Ferry to France

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Ferry to France

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Ferry to France

You can get ferries to France from a range of destinations including Dover, Folkestone, Portsmouth, Newhaven & Jersey (St Helier). There are up to 705 ferries running per week. Ferries to France are provided by 10 ferry companies including Irish Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries & LeShuttle (Eurotunnel). Book now with Direct Ferries and find a ferry to France to suit you.


Sailing information: operators, timetables and routes

France Ferry Timetable

The France ferry timetable varies depending on the route you choose. 

The Dover to Calais ferry sails approximately 203 times per week, with an average duration of about 1 hour 30 minutes. The first ferry departs at 00:15 and the last ferry leaves at 23:59.

Meanwhile, the Dover to Dunkirk ferry sails 62 times per week, with an average duration of about 2 hours. The first ferry departs at 02:00 and the last ferry departs at 23:59.

France ferry operators

Ferries to France are provided by 10 operators; Irish Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries, LeShuttle (Eurotunnel), Corsica Ferries, Corsica Linea, Grandi Navi Veloci, La Meridionale & CTN Ferries. Irish Ferries and DFDS Seaways are two of the most popular France ferry operators.

France ferry ports

There are 12 ferry ports in France. Calais is the most popular port with 73 daily and 500 weekly sailings.

How long is the ferry to France?

The duration of the ferry to France depends on the route. The longest route is Nador to Sete with an average duration of 42 hours 30 minutes, whilst the fastest route is Folkestone to Calais with a journey time of 35 minutes.

Which is the fastest ferry to France?

The fastest ferry to France is Folkestone to Calais. This journey usually takes 35 minutes and costs around £263.58 on average.

Popular France ferry routes

The most popular ferry route to France is the Dover to Calais ferry with 203 weekly sailings and an average price of £149.00. The second most popular ferry to France is the Dover to Dunkirk ferry with 62 weekly sailings and an average price of £149.00.

Can you get a ferry from UK to France?

Yes, you can get a ferry to France from the UK. Ferries from the UK to France depart from a range of ferry ports including Plymouth, Portsmouth and Poole. The England to France ferry disembarks in either Cherbourg, Caen, St Malo, Le Havre or Roscoff.

Top 5 UK to France ferry routes

Popular England to France ferry routes include:

What is the shortest ferry crossing from UK to France?

The shortest ferry from the UK to France is on the Dover to Calais ferry route with an average crossing time of around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Can you get a ferry to the south of France?

Unfortunately, there are no direct ferries to the south of France. However, once you have arrived in the north of France, you can easily make your way down to the south by car or public transport.

Where do ferries from France go to?

Ferries from France go to 25 ports. These include Dover, Folkestone, Portsmouth, Newhaven & Jersey (St Helier).


Getting the ferry vs the Eurotunnel to France

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 to France than by ferry.

Do you stay in your car on the Eurotunnel?

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

Is it cheaper to get the ferry or Eurotunnel to France?

Although prices can vary depending on the season you're travelling in and whether you're travelling with a vehicle or as a foot passenger, it's usually cheaper to get the ferry to France. The Eurotunnel is quicker and therefore Eurotunnel tickets can be more expensive.


France ferry prices

How much does the ferry to France cost?

The price of the ferry to France varies depending on the route you choose. The Dover to Calais ferry costs £149.00 on average whereas the Dover to Dunkirk ferry usually costs £149.00.

What is the cheapest way to get to France?

The cheapest ferry 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. We recommend booking your ferry tickets to France in advance to get them at the cheapest price.

The cheapest France ferry is Jersey (St Helier) to St Malo with an average price of £86.74. The journey takes approximately 2 hours 57 minutes.


France ferry travel with vehicles and pets

Can I travel as a foot passenger on the ferry to France?

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on France ferries. France foot operators include Irish Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries & Corsica Ferries.

Can I take a car on the ferry to France?

Yes, you can take your car on ferries to France. Simply follow the signs at the port and staff will be on hand to guide you into the correct lane. France car operators include Irish Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries & LeShuttle (Eurotunnel).

Can I take my bike on the ferry to France?

Yes, you can take your bike on ferries to France. France bicycle operators include Irish Ferries, DFDS Seaways, P&O Ferries, Corsica Linea & La Meridionale.

Can I take my pet on the ferry to France?

Yes, you can take your pet on ferries to France. We recommend checking the ferry operator's pet policy before you travel. France pet operators include Irish Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries & LeShuttle (Eurotunnel)


Booking your France ferry tickets

How to book ferry tickets to France

It's easy to book ferry tickets to France online at Direct Ferries using our Deal Finder. Enter your departure and arrival ports along the date you'd like to travel to see all available options. You can also compare alternative routes to find the best ferry to suit you. 

We'd recommend booking in advance to get your tickets at the best possible price. You can also check out our Special Offers page and sign up to our email for exclusive offers.

Most Popular Questions for Ferries to France

France reviews

France Ferry Routes

Onboard the ferries

Ship guides, videos & reviews

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

Onboard the ferries

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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