Ferries from the UK to Paris
There is no direct ferry to Paris, which means choosing the right route is not always as obvious as it first appears. Some travellers prioritise the shortest ferry crossing, while others prefer less driving or easier train connections after arrival. To make things easier, we’ve compared the main ferry routes to Paris and laid out the most practical travel options below. Whether you’re travelling by car, train, campervan or bicycle, there is usually more than one way to reach the French capital. For drivers, Dover-Calais is often the quickest overall option. Foot passengers may prefer Newhaven-Dieppe or Portsmouth-Caen, while travellers coming from western England often find that a longer ferry crossing can actually make the journey simpler.
Routes
Our experience
We have sailed Dover–Calais with every operator on the route. P&O Ferries stood out for us: competitive fares, modern ships and plenty of clean, comfortable space inside and out on deck. For most travellers heading to France, it’s usually the quickest and best-value way across.
Ferry services from the UK to Paris
Paris can be reached from virtually every major ferry route between England and France. Travellers can choose between the short Dover crossings operated by DFDS, P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries, or longer Brittany Ferries services from Portsmouth. DFDS also operates the Newhaven-Dieppe route, which is particularly popular with rail travellers.
Map with suggested the UK – Paris ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from England to Paris, with crossing times, fares and the ports they sail from. Tap a route for details, tap a port for its sailings, or zoom in for more.
Onboard experience
The experience varies considerably depending on the route you choose. The Dover crossings take around 90 minutes and focus on getting passengers across the Channel quickly. The Brittany Ferries routes are longer and typically offer restaurants, bars, lounges, shops and cabins. Newhaven-Dieppe sits somewhere in between, combining a moderate crossing time with excellent onward rail connections.
Travelling to Paris as a foot passenger
Many travellers automatically look at Dover, but it is not always the easiest option without a vehicle.
Option 1: Newhaven → Dieppe → Paris
This is often the simplest route for foot passengers. After arriving in Dieppe, local trains connect to Rouen, from where onward services run to Paris. Depending on connections, the journey can often be completed with a single change.
Option 2: Dover → Calais → Paris
Calais offers direct rail connections towards Paris, including high-speed services. The route works well, but reaching the railway station from the ferry terminal is less straightforward than in Dieppe.
Option 3: Portsmouth → Caen → Paris
Caen provides another alternative. After arriving in Normandy, trains connect via Caen station to Paris Saint-Lazare.
Rail Journey overview
| Route | Changes | Typical rail time |
|---|---|---|
| Dieppe → Paris | 1 | ~2h 30m |
| Caen → Paris | 0 | ~2h |
| Calais → Paris | 0-1 | ~2h |
By car
For motorists, Paris is surprisingly easy to reach from several French ferry ports. We’ve compared some of the most popular routes below.
| Route | Ferry crossing | Drive to Paris | Total journey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover-Calais | 1h 30m | 185 miles / 3h | ~4h 30m |
| Newhaven-Dieppe | 4h | 105 miles / 2h 15m | ~6h 15m |
| Portsmouth-Caen | 5h 45m-7h | 150 miles / 2h 45m | ~8h 30m-9h 45m |
| Portsmouth-Le Havre | 5h 30m-9h | 125 miles / 2h 30m | ~8h-11h 30m |
Looking purely at journey time, Dover-Calais is usually the quickest option. However, travellers who prefer a longer ferry crossing and less driving may find that routes via Dieppe, Caen or Le Havre offer a more pleasant overall journey.
Compare & book
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Still weighing up your options?
We have crossed the Channel to France more times than we can count, on most of the routes and with most of the operators. Tell us where you are starting and we will point you to the smartest way across.