Your Guide to Taking a Ferry from France to England
Whether you’re looking for a scenic crossing or the most direct route, taking a ferry is a popular way to travel between France and England. In this article, I’ll outline all the major ferry options and provide helpful tips to make your journey smooth sailing.
The Main Ferry Routes
There are several ports in both countries with regular ferry services. Here are the most commonly used routes:
- Dover, England to Calais, France – One of the shortest crossings at just 1 hour 15 minutes. Operators include P&O Ferries and DFDS. This route sees the most traffic.
- Portsmouth, England to Caen, Cherbourg or Le Havre, France – Slightly longer journeys of 2-3 hours, but you’ll avoid the busiest Dover-Calais route. Brittany Ferries sails these ports.
- Newhaven, England to Dieppe, France – A scenic 2 hour 40 minute sailing with DFDS that bypasses the Channel tunnel.
Less frequent routes also operate between Poole/Portsmouth and St. Malo or Roscoff in northwest France.
Booking Your Ferry Ticket
Ferry companies sell tickets on their individual websites, which you can find through an online search. Booking direct is usually cheaper than third-party sites. Prices vary based on factors like time of travel, vehicle size, and cabin class if sailing overnight.
It’s best to book well in advance for popular summer travel dates to get the lowest fares. You may pay double or triple if booking last minute. Most operators offer early booking discounts for travel 3-6 months ahead.
Consider booking a flexible ticket if your travel plans could change – these cost slightly more but allow date amendments. Otherwise you’re stuck with the sailing you reserved.
Travel Documents Needed
Make sure to carry the correct documentation for border controls when taking a ferry between France and the UK:
- Valid passport – essential for all travelers, including children. EU citizens may use national ID cards instead.
- Driving license and vehicle documents if traveling by car or motorhome.
- Pet passport if accompanying animals.
Border staff may also inquire about the purpose of your visit, so have your travel plans handy. Citizens of some non-EU countries require visas too.
Arriving at the Ferry Port
Give yourself plenty of time to reach the port – traffic delays are common, especially during summer holidays. Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure.
At port, you’ll go through vehicle checks before driving onto the ferry. Have your travel documents and tickets ready to show officials. Once onboard, you can explore passenger areas or relax in your vehicle until departure.
Crossing Comfort Options
Daytime ferry crossings last 1-3 hours each way. Various comfort options are available to make the most of your time:
- Cabins – Book overnight or day cabins for more privacy on longer routes. They have en-suite bathrooms and beds.
- Lounges – Relax indoors with food/drink service in spacious lounges, usually included in ticket prices.
- Outdoor decks – Great for scenic views and fresh air. Bring drinks/ snacks as large ferries have limited onboard facilities.
On Calais-Dover ferries lasting under 2 hours, most people remain in their vehicles.
Arriving in England
Once you disembark the ferry, follow signs to British border controls. Passports are checked briefly before driving off the ferry towards your destination.
Ferry travel is often less stressful than long tunnels or busy airports when traveling to England from France. Let me know if you have any other questions! Safe travels.
Options for Ferry Travel from France to England
| Port of Departure | Port of Arrival | Company | Average Journey Time | Cost per Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calais | Dover | P&O Ferries | 1 hour 15 minutes | £80-£150 |
| Calais | Dover | DFDS Seaways | 1 hour 20 minutes | £70-£150 |
| Dieppe | Newhaven | DFDS Seaways | 3 hours | £80-£150 |
| Cherbourg | Portsmouth | Brittany Ferries | 3 hours 15 minutes | £100-£200 |
| Roscoff | Plymouth | Brittany Ferries | Overnight | £150-£250 |
FAQ
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Which ferry ports operate routes from France to England?
The main ferry ports that have routes connecting France and England include Calais, Dunkirk, and Dieppe in France as well as Dover and Folkestone in England. These are sort of the major hubs for cross-channel ferry travel.
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How long does the ferry trip from France to England take?
The duration of ferry trips from France to England basically depends on which ports you’re traveling between. Journeys from Calais to Dover are the quickest, often taking around 1 to 2 hours. Trips between other ports like Dunkirk and Dover or Dieppe and Folkestone normally require 2 to 3 hours.
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What types of ferries operate these routes?
The ferries traveling between French and English ports are primarily either cruise ferries or hovercraft. Cruise ferries can carry both vehicles and passengers, while hovercraft are usually for foot passengers only. The hovercrafts tend to be a bit faster than cruise ferries, though both provide fairly short and affordable trips across the channel.
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What documents do you need for ferry travel?
To take a ferry from France to the UK (or vice versa), passengers essentially need a passport or national ID card. Drivers transporting vehicles also need additional documents like proof of vehicle ownership and valid driver’s license. It’s best to check requirements in advance with your selected ferry company to avoid any funny paperwork surprises later.
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Is ferry travel more expensive than the Channel Tunnel?
Transport via the Channel Tunnel through the Chunnel between France and England using the Eurotunnel is often a quicker journey than ferries, but it tends to come at a higher price. Taking a ferry can frequently be a more affordable alternative to the train. The ferry fare will depend on elements like time of travel, how far in advance you book, and if you bring a vehicle or not.
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When is the best time to book a ferry ticket?
Obviously, booking ferry travel as far in advance as possible is generally recommended to get the best rates. Fares increase the closer you book to your scheduled departure date. The cheapest fares are usually available for bookings made 6 weeks to 3 months ahead of time. Booking earlier allows you to take advantage of discounts and be assured of space on your preferred sailing.
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Are there any additional costs beyond the ferry ticket price?
Besides the upfront cost of your ticket, there are a few other potential out-of-pocket expenses to keep in mind. You may have to pay supplements for things like cabins, meals, or taking your car on board. Parking fees apply if leaving your car at a ferry terminal lot. Port taxes are another common extra charge per passenger. Travelers should clarify what is and isn’t included when purchasing tickets to avoid surprises.