Cross channel ferries

As some of our most popular ferry routes, our Cross Channel ferries offer a wide range of ferry routes and services, up to 744 ferries a week, to help you to find the best journey to suit your need.

From ferries to France, and ferries to England, we offer ferry sailings to a variety of destinations, such as Portsmouth, Cherbourg, Dover, Calais, and Dunkirk, and we have a number of different sail times, between 35 minutes and 11 hours, so book now with Direct Ferries to find the best Cross Channel ferry for you.

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Cross channel ferry routes

There are a wide range of Cross Channel ferry routes, with up to 744 weekly sailings departing every week. These ferries from England to France travel between 16 different ports including Dover, Calais, Plymouth, Dunkirk and Portsmouth.

How long does it take to cross the Channel by Ferry?

The fastest ferry across the Channel is the ferry from Calais to Dover. This route takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and is available to book all year round with Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways. Alternatively, you can travel from France to England via the Eurotunnel between Calais and Folkestone. This takes approximately 35 minutes and is open throughout the year.

Cross Channel ferries can take anywhere between 35 minutes to 7 hours and 59 minutes on the ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre. The sailing duration for a ferry to England or a ferry to France is vastly different depending on what destination you depart from.

Our longest ferries are from Poole to Cherbourg, which can take anywhere between 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 40 minutes, and the ferry from Portsmouth and Plymouth. Ferry times can vary due to a number of factors, such as weather conditions, but we will always try to give you the most up-to-date information.

Prices for a cross channel ferry might vary depending on which route you decide to travel and which operator you book. Cheap ferry tickets are usually available during off peak, outside of the high season. Please visit our special offers page to view the latest ferry discounts.

Pets on the Cross Channel Ferry

Currently, of the 4 operators that offer ferry services across the channel, only 1 of them does not allow pets onboard their ferries, Brittany Ferries.

This means that if you are sailing with DFDS, P&O Ferries, and on the Eurotunnel, then you are more than welcome to bring your dog and other pets with you on the ferry, but be sure to check before you travel, as some routes may have certain restrictions on them.

Can I take my car on the Cross Channel Ferry?

You are currently able to take your car on all of the Cross Channel ferry routes.

Cross Channel Operators

Customer Service

Need help?

Visit our customer service page to find useful information on travelling by ferry, our FAQs, and how to contact us for help with your booking