• High Season: during busy summer months, holiday weekends and school half-terms, you should allow at least 2 hr before check-in closes, as border control queues can become exceptionally long.

Note: this route is exclusively for passengers travelling with a vehicle and foot passengers are not permitted to travel on the Dover-Dunkirk line.

Additional travel tips

• Check your documents: the crossing between Dover and Dunkirk is international, so make sure your travel documents are in order. Drivers should also carry a valid driving licence, as well as vehicle registration and insurance documents.
• Remember the time difference: check-in, departure and arrival times are shown in local time. France is 1 hr ahead of the UK, so take this into account when planning your outward and return journeys.
• Prepare for motion sickness: the Channel can occasionally be rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, try sitting near the middle of the ferry, looking towards the horizon and getting some fresh air may help. Your pharmacist or doctor can also advise you about suitable seasickness remedies.
• Add pets when booking: pets must be included in your reservation in advance. On the Dover - Dunkirk crossing, they normally remain secured inside your vehicle during the journey, so bring everything they need for a comfortable trip.

Which terminal do ferries from Dunkirk to Dover use?

Ferries from Dunkirk to Dover generally depart from the DFDS car-ferry terminal in Loon-Plage, west of central Dunkirk.

Where do ferries from Dunkirk depart?

Dunkirk ferry terminal is located in Loon-Plage, around 10-15 km west of central Dunkirk.

How to get to the departure terminal in Dunkirk

• By car: the journey from Dunkirk city centre or the railway station usually takes around 20-25 min. The terminal is easily reached from the A16 motorway by following the signs for Loon-Plage and the car-ferry terminal.
• By taxi: a taxi can take you to the terminal, but the Dover-Dunkirk service does not accept foot passengers. You must still have an eligible vehicle included in your ferry booking.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Dunkirk, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.