Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry

DFDS is the sole operator on Newhaven-Dieppe, offering a relaxed and scenic alternative to the congested Kent and Dover corridors. If you are travelling from London, the South Downs, Surrey, or Sussex heading towards Normandy, Brittany, the Loire Valley, or western France, this route cuts out hours of driving on the French side compared to landing in Calais or Dunkirk.

Unlike the rapid Dover routes where passengers stay in general seating, the 4-hour duration on Newhaven to Dieppe provides enough time to enjoy a full meal in the restaurant, book a private en-suite cabin for a rest or nap, or take in panoramic English Channel views from the observation lounge.

It is also the oldest active cross-Channel ferry route in history: vessels have continuously carried passengers between Newhaven and the fishing port of Dieppe for over 200 years since the 1820s. Today, it remains heavily supported by the local Département de Seine-Maritime under the Transmanche banner.

Whether you are taking your car to France, driving a motorhome or campervan, touring on a bicycle, or hopping across on foot, Newhaven to Dieppe handles every travel category seamlessly:

• Cars & Motorhomes: The wide roll-on/roll-off vehicle decks easily accommodate standard cars, roof boxes, motorhomes, touring caravans, and trailers. Standard UK driving equipment (UK sticker, headlight beam deflectors, warning triangle, hi-vis jackets) is required upon arrival in France.
• Foot Passengers: Newhaven is one of the most accessible Channel ports for car-free travel. The terminal is located just 250 metres (a flat 3-minute walk) from Newhaven Town railway station with regular trains from London Victoria, Lewes, and Brighton. Read our guide on travelling on ferries without a car.
• Cyclists & The Avenue Verte: Bicycles are welcomed onboard. Cyclists board alongside vehicles and secure their bikes on the lower car decks. Dieppe is the premier destination for cross-Channel cyclists cycling the famous Avenue Verte greenway.

Dieppe holds a legendary reputation among touring cyclists as the French start of the Avenue Verte — the 470km dedicated cycle route connecting London and Paris. Leaving the ferry terminal, riders immediately join traffic-free greenways along former railway lines that wind through the idyllic Pays de Bray countryside towards Forges-les-Eaux, Gisors, and Paris.

Dieppe has earned official "Accueil Vélo" accreditation, meaning local hotels, bed & breakfasts, and restaurants provide secure bike storage, repair toolkits, and early breakfasts suited for touring cyclists.

The crossing is operated by two purpose-built sister ships, the MS Côte d'Albâtre and MS Seven Sisters. Each vessel holds up to 600 passengers and over 200 vehicles, equipped with stabilisers for a smooth Channel transit.

Onboard facilities include:

• Refurbished Cabins: All 50 private en-suite cabins were fully renovated in 2024. Available in 2-berth and 4-berth configurations (inside and sea-view options), offering fresh private bathrooms, charging points, and quiet comfort. Learn more in our ferry cabins vs seats guide.
• Dining & Cafeteria: A hot-food buffet restaurant serving traditional French cuisine, fish and chips, and fresh pastries, alongside a café for coffees and quick snacks.
• Observation Lounge & Bar: Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows overlooking the sea, with comfortable complimentary reclining seats available to all passengers.
• Duty Free Shopping: Stock up on spirits, wines, perfumes, cosmetics, and confectionery at duty-free prices when sailing between the UK and EU.
• Marine Wildlife Watching: In partnership with the marine conservation charity ORCA, seasonal wildlife officers frequently host deck talks to help passengers spot dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds across the Channel.

DFDS makes it straightforward to travel with your dog or cat on this crossing. When booking, pets must be declared on your ticket:

• Pets in Vehicles: Dogs, cats, and small pets can remain inside your vehicle during the 4-hour crossing. Ensure adequate ventilation and water bowls are left ready.
• Onboard Kennels: Heated, dedicated kennel spaces are available on the ship for foot passengers or motorists preferring kennel facilities.
• Required Documentation: UK pets travelling to France need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued within 10 days of travel or an EU Pet Passport, microchip verification, and valid rabies vaccination. Returning to the UK requires a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 24 to 120 hours before boarding.

Port of Newhaven (UK): Located on Railway Approach, Newhaven, East Sussex (Postcode: BN9 0DF). Approaching by road via the A26 or A27 is easy from London (approx 2 hours via M23/A23) and Brighton (25 minutes). Port car parking is available adjacent to the terminal for £8 per 24 hours (payable on site).

Port de Dieppe (France): Located at 7 Quai Gaston Lalitte, 76200 Dieppe. The terminal features ticket desks, vending facilities, and tourist information. A local shuttle bus (Grisel) and local taxis meet every passenger sailing, connecting the port to Gare de Dieppe and the town centre in under 10 minutes.

Landing in Dieppe puts you in prime position for touring Normandy or heading directly into the French capital:

• By Train: Regular SNCF TER trains run from Gare de Dieppe to Rouen Rive Droite in just 45 minutes. From Rouen, fast direct trains reach Paris Saint-Lazare in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
• By Car: The dual-carriageway N27 connects Dieppe directly to the A28 and A151 autoroutes. You can reach historic Rouen in 45 minutes, Le Havre in 1 hour 15 minutes, Caen in 1 hour 45 minutes, and central Paris in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

Unlike airlines, there are no strict baggage weight limits on DFDS ferries. Motorists can pack their vehicles full of holiday gear without excess luggage charges.

Foot passengers can carry hand luggage onto the passenger decks; large suitcases (over 56cm x 45cm x 25cm) can be checked into the ship's baggage hold during boarding and collected promptly upon arrival. Check our ferry packing checklist for more tips.

Priority boarding is also bookable for motorists (£20 per car), allowing first-on, first-off vehicle deck access upon arrival in Dieppe or Newhaven.