DFDS Seaways

DFDS was formed way back in 1866 and started taking passengers on its fleet a year later. After acquiring Norfolk Line in 2010, it now operates on three routes between the UK to France and on one route between Ireland and France.

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DFDS Ferry Routes to France

Currently DFDS Seaways operates on the following ferry crossings to France from the UK and Ireland:

• Dover (UK) – Calais (FR)
• Newhaven (UK) – Dieppe (FR)
• Dover (UK) – Dunkirk (FR)
• Rosslare (IE) – Dunkirk (FR)

DFDS Seaways Timetables and Schedule

DFDS has a really comprehensive timetable across all routes from the UK, with up to 15 daily crossings each way on the most popular crossings such as Dover to Calais. Check-in usually closes 45 minutes before departure on most DFDS crossings, but this is extended to 2 hours before depature during peak periods (e.g. school holidays, especially in summer).

Pets are permitted on all sailings, but you’ll need to pay an additional fee at the time of booking and foot passengers travelling from Newhaven must also book a kennel for any dogs.

The DFDS Ferries Fleet and Onboard Facilities

DFDS has an extensive fleet of ferries operating on routes to France from the UK. These include Côte d’Opale, Côte Des Dunes, Côte Des Flandres, Cote D’Albatre, MS Seven Sisters, Dover Seaways, Dunkerque Seaways and Delft Seaways. On the Rosslare to Dunkirk crossing DFDS has three ships in operation – Optima Seaways, Visborg and Regina Seaways.

Dover, Dunkerque and Delft Seaways

Built in 2005, these UK flagged sister ships can each carry up to 1,000 passengers and 250 cars on the Channel crossing. They boast a range of features including play areas for the kids, a duty free shop, cafe and multiple dining venues. Wheelchair accessible toilets are located on decks 6 and 7 of the ships.

Côte Des Flandres and Côte Des Dunes

French flagged Côte Des Flandres and Côte Des Dunes are two of the newest ferries launched on the Dover to Calais route after undergoing an extensive refurbishment in 2016. They have a faster cruising speed of 25 knots than the Dover, Dunkerque and Delft Seaways (at 20 knots) and can also carry more passengers. Each has a capacity of 1,500 passengers and 400 cars and feature modern onboard facilities to keep you comfortable during the short crossing. These include a restaurant, snack bar, duty free boutique, cafe and play area.

Côte d’Opale and MS Seven Sisters

The Côte d’Opale (launched 2021) and Seven Sisters (launched 2006) are predominantly used by DFDS on the Newhaven to Dieppe route. Both have recently been transformed with bigger duty-free shops, upgraded lounge spaces, redesigned cabins and new play areas for children. Other onboard facilities include a split-level bar for you to enjoy sweeping views from, private cabins and multiple dining options.

Taking Pets Onboard with DFDS

DFDS allows all pets over 16 weeks old to travel on UK to France routes. Your pet(s) will need to remain in your vehicle and it’s limited to 5 pets per vehicle. DFDS charges £18 per pet each way and you must add your pet at the time of booking.

On the Newhaven to Dieppe route foot passengers are required to book onboard kennels for any dog you’re travelling with.

Dover Ferry Port has two pet exercise areas that can be used prior to depature and the Port of Calais also has dog zones at the ferry terminal.

Common questions on DFDS Ferries