DFDS Ferries
Check prices & times »DFDS is one of Europe's largest ferry operators — a Danish company founded in 1866, running passenger and freight services across the Channel, the North Sea and the Baltic. It has described itself as the "World's Leading Ferry Operator" and was nominated as Europe's Leading Ferry Operator for 2026.
For UK travellers, DFDS runs the widest choice of Channel crossings of any operator, plus the overnight North Sea link to the Netherlands. This guide focuses on those UK routes, the ships, and how to book.
DFDS UK routes
| Route | Duration | Frequency/Notes | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover–Calais (France) | ~1h 30m–1h 40m | up to ~30 sailings/day | Check Prices » |
| Dover–Dunkirk (France) | ~2 hours | vehicles only | Check Prices » |
| Newhaven–Dieppe (France) | ~4 hours | foot passengers OK | Check Prices » |
| Newcastle–Amsterdam (Netherlands) | ~16h 45m | overnight | Check Prices » |
| Rosslare–Dunkirk (Ireland–France) | overnight | - | Check Prices » |
DFDS runs the largest fleet on the Dover Strait, with a combined total of up to around 54 daily sailings across its Calais and Dunkirk routes.
The Channel routes
DFDS runs three Channel crossings, each suiting a different traveller:
- Dover–Calais: the fastest and most frequent crossing to France, around 100 minutes, with up to 30 sailings a day
- Dover–Dunkirk: DFDS is the only operator on this route; it lands you further east, handy for Belgium and quieter roads, but it's vehicle-only
- Newhaven–Dieppe: DFDS's exclusive route from the Sussex coast straight into Normandy, around four hours, and one of the few Channel crossings that takes foot passengers
Newcastle to Amsterdam: the North Sea crossing
DFDS's Newcastle to Amsterdam route is a different kind of journey — an overnight North Sea crossing of around 17 hours aboard the cruise-style ships King Seaways and Princess Seaways.
Rather than a quick hop, it's a mini-cruise: cabins are included, and onboard there's the 7 Seas buffet restaurant, the Blue Riband à la carte restaurant, an Explorers' Steakhouse, bars, live entertainment and a cinema. It's the main ferry link from the north of England to the Continent.
The wider DFDS network
Beyond its UK routes, DFDS runs an extensive European network — crossings between Scandinavia, Germany and the Baltic states, a Copenhagen–Oslo route, ferries to Jersey, and a Spain–Morocco service. For most UK travellers, though, it's the Channel and Newcastle routes that matter.
Fares, families and booking
A few useful things to know before booking DFDS:
- Children: under-3s (and often under-4s) travel free, with discounts for children under 15
- Cabins: available on Newhaven–Dieppe and included on Newcastle–Amsterdam; the short Dover routes are daytime crossings without cabins
- Pets: carried on many sailings, with rules varying by route and vessel
- Check-in: DFDS recommends arriving around 90 minutes before departure; check-in typically closes 45 minutes before
- Booking: online, with flexible-date tools that can find cheaper nearby sailings
Frequently Asked Questions
What routes does DFDS run from the UK?
Dover–Calais and Dover–Dunkirk to France, Newhaven–Dieppe to Normandy, and Newcastle–Amsterdam to the Netherlands.
How long is the DFDS Dover to Calais crossing?
Around 100 minutes — the fastest and most frequent Channel crossing, with up to 30 sailings a day.
Does DFDS carry foot passengers?
Yes on Newhaven–Dieppe and Newcastle–Amsterdam. The two Dover routes are vehicle-only.
Is the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry overnight?
Yes — it's an overnight crossing of around 17 hours, with cabins included on the cruise-style King Seaways and Princess Seaways.
Which operators sail from Dover to Dunkirk?
Only DFDS runs the Dover–Dunkirk route.