England Ferry
Dunkirk – Dover
The fast ferry to England – a relaxed crossing from France to Dover with your own vehicle
- Up to 12 daily departures – year-round, roughly every 2 hours with DFDS
- Direct crossing in just under 2 hours across the Channel from northern France
- Vehicles only – cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles on board, no foot passengers
Dunkirk - Dover
DFDS crossings from northern France to England
The Dunkirk - Dover route links northern France with southern England in just under 2 hours. DFDS runs the crossing as a vehicles-only route with up to 12 daily departures, day and night, roughly every 2 hours. The ferry terminal is in Loon-Plage, just west of Dunkirk and around 40 kilometres east of Calais – often the more convenient option if you are approaching the Channel from Belgium or the Netherlands.
On board you will find restaurants, a duty-free shop and free Wi-Fi. Foot passengers are not permitted on this route, though cyclists can travel with their bikes. In Dover, the ferry docks at the Eastern Docks, the English port closest to the mainland, from where you continue via the A2 and M20 towards Canterbury and London.
- Crossing time
- just under 2 hrs
- Operator
- DFDS
- Frequency
- up to 12x daily
Next departures
Route guide
Dunkirk - Dover ferry at a glance
Everything about the Dunkirk - Dover route with DFDS: getting to the Loon-Plage terminal, check-in times, on-board facilities, vehicle and pet rules, plus onward travel from Dover. This is a vehicles-only route – foot passengers are not permitted, though cyclists can travel with their bikes.
Getting to the Dunkirk terminal
The ferry departs from the Car Ferry terminal in Loon-Plage, a suburb west of Dunkirk near the Belgian border. Set your sat nav to "Route de la Maison Blanche, Port 5670, 59279 Loon-Plage". The terminal is easy to reach via the A16 coastal motorway; Dunkirk lies around 40 kilometres east of Calais, which often shortens the approach if you are coming from Belgium or the Netherlands.
A free short-stay car park is available in front of the main terminal building. Important: this route is vehicles only – without a car, motorbike, motorhome or bicycle, you cannot board.
Check-in and departure
Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure. During peak season, DFDS recommends arriving at the terminal 120 minutes before check-in closes, giving you time to get through all checks without rushing. Before boarding, DFDS carries out routine security checks on passengers, luggage and vehicles at all its ports.
Have your booking confirmation and a valid passport ready – a passport is required for every traveller entering the UK, including children. You will also need the relevant paperwork for your vehicle and any pet. Our Entry Requirements page summarises the entry formalities for England.
On board
DFDS runs up to 12 daily departures on this route, day and night, roughly every 2 hours. On board you will find several restaurants and cafés, including Harry Ramsden's Fish and Chips as well as the round-the-clock 7 Seas Restaurant and the Lighthouse Café, plus a duty-free shop and free Wi-Fi. Families will find the Pirates' Island play area; a Premium Lounge or priority boarding can be added for an extra charge.
Payment on board is accepted in both euros and pounds sterling, either in cash or with major cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Cash machines are available for withdrawals in both currencies, though currency exchange is no longer offered on the Dover ships. You will not need a cabin for this short daytime crossing.
Vehicle, bike and pets
Cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans can all travel; enter your vehicle's dimensions correctly when booking, as the fare is based on length. If you are travelling by motorhome, you will find the details in our Motorhome guide. Cyclists can bring their bikes on board and do not need a car – foot passengers without a bike, however, are not permitted.
Pets are welcome but must stay in the vehicle for the entire crossing, as the vehicle decks are closed off. Register your pet when booking; our Travelling with Pets guide explains the entry documents required for the UK.
Arrival in Dover and onward travel
In Dover, the ferry docks at the Eastern Docks, the English port closest to the mainland. From the terminal, follow the A20 to the Eastern Docks roundabout, then continue via the A2 and M20 towards Canterbury and London. There is no passenger car park at Dover port – which fits a vehicles-only route, since you continue your journey in your own car anyway.
Tickets and fares
Standard tickets are flexible: you can travel up to 4 hours earlier or later than your booked time, subject to availability. For frequent travellers, DFDS offers multi-trip tickets, along with seasonal deals and day-return fares. The best way to save is to book early and avoid peak times. The booking window shows the current prices for your travel date.
FAQ Dunkirk - Dover
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Dunkirk - Dover ferry route
How long is the ferry from Dunkirk to Dover?+
The crossing from Dunkirk to Dover takes just under 2 hours. Depending on weather and traffic in the Channel, the crossing time can vary slightly.
How often does the Dunkirk - Dover ferry run?+
DFDS runs up to 12 daily departures on the Dunkirk - Dover route, year-round roughly every 2 hours, both by day and overnight. You can find exact times for your travel date in the timetable and in the booking window.
How much does the Dunkirk to Dover ferry cost?+
The fare depends on the season, vehicle type and how far ahead you book. You book a car package that includes your vehicle and passengers; booking early is usually cheaper than a last-minute ticket at the port. The booking window shows the current starting price for your travel date.
Can I travel from Dunkirk to Dover as a foot passenger?+
No. Dunkirk - Dover is a vehicles-only route – you can only cross with a vehicle, as booking as a foot passenger is not possible. Cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans are all permitted; if you are travelling by motorhome, see our Motorhome guide. Cyclists, however, can travel with their bikes and do not need a vehicle.
How early do I need to be at the port in Dunkirk?+
Check-in at the Loon-Plage terminal closes 60 minutes before departure. During peak season, DFDS recommends arriving 120 minutes before check-in closes to allow time for all checks. Security and border checks take place on site; carry a valid passport for every traveller, including children.
Can I bring my dog on the ferry?+
Yes, pets are allowed on board but must remain in the vehicle for the entire crossing, as the vehicle decks are closed off. It is best to register your dog when booking. Our Travelling with Pets guide summarises the entry documents required for the UK.
What facilities are on board the DFDS ferry?+
On board you will find restaurants and cafés, a duty-free shop and free Wi-Fi, plus a children's play area. A Premium Lounge and priority boarding are available for an extra charge. Payment on board is in euros or pounds sterling, by cash or the usual cards; cash machines are available on board, though there is no currency exchange. All passengers need a valid passport to enter the UK.