Why not take a ferry from France to England? Here’s our mini-guide to crossing the English Channel.
Great Britain is practically our neighbor, yet it differs, attracts, disorientates and bewilders. England is part of its kingdom, alongside Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Would you like to travel to England from France by ferry?
While London often overshadows the rest of its cultural, historical and natural heritage, its interests are much broader. The English countryside is a palette of greens and infinities, littered with castles and encircled by cliffs. The country is also steeped in legend, with an atmosphere that is sometimes romantic, sometimes eccentric. And its customs and traditions are as fascinating as they are enigmatic. And, let’s face it, our English friends are full of charm, a distinctive sense of humor and inimitable phlegm. They embody a true art de vivre that has never been exported.
But first, how would you get to the UK? Quite simply, across the English Channel. We tell you all about England from France by ferry.
Which ports do ferries to England leave from?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Peter Titmuss
England is an island that’s easily reached by ferry, via numerous French ports. On arrival, there are several gateways to England: the emblematic green port of Portsmouth, or the ports of Plymouth, Dover and Newhaven. Among the most popular ferry companies for crossing to England from France:
Please note that departure frequencies vary according to the season, as do journey times.
From Calais
The most popular ferry crossing to England from France is from Calais. You arrive via the Strait of Dover. This route is operated by two companies:
- P&O Ferries: runs 24 times a day for 1.5 hours
- DFDS Seaways: runs 15 times a day for 1.5 hours
Calais is located in northern France. This port city boasts a number of interesting sites, including paths along the white cliffs, the old town, the Tour du Guet and the Place d’Armes. It’s easy to reach the port of Calais, as the terminal is less than a 20-minute walk from the Calais Ville train station. There’s also a free daily mini-bus service.
See ferries between Calais and Dover
From Dunkirk
DFDS Seaways offers 11 daily departures to England from Dunkirk. After 2 hours at sea, you arrive in Dover.
Located in northern France, just ten kilometers from Belgium, Dunkirk is a major industrial city. It boasts the third-largest port in France. Before your crossing, treat yourself to a small seafood platter or a traditional dish of moules frites. Then, to reach the port, follow the Car Ferry signs off the A16 freeway. If you’ve come by train, the downtown railway station is a 20-minute cab ride away.
View ferries between Dunkirk and Dover
From Dieppe
Dieppe is located in Normandy. On the English Channel coast, famous for its castle and scallops, it’s above all the home of sailors. To get to Dieppe by public transport, you can choose between train and bus. There are direct connections from Paris. The town center is just 3km from the port.
DFDS Seaways operates the crossing to England 21 times a week. The journey takes a minimum of 4 hours and takes you to the port of Newhaven. It’s located on the south coast of England in East Sussex, about 20 minutes from Brighton.
See ferries between Dieppe and Newhaven
From Le Havre
From Le Havre (France’s second-largest port), Brittany Ferries operates 11 crossings a week to England. The journey takes 5h15 and you disembark in Portsmouth.
Getting to the port of Le Havre, located in Upper Normandy, is easy. The train station is 1.5km from the port, and free shuttles run between the two points. Alternatively, cabs are available at departure and arrival times. If you arrive in the city center, you’ll at least have the chance to take a look at the UNESCO-listed city, which was completely rebuilt after the war. However, if you’re arriving in Le Havre by car, leave the freeway and drive just 15km to the port. Access via the A13 and follow signs for the E5.
View ferries between Le Havre and Portsmouth
From Caen
The crossing to England from Caen (port Ouistreham) lands you in the port of Portsmouth. In the south of the country, this port was heavily bombed during the Second World War, and today blends old and new along its beaches.
To reach the port from the ring road, follow signs for Ouistreham/Car Ferry and exit at Porte d’Angleterre. The port of Caen is 20km from the city center. A bus service links the two. Cabs are available at ferry departure and arrival times.
From Caen, there are 21 crossings a week, lasting 5h45 and operated by Brittany Ferries.
View ferries between Caen and Portsmouth
From Cherbourg
If you’re travelling to England from France by ferry from Cherbourg, two crossings are operated by Brittany Ferries.
- One goes as far as Poole and leaves 10 times a week, for a 4.5-hour crossing. You arrive on the south coast of England, in the county of Dorsert, in the middle of a medieval town.
- The other goes as far as Portsmouth. These departures take place 9 times a week and the crossing takes around 3 hours.
Cherbourg, home of the Vikings, in north-western France, is an attractive tourist town. Access to the port by car is via the D901. Then just follow the signs. The railway station is a 5-minute cab ride from the port, or cabs are available at ferry departure and arrival times.
View ferries between Cherbourg and Portsmout
From Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is one of Brittany‘s leading cities, full of charm and fabulously fortified. It is home to a port that organizes crossings to Portsmouth 7 times a week. Board a Brittany Ferries ferry for an 8.50-hour crossing of the English Channel.
The port of Saint-Malo is just a few minutes from the city center. Signs indicate Le port and Terminal Ferry du Naye. Cabs are available at ferry departure and arrival times. They can take you to the port for €10 from the town center or the train station. The latter is about a 25-minute walk from the terminal. Otherwise, city/port and station/port connections are made by a bus, for which a fee is charged, which runs every 20min.
View ferries between Saint-Malo and Portsmouth
From Roscoff
The ferry crossing to England from France is operated by Brittany Ferries. The trip takes place 9 times a week and lasts a minimum of 5h30. This time you arrive in Plymouth, renowned for its maritime heritage and historic quarter.
The port town of Roscoff, located in Brittany, is known for its sublime architecture. The perfect opportunity to sample Breton specialties or enjoy a thalassotherapy session before your trip!
The Roscoff terminal is easily accessible via the expressway. Just follow the N12 to Morlaix, then Roscoff, and follow the signs. The station and town center are close to the port (approx. 20 min. walk). Cabs are available on reservation. Alternatively, a regular bus takes you from Morlaix to Roscoff in about 35min.
View ferries between Roscoff and Plymouth
The Eurotunnel crossing with Le Shuttle
The fastest ferry crossing to England from France is via the Channel Tunnel. From Calais, the Eurotunnel company takes you to the port of Folkestone in 35 minutes. Departures are very frequent, up to 4 an hour.
To get to Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, take exit 42 off the A16 freeway and follow the signs for the Channel Tunnel.
See Shuttle routes between Calais and Folkestone
How do the inspection formalities work?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Paul J Martin
To cross from France to England by ferry, you need a valid passport. In addition, minors must hold an authorization to leave the country, which must be presented at the time of boarding. This must be signed by one of the parents and accompanied by a photocopy of the parent’s identity card. Children under 16 years of age may not travel alone. Pregnant women must hold a medical certificate authorizing them to travel.
- Check-in: in order to board, you must first pass through border controls (involving verification of your passport and your vehicle if you are boarding with one). Then you can wait in a relaxation area, including cafés and/or restaurants.
- Boarding: on the day of departure, please arrive 1 hour before boarding. If you are crossing from France to England by ferry, with your pet, please arrive at least 1h30 before departure. The same applies if you are crossing in a group of 10 or more.
- Disembarkation: as you approach disembarkation, you will be given instructions and asked to vacate your seats or cabins in advance. On land, you’ll still have plenty of ways to reach your final destination. Cabs, buses and free shuttles are all available.
How do I book a ferry crossing to England from France?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Roger Utting
- Go to the Direct Ferries website and fill in the details of your crossing: destinations, number of passengers and their ages, whether you are crossing as a pedestrian or with a vehicle.
- Then, at your convenience, take out additional cancellation or modification insurance. What’s more, the site lets you fine-tune your preferences directly: type of seat, access to the lounge.
- Finally, fill in the passenger details and your contact information.
- Finally, you pay and receive your booking confirmation, usually by e-mail. This should be kept in a safe place, and includes the check-in time.
You can book your crossing to England from France online. However, you can also buy your ticket on the spot, subject to availability. This is a rather risky option.
See ferries between France and England
Boarding, matey! Enjoy your stay in England!