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Feel the wind in your hair, breathe in the salty sea air, and watch the horizon slowly open up before you. This is how your trip to England begins: calm, carefree, and full of anticipation. Forget the airport rush and luggage restrictions, simply drive your car onto the DFDS ferry in Dunkirk, settle by a window, and let the holiday mood take over. As the French coastline drifts away behind you, the famous white cliffs of Dover come into view ahead. And somewhere in that moment, it hits you. This isn’t just a way to get to England. It’s the perfect start to your upcoming adventure across the country.
Why taking the ferry to England?
Traveling by ferry across the sea to your next destination has something incredibly calming about it. Maybe you recognize it, like we do, from childhood memories. The car is packed, and early in the morning, your holiday begins the moment you step inside. The drive itself becomes part of the adventure, often with fun stops along the way. And if your journey happens to include a ferry to England, you’ll likely feel the same sense of freedom on the water that we do. That unmistakable thrill of being at sea and on your way to something new.
And the great thing about traveling by ferry? You can pack whatever you like, and there are no limits on liquids. In Dunkirk, you simply drive onto the ferry and make yourself comfortable on deck. Of course, there are still the usual checks, like passport control for France and England, but you’ll get through them in no time. Once on board, there’s plenty of room to move around, and the best part is that the view changes every minute. Traveling with DFDS is relaxing. You might spend a moment on the open deck, gazing at the horizon, then head back inside to order a coffee and open your book.
It’s practical too. There are frequent departures, comfortable facilities on board, and you’ll arrive in Dover feeling refreshed. Ready to hit the road straight away, whether it’s to the iconic cliffs at Seven Sisters or to the charming medieval town of Rye.
What to expect when traveling from Dunkirk to Dover by ferry
The adventure starts even before you step on the ferry. As soon as you arrive in Dunkirk, follow the signs to the DFDS terminal. You’ll go through two passport checks, a vehicle inspection, and then join the correct queue to board. Make sure your booking and passport are easily accessible, as they’ll be checked at several points along the way.
Terminal arrival and check-in
Check-in usually goes pretty smoothly. Make sure you’re checked in at least an hour before departure. During peak season, it’s wise to allow two hours. One of the great things about traveling by ferry is that if you arrive early at the terminal (more than two hours ahead) and there’s space on an earlier sailing, you can often hop on that ferry instead. Saving you some waiting time! Everything is straightforward on-site, and there’s plenty of staff to guide you from the checks to the boat.
Getting on board and onboard experience
The moment you drive onboard, it’s time to relax. Park your car in the designated row, grab your bag with essentials, and take the stairs or lift up to the lounges. Keep in mind that for safety reasons, you won’t be able to access your car during the crossing, so bring everything you’ll need upstairs. The journey from Dunkirk to Dover takes about two hours, just the right amount of time to get into holiday mode. Onboard, you’ll find plenty of comfortable seating, a bistro with a view, a small tax-free shop, and of course the open deck for some fresh sea air.
If we may offer one valuable tip: book the premium lounge. Most travelers head to the bistro at the front of the ship, which can get quite busy. The premium lounge, on the other hand, is small and has limited availability, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the crossing in peace. Here, you can help yourself to unlimited hot and cold drinks, enjoy a tasty sandwich, and choose from a selection of snacks and fresh fruit. There are charging points and Wi-Fi available, and you’ll also get priority boarding, allowing you to be among the first on and off the ship. It’s a wonderful way to start, and end, your journey.
Arrival in Dover
Before you know it, the white cliffs of Dover appear on the horizon. Welcome to England! Perhaps the most exciting part of the entire crossing from France to England is arriving in Dover. Disembarking is quick and easy, but it’s literally and figuratively a moment of adjustment: driving on the left! The route from the terminal puts you straight onto the left side of the road. After a passport check and customs control, it’s time to enjoy your road trip through England. Fortunately, driving on the left comes quite naturally and most travelers adjust surprisingly quickly.
Practical tips for a smooth ferry crossing
Before you set off on the ferry to England, it’s helpful to keep these tips in mind for an enjoyable crossing:
Choose a quiet time: Ferries are often less busy on weekdays and in the early morning. This way, you can avoid long check-in lines and easily find a comfortable spot onboard.
Arrive on time: Make sure to be at the DFDS terminal 60 to 90 minutes before departure (up to 120 minutes during peak season). This gives you plenty of time for check-in, passport control, and finding your lane, ensuring you start your journey relaxed and stress-free.
Smart luggage packing: Bring a separate bag with everything you’ll need onboard, such as your passport, snacks, a book, charger, and maybe an extra jacket. Your car will remain locked during the crossing, so take everything you want to use with you.
Fuel up or charge beforehand: Fill up your car before entering the port, or check for nearby charging stations if you’re driving an electric vehicle. A full tank or battery makes for a more relaxed start to your journey.
Prevent seasickness: Are you prone to seasickness? Just in case, bring ginger tablets, wristbands, or light snacks. The crossing from Dunkirk to Dover is usually smooth, but it’s better to be prepared.
Navigating in England: In the UK, you drive on the left side of the road. If this feels daunting, or if you’re traveling alone, set a reminder on your dashboard and plan your route in advance, especially useful if you’re continuing your journey right after arrival. Also, check whether your destination is in a toll or low-emission zone, as these aren’t always clearly marked in England.
Roaming: Keep in mind that the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU. Check your data plan beforehand for potential roaming charges, and make sure to bring a credit card or debit card.
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Travel inspiration from Dover
Upon arriving by ferry in Dover, England, the possibilities are endless. The most obvious destinations from Dover include:
London: the vibrant capital
From Dover, it’s about a two-hour drive to the heart of London. You can park your car on the outskirts of the city, hop on the Tube, and enjoy a day filled with iconic sights: from the bustling markets in Camden to a stroll along the Thames and a classic afternoon tea at a traditional hotel.
Roadtrip along the southcoast
England’s south coast is full of picturesque villages, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. From Dover, it’s easy to reach the iconic white cliffs of Seven Sisters or Beachy Head, an absolute must-see in England! Follow the coastal route towards Brighton and make stops along the way in atmospheric towns like Hastings and Eastbourne. Enjoy fresh fish & chips on the beach, stroll along the pier, and experience for yourself just how delightful the English coastline is. Discover the best road trip along England's south coast here: from Dover to the Cotswolds.
A visit to Rye
Just an hour’s drive from Dover is the charming medieval town of Rye, a place that feels straight out of an English novel. Wander through narrow cobbled streets, admire the timber-framed houses, and settle into one of the cozy tearooms. Rye is famous for its antique shops, charming pubs, and the views from St. Mary’s Church. It makes a perfect first stop to unwind after the crossing while immediately soaking in that quintessential English atmosphere.
Exploring the Cotswolds
Want to discover real, rural England? Then set sail for the Cotswolds, a region full of rolling hills, honey-colored cottages and quaint villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury. It's about a 3-hour drive from Dover, but it's well worth the drive. Here you'll hike through green valleys, sample local delicacies and be inspired by the idyllic landscape.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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