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Ferry to France
53 Ferry crossings from 43 Ports
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Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

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Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

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France

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Ferry to France

You can get ferries to France from a wide range of destinations, with 48 ferry routes to choose from. Ferries to France sail from Dover, Folkestone, Portsmouth, Newhaven, Plymouth, Poole, Jersey (St Helier), Ajaccio, Bastia, Dublin, Rosslare, Cork, Guernsey, Ile Rousse, Porto Torres, Porto Vecchio, Golfo Aranci, Alcudia, Ciutadella, Bejaia, Propriano, Tunis, Algiers, Skikda, Nador, Tangier Med, Alderney & Zarzis.

Top operators include Irish Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries & LeShuttle (Eurotunnel).

France Ferry Times and Sailings

The Dover to Calais ferry sails approximately 217 times per week, with an average duration of about 1 hour 31 minutes. 

First ferry: 00:15 
Last ferry: 23:59 

The Dover to Dunkirk ferry currently sails around 63 times per week. The journey takes about 2 hours.

First ferry: 02:00 
Last ferry: 23:59 

Which is the fastest journey to France?

The fastest journey to France is on the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais. This journey usually takes 35 minutes. The fastest ferry to France typically takes around 90 minutes on the Dover to Calais ferry route.

France Ferry Operators

Ferries to France are provided by 13 ferry companies. These include Irish Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries & LeShuttle (Eurotunnel). There are currently 166 daily and 871 weekly sailings from France.

Ferry Ports in France

There are 15 ferry ports in France. Calais is the most popular port.  

France Ferry Prices and Offers

The price of the ferry to France varies depending on the route you choose. The Dover to Calais ferry costs £187.15 on average whereas the Dover to Dunkirk ferry usually costs £222.00.

Popular Ferry routes to France

The most popular ferry route to France is the Dover to Calais ferry with 217 weekly sailings. The second most popular ferry to France is the Dover to Dunkirk ferry with 63 weekly sailings.

Top 5 routes:

UK to France Ferries 

Cross the English Channel with ferries to France from the UK. You can get a ferry to France from a range of ports including Plymouth, Portsmouth and Poole. They disembark in Cherbourg, Caen, St Malo, Le Havre or Roscoff.

What is the cheapest way to get to France?

The cheapest way to get to France depends on the route, season, ferry company and whether you are travelling with a vehicle or not. Prices are generally cheaper for foot passengers.

Dover to Calais ferry prices 

Average price: £187.15
Average foot passenger price: £64
Average car ferry price: £205

Can I take an overnight ferry to France? 

Yes, it is possible to get an overnight ferry to France depending on your route.

Can I take a car on the ferry to France?

You can take your car on most ferry routes to France from England. Simply follow the signs at the port and staff will be on hand to guide you into the correct lane. When boarding, you will be given a piece of paper to hang from your rear-view mirror to confirm your booking.

How to book ferry tickets to France

It's easy to book ferry tickets to France at Direct Ferries. Just use our Deal Finder to compare times and prices.

Can you take a train from UK to France?

Yes, you can get the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from the UK to France. The journey takes around 35 minutes.

Do you stay in the car taking the Eurotunnel?

Yes, you stay in your car when taking the Eurotunnel. 

Is it quicker to travel on a ferry or the Eurotunnel to France? 

With a duration of around 35 minutes, it's quicker to travel on the Eurotunnel than by ferry.

Travelling with a campervan to France 

There are a range of ferry companies that allow you to travel with a campervan to France. These include Brittany Ferries, DFDS and P&O ferries.

Most Popular Questions for Ferries to France

France reviews

  • "Bretagne, sweet Bretagne!"

    I live in London and traveled on board The Bretagne from Portsmouth to St Malo to go home for few days. It''s a nice, not too big ferry. The food is good quality for value and the entertainment very family orientated, with singers and magician. I booked the night crossing, but too late to get a cabin, so I got a reclining seat. It''s "ok" for few hours, but I ended up sleeping on the floor as most people in the salon. On a final note, it was a good experience, cheaper than the plane and I really enjoyed the arrival overlooking St Malo!

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  • "Nice ferry"

    I traveled on board the Normandie from Caen to Portsmouth last night and enjoyed a pleasant and fast night crossing back to England. The Normandie is a rather nice ferry, its facilities look new. I booked an inside cabin and, even though it''s pretty small, it''s very comfortable. The advantage of traveling overnight by ferry is you don''t get the feeling of wasting a day off traveling!

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  • "Good ferry service"

    I recommend this ferry service for anyone crossing the channel. Good price and quick.

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  • "DFDS ferries are ok"

    The ferries are quite new, comfortable with alternative styles of seating. Staff were friendly and helpful. On my journeys the number of car passengers were minimal so there was masses of space and the ability to choose a quiet spot if needed (I was going down with flu on the return trip so this was welcome). Lots of televisions around showing Sky News.

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France Ferry Routes

Onboard the ferries

Ship guides, videos & reviews

Find out what it's like onboard the ferries before you travel.

France Guide

The bustling maritime hubs of Calais and Dunkirk serve as a gateway to France. With a vibrant culture, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery, the country is bursting with things to see and do. 

Head to Paris to discover France's incredible capital city. It's a place synonymous with art, culture and history. There's plenty of bucket-list landmarks to explore including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the world-renowned Louvre Museum.

Beyond Paris, the glamorous French Riviera also brings in the crowds. With luxury accommodation, amazing restaurants and sun-drenched beaches, it's perfect for those looking for a relaxing and indulgent getaway. 

Meanwhile, history lovers will enjoy both Normandy and Brittany. Normandy's beaches bear witness to the pivotal events of World War II, whilst Brittany's rugged coastline is dotted with ancient sites and medieval castles, reflecting centuries of Celtic heritage.

How many days in France is enough?

How long you stay in France is totally up to you and what you want to experience from your trip. Paris is a popular long weekend destination whilst many head to the beach areas for a week or two. However, with so many things to do in France, you could easily spend a lot longer here.

Driving to France

If you're driving to France from the UK, make sure that all necessary documents, including a valid passport, driver's license, and vehicle registration are up to date. Familiarise yourself with French driving laws and regulations, including speed limits, road signs, and tolls. It also might be worth considering obtaining a European driving kit, which typically includes items such as a reflective jacket, warning triangle, and breathalyzer kit, as required by law in France. Finally, plan your route in advance, taking into account factors such as traffic, road conditions, and potential detours to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Speed limits: 

Motorway: 80mph
Dual carriageways: 70mph
Main roads outside built-up areas: 50mph
Main roads within built-up areas: 30mph

Ferry Routes to France

Ferry Routes from France

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