There’s nothing more I love than a ferry journey – and I’m slowly ticking off all of the UK to France ferries!
There’s something about a ferry – switching off from the world, grabbing a drink and watching the sea slip away, being gently rocked to bed by the ocean in a private cabin – that make it the most relaxing way to travel.
If you fancy travelling from England to France by sea, here’s a full list of the ferries from UK to France – so you can check which is closest to you and get booking!
What to do before your ferry trip (if you’re taking your car)
Before driving onto the ferry, make sure your car is ready for the journey ahead.
Check fluid levels, tyre pressure (including your spare), and ensure your insurance and breakdown cover are valid in Europe.
You’ll need to bring your V5C logbook, UK sticker (unless your number plate already includes “UK”), and a warning triangle, reflective jacket, and headlight converters to comply with French law.
You should also be checking over your headlights to make sure they are working correctly.
Headlights often vary from halogen, Xenon and LED:
As you can see, LED headlights are a lot brighter when compared to Halogen headlights. Xenon is the middle ground, offering 3,000 to 5,000 lumens, which are significantly brighter than halogen but not as intense as LEDs. If you need to replace your headlights, Buycarparts recommends replacing both the headlight and its components together, ideally as part of a single service kit.
The image below shows these components, namely: wiper blade, bumper, conversion kit,
bonnet, harness, wing, etc.
It’s also worth checking that your sat nav or map app is set up to avoid French toll roads if you
want to save money – or to include them if you’re prioritising speed.
Dover to Calais and Dunkirk (Dunkerque)
- Operators: P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries
- Crossing time: Approx. 90 minutes (Calais), 2 hours (Dunkirk)
- Frequency: Up to 50 sailings per day combined
This is by far the busiest ferry corridor between the UK and France.
Services run around the clock, although not every ferry allows foot passengers (check when you book).
Dunkirk is slightly quieter than Calais and is often used by drivers heading straight to Belgium or northern France.
You’ll also use this ferry service if you take a coach between London and Paris.
Folkestone to Calais (Eurotunnel Le Shuttle)
- Operator: Eurotunnel (vehicle only)
- Crossing time: 35 minute
This isn’t a ferry, but I should mention it! Here, vehicles board a train in Folkestone and travel beneath the Channel to Calais in under 40 minutes.
It’s the fastest way to get across with a car, though foot passengers are not permitted (the alternative is the London to Paris Eurostar).
Newhaven to Dieppe
- Operator: DFDS Seaways
- Crossing time: 4 hours
- Frequency: Up to 3 daily sailings
This route connects East Sussex with Normandy.
It’s particularly useful for travellers heading towards Rouen, Paris, or central France – it’s also one of the closest ports to Paris. The service accommodates both foot passengers and vehicles, and fewer daily crossings mean it’s less busy than Dover.
Portsmouth to Caen, Cherbourg, Saint-Malo, and Le Havre
- Operator: Brittany Ferries (some Cherbourg services also with Irish Ferries)
- Crossing time: 5.5 to 8.5 hours depending on destination and service type
Portsmouth offers the widest range of destinations in France.
Caen is a gateway to Normandy’s interior, Saint-Malo suits those heading to Brittany and Le Havre is ideal for routes into northern and central France.
The Caen and Saint-Malo routes can be overnight with cabins available.
Poole to Cherbourg
- Operator: Brittany Ferries
- Crossing time: Approx. 4.5 hours
Poole to Cherbourg is particularly handy for shorter road trips in Normandy – or if you’re coming from the South or West! There’s also a high-speed seasonal service on some summer dates.
Plymouth to Roscoff
- Operator: Brittany Ferries
- Crossing time: 5.5 to 8 hours (overnight available)
This is the main ferry route linking Devon and Cornwall with France. Overnight sailings depart at around 10pm and arrive around 7am French time.
Roscoff is ideal for accessing western Brittany, and the overnight sailing is a popular choice for holidaymakers with a car.
Choosing the best UK to France ferry route
Here’s how to pick the right crossing based on your plans:
- Fastest crossing: Dover to Calais (90 mins) or Eurotunnel (35 mins, vehicle only)
- Best for Brittany: Plymouth to Roscoff or Portsmouth to Saint-Malo
- Best for Normandy: Newhaven to Dieppe or Portsmouth to Caen
- Quietest routes: Newhaven to Dieppe, Poole to Cherbourg
All routes allow vehicles unless otherwise stated, and most offer facilities onboard including cafés, lounges and in some cases, private cabins.
