Dover - Dunkirk
Ferries to France
Dover - Dunkirk
Ferries to France
On the Dover Dunkirk route, fares generally fall between $46* and $592*. On average, a Dover Dunkirk ferry ticket costs around $304*, with the lowest Dover Dunkirk fares starting at $46*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $291*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Dover Dunkirk sailings usually begin with a departure from Dover at approximately 01:00, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 23:59.
Given the length of the crossing, a trip between Dover and Dunkirk tends to work better as a weekend getaway or longer stay, so you can get the most out of the journey.
No, none of the operators currently running this route accept vehicles on board sailings between Dover and Dunkirk.
Bicycles currently aren't accepted on any of the ferries running between Dover and Dunkirk.
No, foot passengers currently aren't permitted on sailings between Dover and Dunkirk.
Pets currently aren't permitted on board ferries between Dover and Dunkirk. Try our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that do accommodate pets.
Even though pets aren't permitted on this route, guide dogs and assistance dogs are often subject to separate rules. Speak with our customer service team to check the specific policy for your sailing, or see our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Overnight sailings on the Dover to Dunkirk route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Dover to Dunkirk crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Dover to Dunkirk ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Dover - Dunkirk Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average Price with Car | $291 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $160 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $370 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $372 | |
| Dover - Dunkirk Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | France |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | DFDS Seaways |
| Average Price | $304 |
| Average Pet Price | $361 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 9 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 63 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 2 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 2 h |
| First Ferry | 01:00 |
| Last Ferry | 23:59 |
| Distance | 52 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
The English town and port of Dover is located in the county of Kent in the south east of England. The town lies on the English Channel coast at its narrowest point between England and France. This narrow stretch of the English Channel is called the Strait of Dover. In and around the town there are many things for visitors to see and do. In memory of the spot where Bleriot landed following the first cross channel flight in 1909, the Bleriot Memorial is an outline of the aircraft flown set into the ground. Also, and overlooking the town, is Dover Castle which is the largest castle in England. It was founded in the 12th century and has been described as the "Key to England" due to its defensive significance throughout its history.
The Port of Dover is the world's busiest passenger port, with 16 million travellers, 2.1 million lorries, 2.8 million cars and motorcycles and 86,000 coaches passing through it each year. It is the main port of departure for travellers from the UK to France and beyond into mainland Europe. Services are operated by P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways to Calais and Dunkirk.
The town of Dunkirk is located in northern France and its harbour is the third largest in France, after those of Le Havre and Marseille. The town is a former fishing village but today relies heavily on the port and related harbour activities. The town's heritage has strong links with the fishing industry and the town's Port Museum tells the story of the history of Dunkirk's maritime and fishing past. The town's museums also reflect on the fact that Dunkirk is a war time historic town and contain a wealth of information about the war and especially of Operation Dynamo. Much of the town is new, having been rebuilt following the end of World War II there remains the occasional examples of historical structures including the town hall and Le Laac outdoor sculpture garden and museum. As a coastal town, Dunkirk offers a fabulous sandy beach with seafront brasseries and activities.
From the town's port, ferry services operate to Dover in England with 11 sailings each day.
