Ferries to France from the UK
France is one of the most popular ferry destinations from the UK, offering quick crossings, frequent departures and easy access to mainland Europe. With multiple routes operating daily, travelling to France by ferry is a flexible and convenient option whether you’re planning a short break, a road trip or a longer European journey.
From the fast crossings to Calais and Dunkirk to longer sailings into Normandy and Brittany, ferries provide a relaxed alternative to flying while allowing you to take your vehicle and travel at your own pace.
From charming countryside and historic cities to world-famous cuisine and coastlines, France offers something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux, visiting landmarks in Paris, relaxing on the Côte d’Azur or discovering the culture and history of regions like Normandy and Brittany, travelling by ferry makes it easy to start your journey your way.
Why take the ferry to France?
One of the biggest advantages of taking a ferry to France is the flexibility it offers. Unlike flying, you can travel with your car, motorcycle or campervan, making it much easier to explore once you arrive. Ferries also allow you to bring more luggage without strict limits, which is ideal for longer trips, family holidays or road travel across Europe. With comfortable onboard facilities and a more relaxed travel experience, ferries are a convenient and stress-free way to cross the Channel.
There are around 10–11 ferry routes from the UK to France, connecting ports such as Dover, Portsmouth and Plymouth to destinations across northern France, Normandy and Brittany.
Some routes, such as the Dover to Calais ferry, operate up to 30 times per day, making it one of the most frequent cross-Channel crossings. Longer routes from Portsmouth and Plymouth typically run daily, with both daytime and overnight sailings available.
Prices for UK to France ferry crossings can vary depending on the season, demand and departure time, with short routes like Dover to Calais typically offering the most competitive fares.
🚢 Dover crossings (fastest routes to France)
The shortest and most popular ferry routes to France operate from Dover, making them ideal for quick trips and onward travel into Europe.
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Car & 4 passengers from £93Car & 4 passengers from €97
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Car & 4 passengers from £113Car & 4 passengers from €92
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Car & 4 passengers from £123Car & 4 passengers from €90
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Car & 4 passengers from £89Car & 4 passengers from €97
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These routes are perfect for travellers heading to northern France, Belgium or further into mainland Europe.
🚢 Normandy ferry routes
Normandy is a popular region for UK travellers, offering easy access to northern France and excellent road links inland.
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Car & 4 passengers from £125Car & 4 passengers from €119
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Car & 4 passengers from £157Car & 4 passengers from €161
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Car & 4 passengers from £213Car & 4 passengers from €207
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Car & 4 passengers from £157Car & 4 passengers from €161
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Normandy routes are ideal for those looking to avoid Dover and enjoy a more relaxed journey.
🚢 Brittany ferry routes
For travellers heading to western France, Brittany ferry routes offer direct access to one of the country’s most scenic regions.
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Car & 4 passengers from £293Car & 4 passengers from €208
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Sailing time
5 hrs 30 mins |
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Car & 4 passengers from £160Car & 4 passengers from €213
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Brittany crossings are perfect for holidays in Brittany and road trips through western France.
🚢 Western Channel routes
Additional routes from the south coast provide further flexibility for reaching France.
Sailing time
4 hours 30 mins |
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Car & 4 passengers from £157Car & 4 passengers from €172
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Choosing the right route
The best UK to France ferry route depends on your destination, travel time and departure port:
- Fastest crossings: Dover to Calais or Dunkirk
- Best for Normandy: Portsmouth or Newhaven routes
- Best for Brittany: Plymouth or Portsmouth to St Malo
- Avoiding Dover: South coast routes from Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth
With so many options available, travelling from the UK to France by ferry is one of the most flexible and convenient ways to start your journey.
Best ferry routes from the UK to France
If you’re comparing UK to France ferry crossings, here are some of the best options based on speed, price and destination:
Choosing the right route depends on your destination and travel preferences, but these options offer a good starting point for most journeys from the UK to France.
Ferry operators to France
Several major ferry operators run frequent services between the UK and France, offering a mix of fast crossings, overnight sailings and flexible departure times.
🚢 DFDS
DFDS operates routes from Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk, providing some of the most frequent crossings on the Channel. With sailings running throughout the day and night, DFDS is a popular choice for both short trips and onward travel into Europe.
🚢 P&O Ferries
P&O Ferries also runs the busy Dover to Calais route, with regular departures and competitive pricing. This route is one of the fastest ways to reach France, making it ideal for drivers heading to northern France and beyond.
🚢 Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries specialises in longer crossings from the south coast, including routes from Portsmouth, Plymouth and Poole to destinations such as Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo, Roscoff and Le Havre. These services often include overnight sailings with cabins, making them a comfortable option for travelling further into France.
🚢 Irish Ferries
Irish Ferries operates the Dover to Calais route, offering modern vessels and competitive fares. It’s another strong option for travellers looking for a quick and frequent Channel crossing.
Other ways to cross the Channel
While not a ferry, the Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle) runs from Folkestone to Calais and is often considered alongside ferry routes. The crossing takes around 35 minutes and is particularly popular with drivers looking for the fastest way to reach France.
Departure and arrival ports
Ferries to France operate from several ports across southern England, arriving at key destinations along the northern and western French coast. Choosing the right port can help reduce travel time and make your journey more convenient.
- Dover – The UK’s busiest ferry port, with frequent crossings to Calais and Dunkirk
- Portsmouth – A major hub for routes to Normandy and Brittany, including Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo and Le Havre
- Plymouth – Ideal for crossings to western France, including Roscoff and St Malo
- Poole – A convenient south coast option with services to Cherbourg
- Newhaven – A smaller port offering direct crossings to Dieppe
These ports provide a range of options depending on your location in the UK and your preferred route.
- Calais – The main gateway to France, with excellent motorway connections to northern France, Belgium and beyond
- Dunkirk – Located close to the Belgian border, offering a quieter alternative to Calais
- Dieppe – A coastal town in Normandy with easy access to northern France and Paris
- Caen (Ouistreham) – A key entry point to Normandy, popular for road trips and historic sites
- Cherbourg – A major port in northern France with good links to western regions
- Le Havre – Positioned on the Seine estuary, providing access to northern France and inland routes
- St Malo – A historic port city and gateway to Brittany
- Roscoff – A smaller Breton port ideal for exploring western France
Choosing the right port
Your choice of departure and arrival ports will depend on where you’re travelling from and your final destination in France:
- Closest to Europe: Dover to Calais or Dunkirk
- Best for Normandy: Portsmouth, Poole or Newhaven routes
- Best for Brittany: Plymouth or Portsmouth to St Malo or Roscoff
- Less busy alternatives: Ports like Newhaven, Poole or Dunkirk
By selecting the right port combination, you can make your journey to France smoother, quicker and better suited to your travel plans.
Popular destinations and cities in France
One of the biggest advantages of travelling from the UK to France by ferry is how easily you can access different regions of the country. Each arrival port connects you to a distinct part of France, making it easier to plan your journey and reach some of the country’s most popular cities and regions.
🇫🇷 Calais → Northern France, Paris and beyond
Calais is the main gateway to France and one of the most convenient entry points for UK travellers. From here, you can quickly reach cities such as Lille and travel onwards to Paris and Versailles, both just a few hours away. Calais is also well positioned for exploring the Champagne-Ardenne region or continuing into Belgium and the Netherlands, making it ideal for longer European road trips.
🇫🇷 Caen (Ouistreham) → Normandy and western France
Arriving in Caen places you in the heart of Normandy, a region known for its historic sites, countryside and coastline. From here, you can easily explore the D-Day landing beaches, Bayeux and Mont Saint-Michel. Caen also offers good onward connections towards western France, including routes south towards cities like Bordeaux.
🇫🇷 St Malo → Brittany and the west coast
St Malo is a historic walled port city and one of the best entry points to Brittany. The region is known for its rugged coastline, charming villages and seaside towns. From St Malo, you can visit Rennes or travel further along the west coast, making it a great starting point for exploring western France.
🇫🇷 Cherbourg → Northern France and road trips
Cherbourg offers a quieter arrival point in northern France, with excellent access to both Normandy and western France. It’s particularly popular with travellers planning road trips, with easy connections inland and towards destinations such as Paris or further east to cities like Strasbourg.
🇫🇷 Southern France → Côte d’Azur and Marseille
While ferry routes from the UK mainly arrive in northern and western France, it’s still possible to continue your journey south to destinations such as the Côte d’Azur and Marseille. These regions are ideal for longer trips, offering Mediterranean coastline, warm weather and vibrant cities, all accessible by car from your arrival port.
Travelling by ferry allows you to arrive closer to your starting point while still giving you the flexibility to explore further afield. Whether you’re heading to Paris, Bordeaux, Strasbourg or the south of France, ferry travel makes it easy to plan a journey that suits your itinerary.
Travel tips for UK visitors
Planning ahead can make your ferry journey to France smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some key tips for UK travellers.
🚗 Driving in France
Driving is one of the most popular ways to explore France after arriving by ferry. Remember that you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road, and speed limits are strictly enforced. Motorways (autoroutes) are generally well maintained but often include tolls, so it’s worth carrying a card or cash for payment.
📄 Documents and requirements
Make sure you have all the necessary documents before you travel. UK visitors typically need:
- A valid passport
- Vehicle documents (such as V5C if driving)
- Insurance details, including European cover
Depending on your travel plans, you may also want to check current entry requirements before departure.
☀️ Peak travel seasons
Ferry routes to France can become especially busy during school holidays, summer months and bank holidays. Prices are often higher and availability more limited during these periods, so booking in advance is recommended. Travelling outside peak times can offer more flexibility and better fares.
🐾 Travelling with pets
Many ferry operators allow you to travel with pets, making it easy to bring your dog or cat along. You’ll need to follow the UK Pet Travel Scheme, which usually includes:
- A microchip
- A valid animal health certificate
- Up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies
Facilities for pets vary by operator, so it’s worth checking options when booking.
FAQ
If you’re planning to travel from the UK to France by ferry, you may have a few questions about routes, travel times, and what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ferry travel to France.
