Cross-channel ferries from the UK to France: routes and schedules

There’s nothing quite like crossing the scenic English Channel by ferry and being welcomed by the beautiful coastal towns of France. With several connected ports to choose from, you might be interested in a tip or two about cross-channel ferries from the United Kingdom to France.

On Ferryhopper, you can find detailed and real-time information about ferries from the UK to France, including all companies and available schedules. Learn how to plan your trip and book your ferry tickets on Feryhopper hassle-free!

Below, you can read all about:

• Cross-channel ferries: ports and companies
• Routes between the UK and France
• On-board-services
• Passport/visa requirements
• Cross-channel ferry tips

En route to the French port of Calais

Cross-channel ferries: connected ports and ferry companies

One of the many pros of ferry travel from the UK to France is that there are plenty of ports to choose from for your departure, depending on your location and the place that you want to visit in France.

In England, specifically, you can catch a ferry to France from Plymouth, Portsmouth, Poole, Newhaven, and Dover. All ports are situated on the southern coast of England.

From there, you can reach these French ports by ferry: Calais, Dunkirk, Dieppe, Cherbourg, Roscoff, Caen, Saint-Malo, and Le Havre. Through these ports, exploring the French regions of Normandy, Brittany and Hauts-de-France is easy and convenient.

Tip: check out more information about ferries to France to discover all the ways to reach the country’s port cities.

Ferry schedules between the UK and France

For a more detailed overview of the ferry routes between the UK and France, take a look at the following list of cross-channel connections, along with their timetables and trip duration:

• Dover - Calais ferry: the fastest cross-channel ferry route is between Dover and Calais, lasting 1.5-2 hours. It is available with around 30 weekly crossings.
• Dover - Dunkirk ferry: you can easily catch a ferry from Dover to Dunkirk with around 12 daily departures. The estimated travel duration is about 2 hours.
• Poole - Cherbourg ferry: with 6 weekly ferries from Poole to Cherbourg, you can easily reach France in about 4 hours and 15 minutes.
• Poole - Saint-Malo: the seasonal route from Poole to Saint-Malo is available 3 times per week, with ferry crossings lasting less than 7 hours.
• Portsmouth - Caen ferry: you can travel from Portsmouth to Caen every day, as there are usually up to 3 daily departures. The duration of the ferry ride to Caen is less than 6 hours.
• Portsmouth - Cherbourg ferry: this is a relatively fast route, allowing you to reach Cherbourg from Portsmouth in about 3 hours. There are about 8 weekly ferry departures.
• Portsmouth - Saint-Malo ferry: there are usually 7 weekly departures from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo to choose from, all of which take you to France in about 11 hours.
• Portsmouth - Le Havre ferry: the Portsmouth - Le Havre ferry route is seasonally available, with daily crossings from March to November that last around 8 hours.
• Newhaven - Dieppe ferry: the direct Newhaven - Dieppe ferry route is available with 1-3 daily crossings that last 4-5 hours.
• Plymouth - Roscoff ferry: normally, the ferries from Plymouth to Roscoff travel around 9 times per week and make the crossing to France in 5.5 hours.

The main ferry companies operating on these routes are the following: DFDS, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries and Condor Ferries.

Tip: are you more of a visual learner? Take a look at our interactive Map of ferries, browse all available cross-channel ferry routes between the UK and France, and envision the trip of your dreams!

Boats passing by the scenic French port of Dieppe

On-board services across the English Channel

Depending on the ferry operator you've chosen for your ferry trip between England and France, there are various on-board services available!

With some ferry rides being certainly long in duration, you can find comfortable cabins to arrive at your destination well-rested! And in the meantime, cross-channel ferries usually have plenty of shops to browse for souvenirs or just last-minute purchases needed for your trip.

As for accessibility amenities, ferries operating on the routes between England and France have specialized infrastructure and services for people with disabilities. When planning your trip, we recommend notifying the operator 48 hours in advance, in case you need a reserved parking space right next to the lift or other personalized assistance.

Regarding pet services on cross-channel ferries, there are different accommodation options to choose from, depending on the company and type of vessel. In some cases, you can find special cabins and pet kennels, while in others you’ll have to leave your pet inside your vehicle for the duration of the trip. Either way, it’s mandatory that you have an EU Pet Passport or a valid Animal Health Certificate, depending on your country of residency.

Tip: take a look at the popular Dover - Calais ferry route and its amenities in our dedicated guide!

The modern and stunning port of Portsmouth in England

Family-friendly services on board the cross-channel ferries

Getting on a cross-channel ferry is the preferred way of traveling between England and France for many families. The reason is, of course, the numerous family-friendly services!

From comfortable accommodation options to restaurants full of delicacies and refreshments, the needs of families with children are always a priority. And on longer ferry rides, you can also find exciting entertainment options, such as children’s areas, swimming pools and cinemas!

Vehicle transportation on cross-channel ferries

As ferries traveling between England and France are primarily conventional, there are always garage spaces for the transport of vehicles. In some cases, caravans are also allowed on cross-channel ferries. As there are some limitations regarding the vehicle’s size and weight, make sure to consult the operator you’ve chosen for your trip.

Do I need a passport to board a cross-channel ferry?

For your cross-channel ferry trip to France, a valid passport or an officially recognized European Union I.D. is required. On the other hand, travelers who do not reside in the UK but wish to travel there by ferry need to carry a passport, as identity cards are no longer accepted.

Regardless of the destination of the ferry trip, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel between the two countries for holidays without a visa. Non-EU nationals, however, might need to consult with their embassy, as a passport and a visa might be required.

Cross channel ferries: travel tips and recommendations

Take a look at some of our top travel tips for your ferry trip across the English Channel:

• For brief getaways, consider planning a weekend ferry trip to Calais from Dover and make the most of your time there with our detailed holiday recommendations.
• If you wish to bring along your vehicle, make sure to book your vehicle tickets well in advance, especially if you’re planning your trip for the high-season months.
• As most UK ferry ports are connected to many different destinations, you should arrive well in advance to avoid potential delays and overcrowding.
• If you choose to travel to Cherbourg by ferry, you should know that it’s the second-largest artificial port in the world. Check out our Cherbourg port guide and move around the area like a pro!

Tranquil moments at the beautiful port of Dunkirk in France

Book ferry tickets from the UK to France online

Don’t sit around waiting; book your ferry tickets to France from the UK online on Ferryhopper! Browse all ferry routes, compare timetables, companies and fares, and plan your ferry trip across the English Channel without any hidden fees.