1. Overview of Ferry Routes from the UK to France
Learn about popular ferry routes from the United Kingdom to France, sailing options, and useful tips for travelers.
2. Major Ferry Routes
3. The Eurotunnel Option
From the United Kingdom, there are several routes to France. The fastest crossings go from Dover in southeast England to Calais in Nord, Pas de Calais, Picardy (Hauts de France) region, taking 90 minutes.
Booking a Ferry
There is strong competition on cross-Channel ferries, so shop around for the best deal. The earlier you plan your trip, particularly for the high season (July-September), the better the deal.
The most comprehensive booking service is operated by AFerry.co.uk. It’s a huge site, offering the widest choice of ferry routes and companies available online, from Dover to Calais, around the Mediterranean, from Marseille to North Africa, around Greece, Sweden and from Helsinki to Russia.
You can also use booking companies that compare rates like www.ferrycheap.com. Do your research; many companies offer competitive deals directly.
When you arrange your ferry, you will need details of passengers and specifics of the car (make, model, number plate, size, trailer, caravan, etc.).
Dover to Calais
This route is the most popular, with hundreds of sailings every 24 hours, operating 365 days a year. Ferries are operated by the following companies:
- P&O Ferries: P&O has added two ships to their fleet. The Spirit of Britain and Spirit of France are the biggest and most luxurious ferries to cross the Dover Strait, offering exceptional comfort and new facilities.
- DFDS: Frequently running return sailings throughout the day with excellent onboard facilities, DFDS offers a premium lounge area where you can enjoy breakfast and free Champagne, coffee, tea, and light nibbles.
From Calais:
- Direct access to the A26 to Arras, then connecting to the A1 to Paris (approximately 180 miles/289 kilometers).
- Direct access to the A16 north to Ostende and Bruges, then connecting with the A10 to Brussels.
- Direct access to the A16 south to Boulogne, Le Touquet, and the Normandy/Brittany coast.
Dover to Dunkirk (Dunquerque)
DFDS operates a service between Dover and Dunkirk, with a crossing time of approximately 60 minutes. A seasonal timetable is in place.
From Dunkirk (Dunquerque):
- Direct access to the A16 going south and north, and good access to the A25 heading to Lille (around 48 miles/65 kilometers).
Newhaven to Dieppe
DFDS also operates two return sailings daily on the Newhaven to Dieppe route.
Portsmouth to Caen
Brittany Ferries offers luxurious ferries on this route. You can choose the fast 3¾-hour crossing or take a mini cruise-style trip, lasting about 6 hours during the day and 7 hours overnight with seasonal timetables in operation.
Caen:
The ferry terminal at Ouistreham is approximately 15 kilometers north of Caen.
- Direct access on the A13 to Rouen (67 miles/108 kilometers).
- Direct access to the A84 towards Le Mont St Michel and Brittany, and south on the N158 to Le Mans.
Portsmouth to Le Havre
Brittany Ferries operates a high-speed crossing on the Normandie Express taking 3 hours and 45 minutes daily from May to September with additional economy service options available.
From Le Havre:
- Direct access to the A29 going east to Rouen (44 miles/70 kilometers).
- Direct access south (A29 then A13) to Caen (29 miles/46 kilometers).
- Travel time from Le Havre to Paris is around 2 hours.
Portsmouth to St. Malo
Brittany Ferries operates luxury ferries to St. Malo, with a travel time of approximately 8¾ hours overnight. On the return leg, a daytime service is available.
From St. Malo:
- Direct access to the D137 to Rennes (44 miles/70 kilometers).
- Direct access to the northern autoroute into Brittany.
Portsmouth to Cherbourg
Brittany Ferries provides luxury ferries to Cherbourg, with a high-speed option available in 3 hours, about 4½ hours during the day, and 8 hours overnight. Services include both daytime and overnight options.
Top Tip
If you intend to explore the west coast of France, consider taking Brittany Ferries to Santander, then driving through Biarritz, Bordeaux, and along the stunning Aquitaine coast. This route leads through the western Loire Valley before heading to St. Malo to return to the UK.
Poole to Cherbourg
Brittany Ferries operates two services from Poole to Cherbourg from March to October. The high-speed service takes approximately 2½ hours, and the regular service lasts around 4½ hours.
Plymouth to Roscoff
Brittany Ferries operates its luxury boats to Roscoff, with journeys taking around 6 hours during the daytime and 8 hours overnight. Up to two sailings are available daily from March to October.
From Roscoff:
- Roscoff is at the western end of the Brittany peninsula with direct access to the N12 to Brest (41 miles/66 kilometers).
Eurotunnel
Eurotunnel offers high-speed car, coach, and freight services through the Channel Tunnel between Folkestone and Coquelles (Calais). The channel crossing time is approximately 35 minutes, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information, check out Tickets and details.
