Arriving in Dover harbour, with the White Cliffs behind the breakwater
Dover to Dunkirk Ferry
DFDS sails up to 11 times a day each way. The crossing takes 2 hours and a car with up to five people costs from £99 one way. You need a vehicle: this route does not carry foot passengers.
You book with our partner DirectFerries.
Sailings today
Live · updated 20:48France +1 h
Dover → Dunkirk
| Dep | Arr | Check-in by | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22:00 | 01:00 | 21:00 | Next |
Dunkirk → Dover
| Dep | Arr | Check-in by | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23:59 | 00:59 | 22:59 | Next |
Where the ferry to France leaves and arrives
From Dover Eastern Docks to the Loon-Plage terminal, 15 km west of Dunkirk town. The Calais route is shown for comparison.
The Dover Dunkirk crossing, step by step
What the journey looks like from the A20 in Dover to the A16 in France, photographed on a crossing with the Delft Seaways.
Dunkirk or Calais?
Calais is closer to Dover and sails far more often. Dunkirk is quieter and lies 40 km further east, which saves about half an hour of driving if you are heading to Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany. Without a vehicle, Calais is your only option.
The full comparison, with prices by season| Dover to Dunkirk | Dover to Calais | |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing | 2 hours | 1 hour 30 |
| Sailings a day | up to 11, DFDS | up to 30, three operators |
| Driving on to Brussels | about 1 hour 45 | about 2 hours 15 |
| Foot passengers | no | yes |
| Queues at check-in | quiet, one operator | busy in the holidays |
The two ports
For each port the address, the approach and what to expect at check-in.
Dover, Eastern Docks
CT16 1JA · A2 or A20, follow “Port”Check-in booths under the cliffs, then French passport control and the waiting lanes. Allow 90 to 120 minutes in the school holidays.
Dover port
Dunkirk, Loon-Plage
Port 5625, 59279 Loon-Plage · A16 junction 53One operator and short queues. Terminal building with toilets, a duty free shop and a dog exercise area next to the car park.
Dunkirk portDriving on from Dunkirk
Toll-free on the A16 and the Belgian motorways. Driving times without traffic, from the Loon-Plage terminal.
Questions before this crossing
How long is the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk?
Two hours. Your ticket makes it look like three, because France is an hour ahead of the UK. On the way back it looks like one.
Can I travel as a foot passenger?
No. DFDS carries vehicles and their passengers only on this route. Without a car, take Dover to Calais with P&O, which does carry foot passengers.
How early do I need to be at the port?
Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure. In Dover, allow 90 to 120 minutes in the school holidays because of French passport control. In Dunkirk, an hour is plenty.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, with an animal health certificate from your vet, issued within 10 days of travel, and a microchip and rabies jab. Pets stay in the vehicle during the crossing, so walk your dog before check-in; both terminals have an exercise area.