Ferry Travel to France from England – Check 2024 Prices and Schedules for Ferry Routes to Calais, Dieppe and Dunkirk

Your Guide to Taking the Ferry from England to France

Wondering how to get across the English Channel to visit France? Taking the ferry is a popular and affordable option for travelers looking to cross the Strait of Dover. In this article, I’ll provide answers to common questions about ferry routes, schedules, costs and tips based on my own experiences making the journey from England to France by boat.

What Are the Main Ferry Routes?

There are a few main ferry routes that connect England and France:

1. Dover to Calais – By far the busiest route, with up to 10 crossings daily during peak season between the major ports of Dover in England and Calais in northern France.
2. Portsmouth to Caen/Cherbourg/Le Havre/Saint Malo – Ferries depart from Portsmouth in southern England to ports in Normandy and Brittany, taking approximately 3-5 hours depending on destination.
3. Newhaven to Dieppe – A scenic crossing takes around 2.5 hours between the south coast port of Newhaven and Dieppe on the north coast of France.

The shortest and most frequent route is Dover to Calais, making it the quickest option at around 1-2 hours each way. But the other routes offer more variety if you want to explore different areas of France.

How Do I Book a Ferry Ticket?

You can book ferry tickets directly through major companies like P&O Ferries, DFDS, and Brittany Ferries. It’s best to book well in advance during peak season for the best rates. Most companies allow you to change or cancel bookings for a fee if your plans change.

You can also use ferry aggregator sites like Ferrysavers or DirectFerries which search multiple carriers at once. These sites sometimes have discounted rates or package deals including sportail accommodation. Just double check any booking fees and cancellation policies before confirming.

What Type of vessel Will I Travel On?

Passenger ferries vary in size but generally fall into a few categories:

1. Fast craft – Smaller catamaran-style boats that take advantage of shallow waters for a quicker crossing, around 1-2 hours.
2. Ro-Pax ferry – Combination “roll-on, roll-off” vehicle and passenger ferries accommodating both vehicles and foot passengers. Crossings 3-5 hours.
3. Standard ferry – Larger car and passenger ferries offering amenities like shops, cafes and play areas for children. 3-5 hour crossings.

Most ferry companies clearly state the class of vessel you’ll be sailing on when booking your ticket.

How Much Will the Ferry Cost?

Standard one-way fares for foot passengers on the major routes are typically:

• Dover-Calais – £30-50 (1-2 hours)
• Portsmouth-Caen/Cherbourg – £50-90 (3-5 hours)
• Newhaven-Dieppe – £40-70 (2.5 hours)

Fares can fluctuate based on season, day of travel and how early you book. Taking a car raises costs significantly, often £100-200 each way depending on size and time of booking. However, look out for early bird deals and promo fares that may reduce costs.

What Should I Expect on the Crossing?

On most ferry routes, you can expect the following on your journey:

– Refreshments like snacks, meals and drinks available for purchase on board

– Outdoor passenger decks for enjoying seaside views and fresh air

– Indoor lounges, play areas, and entertainment options like WiFi, movies and gaming

– Duty free shops selling alcohol, tobacco and other tax free goods

– Passenger cabins available for overnight crossings on longer routes

– Clear safety procedures to follow in the event of rough weather conditions

Don’t forget comfortable clothing, motion sickness medicine if prone to seasickness, and charging cables/books to keep you occupied during the crossing.

Any Tips Before I Go?

Here are a few tips from my own experience taking the ferry:

1. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check-in luggage and vehicles.
2. Book early for the best rates, especially in summer. Peak season fills up fast.
3. Consider booking a cabin for overnight trips to avoid early morning starts.
4. Check weather and bring appropriate clothing – it can be windy on deck!
5. Pack snacks and water as cafes/shops have limited options.
6. Exchange some Euros at a UK airport or ferry terminal before departure.

Ferries offer a relaxing way to travel between England and France without the hassle of driving long distances or airport queues. Overall it’s an enjoyable experience, and I hope these tips provide you with the confidence to book your first ferry crossing across the channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some other common questions people have when researching ferry travel to France:

How long does customs and border control take?
– On most routes, border controls take around 30 minutes to clear on both sides. Make sure to have your passport ready.

Can I take my car on the ferry?
– Yes, all major ferry operators accommodate vehicles from small cars to campervans/motorhomes. Be sure to book early for best vehicle rates.

Is WiFi available?
– Most modern ferries provide complimentary or low-cost WiFi allowing you to stay connected during the journey. Speed/quality may vary depending on vessel/route.

Are there food options for those with dietary restrictions?
– Ferry cafes always have vegetarian/vegan choices and can usually accommodate common food allergies like gluten or dairy-free with advance notice of your requirements.

What’s the best way to reach French ports from the ferry?
– The major ports have train stations, bus terminals and car rental options available right at the ferry terminals for easy onward travel within France by public transport or vehicle.

What documents do I need to travel with my family/pet?
– Check with your ferry operator for rules on travel documents required for family members and pets like passports, pet vaccinations and animal health certificates. Planning ahead avoids issues at check-in.

I hope this detailed guide has provided a thorough overview of ferry options and answered all yourquestions about making the journey from England to France by boat. Please feel free to reach out if you need any additional advice or have further questions before booking your crossing. Bon voyage!

Ferry Routes from England to France

Port	Company	Daily Sailings	Duration	Vehicle Cost
Dover – Calais	P&O Ferries, DFDS	Up to 12 per day	1-2 hours	£80-£150
Portsmouth – Caen	Brittany Ferries	2-3 per day	8 hours	£150-£250
Portsmouth – Le Harve	Brittany Ferries	2-3 per day	6-8 hours	£150-£250
Newhaven – Dieppe	DFDS	1-2 per day	3-4 hours	£100-£200

FAQ

1. How can I get a ferry from England to France?

   There are basically two main ways to take a ferry from England to France. You can travel from Dover to Calais, which is one of the most popular routes and usually takes around 1-2 hours each way. Alternatively, you can sail from Portsmouth to destinations like Caen or Cherbourg, which takes a bit longer at around 3-4 hours.

2. What documents do I need for travel by ferry?

   You’ll need to have a valid passport or national ID card to travel between the UK and France by boat. It’s also a good idea to have your driving license and insurance documents on hand if you’re taking a vehicle over. Sort of check the ferry company website for any specific document requirements in advance so there’s no nasty surprises when you arrive at the port.

3. How much do ferry tickets typically cost?

   Ticket prices can vary a fair bit depending on when you travel and which route/company you choose. As a rough guide, prices are often in the £100-200 range for a car and up to four passengers during peak summer holidays. However, you can sometimes find much cheaper deals, like under £50 each way, if you’re flexible with travel dates. It pays to book in advance whenever possible to save money.

4. Can I take my pet on the ferry?

   Most major ferry operators allow you to bring your pet like a dog or cat onboard for an extra fee. You’ll need to keep them secured in a crate or carrier and show valid paperwork like vaccinations, a pet passport or health certificate. But check individual company rules carefully as some restrictions apply. Microchipping is also usually mandatory for continental travel. Overall it’s kind of a hassle but doable if your furry friend must join the vacation.

   

5. How long is the ferry journey usually?

   As mentioned earlier, the shortest and most direct crossings take about 1-2 hours between Dover and Calais. The slightly longer routes like Portsmouth to Caen or Cherbourg take roughly 3-4 hours each way. Sailing times can vary a bit depending on weather conditions, traffic volumes or other factors. Most companies post estimated journey times on their websites but always allow a little extra time as a buffer, just in case.

6. Is it easy to take a vehicle like a car on the ferry?

   Taking your car is very straightforward – you basically just drive onboard and park wherever directed. Nevertheless, it’s wise to arrive at the port in good time before departure, to avoid stress. You’ll also need to purchase a ticket for your vehicle in advance or at the terminal. At the same time, capacity is limited on some sailings, especially in high season. So it’s best to book vehicle space early. Thankfully, vehicle check-in tends to run pretty smooth as long as you follow instructions.

7. What are the advantages of traveling by ferry versus the Channel Tunnel?

   While the Channel Tunnel via Eurotunnel provides a speedier connection under the English Channel in around 35 minutes, ferries have some benefits too. For one thing, they’re often cheaper, especially for leisure travelers. Ferries also allow you to relax a bit on the water journey rather than sitting in a vehicle the whole time. Some folks find it less stressful than diving into a massive tunnel! On the other hand, the faster tunnel trip is ideal if you’re short on time or not keen on seasickness. So it’s debateable which is best – it comes down to individual priorities.