Ferry to France

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Ferry to France

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Ferry to France

You can get ferries to France from 27 ports including Dover, Folkestone, Portsmouth, Newhaven & Jersey (St Helier). There are up to 982 ferries running per week. Ferries to France are provided by 11 ferry companies including Irish Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries & LeShuttle (Eurotunnel). Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and find a ferry to France to suit you.


Sailing information for the ferry to France: 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 192 times per week, with an average duration of about 1 hour 35 minutes. The first ferry departs at 00:15 and the last ferry leaves at 23:59.

Meanwhile, the Dover to Dunkirk ferry sails 63 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 11 operators; Irish Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries, LeShuttle (Eurotunnel), Corsica Ferries, Corsica Linea, Grandi Navi Veloci, Manche Iles Express, La Meridionale & CTN Ferries. Irish Ferries and DFDS Seaways are two of the most popular France ferry operators.

France ferry ports

There are 15 ferry ports in France. Calais is the most popular port with 72 daily and 495 weekly sailings.

How long is the ferry to France?

The duration of the ferry to France depends on the route you take. 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 £270.70 on average.

Popular France ferry routes

The most popular ferry route to France is the Dover to Calais ferry with 192 weekly sailings and an average price of £184.00. The second most popular ferry to France is the Dover to Dunkirk ferry with 63 weekly sailings and an average price of £174.00.

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. You can find out more about getting a ferry across the Channel with our Channel Ferry Guide.

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 27 ports. These include Dover, Folkestone, Portsmouth, Newhaven & Jersey (St Helier).


Getting the ferry to France vs the Eurotunnel

Struggling to decide between the ferry and the Eurotunnel? We're here to help!

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 to France or the Eurotunnel?

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 £184.00 on average whereas the Dover to Dunkirk ferry usually costs £174.00.

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 £91.21. The journey takes approximately 2 hours 57 minutes.


Travelling on the ferry to France 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 & Manche Iles Express.

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 ferry to France

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.

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About France

Famous for its amazing culinary scene, rich history and breathtaking beauty, France is a country that belongs on everyone's bucket list. From the glistening beaches of the French Riviera to the sun-soaked vineyards of Bordeaux, the colourful lavender fields of Provence and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, the country's landscapes are incredibly diverse. Whether you're seeking an adventure-filled escape up in the mountains or a relaxing break along the coast, France offers something to suit every type of traveller. Amidst its stunning landscapes, you'll also find medieval towns and villages such as Carcassonne, Colmar and Mont-Saint-Michel, along with incredible cities like Paris - home to iconic attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Notre-Dame.

Ferry Routes to France

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