We look at the different options available

Taking the ferry is one of the easiest ways to travel between the UK and France. With several routes to choose from, we take a look at the different options when it comes to speed, price and destination. 

What are the ferry routes UK and France? 

There are currently 10 ferry routes from the UK to France. 

Dover – Calais

Dover – Dunkirk

Newhaven – Dieppe

Portsmouth – Cherbourg

Portsmouth – Caen 

Portsmouth – Saint Malo

Portsmouth – Le Havre

Plymouth – Roscoff 

Poole – Saint Malo

Poole – Cherbourg

Which ferry companies sail from the UK to France? 

The UK-France route is served by five main companies.

DFDS, Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries and Condor Ferries. 

Ferry crossings by route and company 

Dover to Calais 

Ferry companies: DFDS, Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries 

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Price from: £19 foot passenger 

Dover to Dunkirk 

Ferry companies: DFDS 

Duration: 2 hours

Price from: £80 per car and four people 

Newhaven to Dieppe

Ferry companies: DFDS

Duration: 4 hours 

Price from: £31 on foot / £87 per car with two people 

Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Ferry companies: Brittany Ferries 

Duration: Daytime sailing is 4-6 hours and overnight sailings are 8-9 hours 

Price from: £49

Frequency: There is one daytime sailing a week and two overnight sailings a week.

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Portsmouth to Caen 

Ferry companies: Brittany Ferries 

Duration: 6 hours 

Price from: £49

Frequency: There is a daily morning, afternoon and overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Caen. 

Portsmouth to Saint Malo 

Ferry companies: Brittany Ferries 

Duration: overnight sailings most nights of the year – average crossing time 11 hours 

Price from: £49

Portsmouth to Le Havre 

Ferry companies: Brittany Ferries 

Duration: 6 hours 

Price from: £49

Frequency: Daily sailings from Monday-Thursday

Plymouth to Roscoff 

Ferry companies: Brittany Ferries 

Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes on daytime crossings on Fridays and 9-11 hours on overnight crossings most days 

Price from: £49

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Poole to Cherbourg 

Ferry companies: Brittany Ferries 

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

Price from: £49 

Frequency: Daily morning crossings 

Poole to Saint Malo 

Ferry companies: Condor Ferries 

Duration: from 6 hours and 20 minutes 

Price from: £45.50

This route sails via Jersey 

Are there baggage restrictions when travelling by ferry?

No, there are no baggage restrictions when travelling by ferry between the UK and France, unlike when flying. 

Can I travel by ferry on foot?

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on most ferry routes. Click ‘foot passenger’ when booking. 

Alternatively, you can travel by car, van, motorbike or bicycle. 

What are the best ferry deals for summer 2024?

Brittany Ferries

Brittany Ferries is offering a five-day short break for £186 return for a car and two people for summer 2024, a saving up to 50% compared to the normal price. The offer is available on all sailings to France until October 31, 2024. 

Brittany Ferries is also offering day trips to France from £26 per person until October 31, 2024. Passengers can spend up to 30 hours in France, with an option to return on the same day or overnight. The deal is available on all sailing routes and travellers can mix and match routes if more convenient. 

DFDS

DFDS are offering a day trip to France from £39 return, including a car and up to four people. 

The ferry company is offering a three-day short break from £99 per car and a five-day short break from £129 per car. 

Irish Ferries 

Irish Ferries is offering a three-day short break to France from Calais for £98 return and a five-day short break from £128 return. 

P&O Ferries 

P&O are offering a three day break from £99 or a five-day break from £129 on its Dover to Calais route with travel up to July 17, 2024.