Dover - Dunkirk
Ferry to France
Dover - Dunkirk
Ferry to France
Last Updated: 28/09/2026
Fares for the Dover to Dunkirk crossing usually range somewhere between $57* and $763*. Most travellers pay around $350* for a Dover Dunkirk ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $57*. Bringing a car along typically brings the average fare up to $339*.
Fares vary according to passenger count, vehicle type, the route itself and what time you sail. Figures come from fares searched in the previous 30 days, don't include service fees, and were last checked September 26.
There's a quick way to stack up ferry fares and operators from around the world side by side, so you can pick the crossing that best suits you. Getting in early tends to open up the widest choice of prices and sailing times.
Direct Ferries has discounts running throughout the year. Where a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied the moment you pick the matching age bracket in the passenger section of your search.
If you're a student or recent graduate, a 5% discount is up for grabs. Head to our partner Student Beans to confirm your status and you'll receive a code to enter at checkout.
A handful of Spanish and Italian ferry routes also offer a resident discount — choose the "Residents" option if it appears during your search and the lower fare is applied straight away. You'll usually need to show proof of address, like a residency card or certificate, when you check in.
Sailings on the Dover Dunkirk route generally kick off from Dover at around 01:00, and the last departure of the day is usually around 23:59.
With a longer crossing time, a trip between Dover and Dunkirk is better suited to a weekend away or an extended stay, so you get proper value out of the journey.
No, vehicles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Dover and Dunkirk.
Bicycles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Dover and Dunkirk.
No, foot passengers can't currently travel on sailings between Dover and Dunkirk.
Pets aren't currently permitted on ferries between Dover and Dunkirk. Our Deal Finder can help you find a nearby route that does allow them.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are often treated differently to general pets, even on routes where pets aren't allowed. Contact our customer service team to find out what's possible on your sailing, or check our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Whether the Dover to Dunkirk route has an overnight sailing depends on a mix of factors. Search with your travel dates, and we'll show you whether an overnight option exists, plus current timetables, crossing times and daytime alternatives.
Note that overnight sailings can occasionally take a bit longer than daytime crossings.
What you'll need to travel varies by route, so it pays to check ahead of your sailing. A valid passport is typically required for the Dover to Dunkirk crossing, along with any visa or national ID required for your nationality. As rules depend on both where you're from and where you're headed, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is worth a read to avoid any hold-ups at check-in.
Booking couldn't be simpler — select your departure port, arrival port and travel date to see everything on offer. From there, you can weigh up alternative routes and departure times to land on the best fit.
Look for early-booking deals and flexible fare types, like upgrades or flexi-tickets, which give you room to change plans later. Double-check details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specs as you go, to keep the booking process painless.
You'll get a confirmation email the moment your booking goes through. From there, how your boarding pass turns up depends on the operator.
Some operators send the boarding pass straight away, while others want you to check in at the port. Where it's on offer, online check-in through the Direct Ferries app can save you time at the terminal.
Ticket desks tend to sit right by the ferry terminal. Building in some extra time before you sail means you won't be rushed collecting tickets and getting checked in.
Have your confirmation email and valid photo ID — a passport or identity card — ready at check-in. If a pet's travelling with you, bring their vaccination and insurance papers, and hold onto proof of address if you booked with a resident discount.
A gap in sailings from Dover to Dunkirk on your chosen date usually comes down to something like a timetable adjustment, limited space, or a seasonal dip in service. Try a different date, or browse other options with our Route & Port finder.
Generally speaking, booking your Dover to Dunkirk ferry sooner rather than later pays off — earlier bookings usually mean lower fares and more choice of departure times and cabins.
A few weeks' lead time is usually enough to catch a good deal, though fares can still move around depending on the season and what's left available.
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| Dover - Dunkirk Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average Price with Car | $339 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | $194 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $462 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $452 | |
| Dover - Dunkirk Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | France |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | DFDS Seaways |
| Average Price | $350 |
| Average Pet Price | $441 |
| 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 28 September 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.
