Dover to Dunkirk Ferry: The Best Way to Travel Between the UK and Northern France

Published on December 25, 2025

If you are scheduled to travel between the UK and France, then a journey aboard the Dover to Dunkirk ferry is one of the most enjoyable and convenient methods of carrying out this travel journey. Its special combination of comfort and value has allowed it to continue to be a popular choice with both holidaymakers and locals. Whether it is a weekend holiday in France or a holiday road trip to Europe or just a holiday journey in its own right, the Dover to Dunkirk ferry journey is a welcome change to air travel and all its associated troubles and inconveniences.

Why the Dover-Dunkirk Route Continues to Be Popular

The Dover to Dunkirk ferry has been operating for decades, and it’s easy to see why it remains a popular choice. A journey that takes around 2 hours offers significant advantages over flying:

• No need to arrive hours early.
• No baggage restrictions.
• Simply drive on and drive off.

This simplicity is especially appealing for families, pet owners, and road trippers. Traveling by ferry allows more flexibility—kids can move around freely, and pets can stay with you in your vehicle. Unlike air travel, where pets are often placed in cargo holds, the ferry offers pet-friendly travel, with designated areas for your furry companions.

Moreover, Dunkirk’s strategic location on France’s northern coast allows easy access to key destinations like Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam via nearby motorways.

Ferry Timetables and Sailing Frequency

The ferry operates year-round, with frequencies varying according to the season. For peak travel periods like summer, there are sailings every couple of hours, ensuring ample availability for tourists heading to France. In contrast, the winter months see fewer crossings, though the service remains reliable.

The typical operating hours for the ferry are from around 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though exact times may shift based on demand and weather conditions. It’s always advisable to double-check the schedule before planning your journey, as sailings can be affected by fluctuating demand, particularly during school holidays or adverse weather.

Booking in advance is a smart strategy, especially if you’re traveling during busy periods. You can book tickets through the ferry operator’s website, and it’s often cheaper to book early rather than walk on at the last minute. Weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, typically offer better availability and lower fares.

Dover Ferry Terminal: What to Expect

The Dover ferry terminal is located at Eastern Docks, approximately a mile from the town center, and is easily accessible by car or public transport.

• By Car: The terminal is conveniently connected to the A20 from London and the M25. Clear signage helps guide drivers directly to the terminal.
• By Train: For those arriving by train, Dover Priory Station is nearby, and you’ll need a short taxi or bus ride (around 10 minutes) to reach the terminal.

Arrival Times and Terminal Facilities

For those traveling by car, it is recommended to arrive 60–90 minutes before your departure time, while foot passengers can generally arrive 45 minutes prior. The terminal is well-equipped with modern facilities, including:

• Toilets
• A café and seating areas
• A small retail shop

Passengers should also be prepared for border control checks, including French immigration controls, which are conducted before departure. With the UK‘s post-Brexit immigration process in place, be sure to have your passport ready and allow extra time for this procedure.

The terminal has been recently upgraded to improve traffic flow and signage, making navigation even easier during peak periods.

Dunkirk Ferry Terminal: Arrival and Onward Travel

Upon arrival in Dunkirk, the ferry terminal is located at Loon-Plage, about 15 km west of the town center. This strategic location offers immediate access to the A16 motorway, making onward travel to major European destinations straightforward:

• Paris: Approximately 3 hours by car
• Brussels: Less than 2 hours
• Amsterdam: Easily reachable for further exploration

For Drivers:
If you’re driving, you’ll have direct access to the motorway, making it simple to get on your way.

For Foot Passengers:
Public transport options are limited, so it’s advisable to arrange a taxi or transfer in advance. From the ferry terminal, you can take a taxi to Dunkirk Train Station, which offers connections to cities like Lille, Paris, and beyond.

The terminal itself is modest but functional, with a café, toilets, and a waiting area. Like at the Dover terminal, French border checks take place on arrival, so be prepared for customs procedures.

Onboard Experience: More Than Just a Ferry Ride

The Dover to Dunkirk ferry experience is about more than just getting from one place to another—it’s a journey in itself. Modern ferries on this route are equipped with a range of facilities to make the crossing comfortable and enjoyable.

Onboard Facilities:

• Restaurants & cafés: Offering a variety of meals, including full English breakfasts and French cuisine.
• Bars & Duty-Free Shops: Duty-free alcohol and tobacco are available for purchase.
• Lounge Areas: Both standard and premium lounges offer comfortable seating, with the premium lounges providing better views and complimentary refreshments.
• Children’s Play Areas: Some ferries have dedicated play areas to keep the little ones entertained.
• Pet Lounges: Pets can stay with you in designated lounges or remain in your vehicle.
• Outdoor Decks: A perfect spot for stretching your legs and enjoying the fresh sea air, with stunning views of the White Cliffs of Dover when the weather is clear.
• Wi-Fi: Available, though the speeds are better suited for browsing and checking emails rather than streaming.

Tips for a Smooth Journey:

To ensure a pleasant ferry ride, consider these practical tips:

• Pack snacks, especially for children.
• Bring entertainment (books, tablets, or games).
• Take essential items out of your car before boarding.
• Arrive early during peak periods, especially school holidays.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness tablets before boarding.
• Fully charge your devices and bring a power bank.
• Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary between lounges and outdoor areas.

Final Thoughts: Why the Dover-Dunkirk Ferry is a Great Choice

A ferry journey from Dover to Dunkirk provides what flights cannot – room to breathe, the liberty to do what you like, and the thrill of an adventure. Perhaps you are embarking on a weekend away, perhaps a road holiday or a family vacation including your beloved pets. This ferry route provides a pleasant journey.

Thus, whether your purpose for traveling is business-related or simply a holiday or a desire to appreciate the journey as a means of appreciating the journey itself with a nostalgic twist, the Dover to Dunkirk crossing via ferry will surely be among the routes offering the best traveling experience across the English Channel. Take your tickets well ahead of the journey and appreciate the journey as a precursor to your continental adventure.