DFDS

About DFDS

DFDS is the oldest operator on the England routes. The company was formed in Copenhagen in 1866, when financier C. F. Tietgen merged three Danish steamship companies; DFDS remains headquartered in Copenhagen to this day and is listed on the stock exchange there, with the Lauritzen Foundation as its largest shareholder. According to its own figures, the group's ferry, road transport and logistics operations connect more than 20 countries, employ 15,000 people and carry 5.25 million passengers a year. The ferry division was known as DFDS Seaways from 2010 to 2015; earlier brands on the Channel routes included Norfolkline and LD Lines, and the Dieppe - Newhaven route joined the network via the former Transmanche Ferries operation.

Ships

On the short Channel crossing between Calais and Dover, the Côte des Flandres and her sister ships operate at a roughly 2-hour frequency, alongside the Dover fleet's ships between Dunkirk and Dover. Dieppe - Newhaven is served by the Côte d'Albâtre and the Seven Sisters, both with cabins, reclining seats, a restaurant and a bar; since 2026, the Côte d'Albâtre has had three pet cabins and five onboard kennels. Across the North Sea, the King Seaways and the Princess Seaways operate as overnight ferries with cabins for all passengers, pet cabins and their own dog deck.

Routes to England

DFDS sails four of the routes compared on this site: Calais - Dover, the shortest Channel crossing at around 90 minutes, Dunkirk - Dover, a vehicles-only route taking just under two hours, Dieppe - Newhaven in around four hours, also open to foot passengers, and the overnight Amsterdam - Newcastle service from IJmuiden, which can also be booked as a mini cruise.

Check-in, vehicles and pets

In Calais and Dunkirk, check-in closes 60 minutes before departure, and 45 minutes in Dieppe; during peak season, DFDS recommends arriving at the port 90 to 120 minutes before check-in closes, as security and border checks follow. All travellers need a valid passport, see our entry requirements guide. Only vehicles, including cyclists, travel on the Dover routes; DFDS carries foot passengers from Dieppe and Amsterdam. Motorhomes and caravans are classed by length and height, with details in our motorhome guide. Pets stay in the vehicle on the short Channel routes; on Dieppe - Newhaven, kennels and pet cabins are also open to foot passengers, while on Amsterdam - Newcastle dogs cannot stay in the vehicle and instead travel in pet cabins or kennels with their own outdoor deck. More in our dogs and pets guide.

Tickets and fares

DFDS offers an Economy ticket, which can be rebooked for a fee, allows travel up to four hours earlier or later, and is non-refundable if cancelled, plus a flexible Premium ticket with free rebooking, travel up to 72 hours earlier or later, and cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Frequent travellers can get multi-trip tickets, and there are day-return and seasonal offers too. Prices for each route are shown in the booking window, and the price overview compares all England routes.