Dunkirk Ferries

Unlock your adventure to France at the incredible port of Dunkirk! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Dunkirk boasts an impressive 4 ferry routes operated by 3 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Dunkirk, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Dunkirk offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Dover - Dunkirk, Calais - Dunkirk. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Dunkirk. You'll find companies like DFDS Seaways, P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Dunkirk.

Dunkirk is easily accessible via France's excellent transportation network. The city is approximately 40 minutes by car from Calais and just over two hours from Paris via the A16 motorway. Regular train services connect Dunkirk to major cities including Lille (30 minutes) and Paris (1 hour 45 minutes on high-speed trains). For international travelers, Lille Airport is the closest major air hub, about 80km away with good rail connections. The ferry terminal itself is well-served by local buses from the train station, with services running regularly throughout the day. Ample parking is available near the ferry port for those arriving by car, with both short-term and long-term options.

Perched on the northernmost tip of France, Dunkirk blends rich maritime heritage with modern coastal charm. This strategic port city offers travelers a unique combination of historical significance, particularly from WWII, and vibrant French culture. With its expansive beaches, bustling harbor, and distinctive Flemish influence, Dunkirk serves as both a fascinating destination and a convenient gateway to cross-Channel adventures.

Dunkirk enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters. The prime visiting period runs from May through September, when temperatures typically range from 15-25°C (59-77°F) and outdoor activities can be fully enjoyed. July and August bring the warmest weather and busiest beaches, but also the largest crowds. Consider visiting in June or September for pleasant weather with fewer tourists. The annual Dunkirk Carnival in February-March offers a unique cultural experience with its vibrant parades and traditional festivities, though ferry services may operate on reduced winter schedules. Early autumn also brings spectacular coastal sunsets and more favorable accommodation rates.

Dunkirk serves as an excellent jumping-off point for several enticing destinations across the water. Regular ferry services connect to Dover in England, with crossings taking approximately 2 hours across the Channel, offering travelers access to Kent's picturesque countryside and historic sites. From Dunkirk, you can also reach Belgium's coastal towns like Ostend (90 minutes by ferry), known for its beautiful beaches and seafood restaurants. The Dutch port of Rotterdam is accessible via connecting services, opening up opportunities to explore the Netherlands' vibrant culture. The ferry routes from Dunkirk are particularly scenic, offering dramatic views of the French coastline and bustling maritime activity in one of Europe's busiest shipping channels.

Dunkirk offers a wealth of experiences centered around its naval history and coastal setting. The Operation Dynamo Museum provides a moving tribute to the famous WWII evacuation, featuring authentic artifacts and immersive exhibits that bring this pivotal moment to life. For maritime enthusiasts, the Port Museum showcases historic vessels and the city's seafaring traditions in a restored tobacco warehouse. The expansive Malo-les-Bains beach stretches for kilometers, perfect for windsurfing or simply enjoying the sea air. Culinary explorers should sample local specialties at the waterfront restaurants, where Flemish-influenced dishes like waterzooi (fish stew) and fresh seafood platters showcase the region's gastronomic heritage. The charming Place Jean Bart in the city center, named after the famous local privateer, offers charming cafés and shops in a distinctly northern French atmosphere.

Dunkirk holds many fascinating stories beyond its famous evacuation. The city has changed nationality eight times throughout history, belonging variously to Flanders, Spain, England, and France, giving it a uniquely blended cultural identity. Dunkirk's carnival tradition includes the unusual ritual of herring-throwing, where thousands of smoked herring are tossed from the town hall balcony to eager crowds below. The port of Dunkirk is France's third-largest harbor and handles over 45 million tons of cargo annually, playing a crucial role in European maritime trade. The distinctive belfry of the Town Hall is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, representing the civic pride and independence of historic Flemish towns.