Ferry FRS
DFDS is a Danish ferry company founded in 1866 and based in Copenhagen. It is one of Europe's largest ferry and logistics operators, carrying more than 5 million passengers a year and connecting over 20 countries.
DFDS routes across Europe
English Channel: Dover – Calais, Dover – Dunkirk and Newhaven – Dieppe, the quickest way to cross between the UK and France with your car.
North Sea: Newcastle – Amsterdam, a daily overnight crossing with cabins.
Ireland: Rosslare – Dunkirk, a direct link between Ireland and France that avoids the UK land bridge.
Channel Islands: Jersey to St Malo, Portsmouth and Poole (Poole is seasonal only).
Baltic Sea: Kiel – Klaipeda, Karlshamn – Klaipeda, Trelleborg – Klaipeda and Kapellskär – Paldiski, connecting Germany and Sweden with Lithuania and Estonia.
DFDS in the Strait of Gibraltar
DFDS also connects Spain with Morocco and Ceuta. These routes were previously operated by FRS, which DFDS took over in January 2024.
The routes are Algeciras – Tanger Med and Algeciras – Ceuta, with several sailings a day in each direction all year round. DFDS runs more than 10,000 sailings a year in the Strait, and from November 2026 a third ship, the Volcán de Tamasite, joins the Algeciras – Tanger Med route.
Travelling with DFDS
Life on board depends on the route. On short crossings, such as the Strait or the Channel, you travel in a seat with a café and shop on board. On overnight routes, such as Newcastle – Amsterdam or the Baltic lines, you can book a cabin and arrive rested. On almost every route you can bring your car, motorbike or motorhome.
Tips for your DFDS trip
Travelling to Morocco: you need a valid passport. If you take your car, bring the vehicle documents and insurance that covers Morocco. You can fill in the temporary vehicle import form (D16TER) before you travel to speed up customs.
Travelling to the UK: most visitors need a passport, and EU citizens also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), applied for online before the trip.
Summer in the Strait: from 15 June to 15 September, Operation Crossing the Strait (OPE) brings very high demand at Algeciras. Book early and arrive at the port in good time.
Seasonal routes: Poole – Jersey only runs from spring to autumn. All other routes operate year-round, though there may be fewer sailings in winter.
If you want to book a DFDS ticket or check any of its routes, you can do it on Clickferry at the best price. Book your ferry ticket now and compare timetables and fares to cross the Channel, travel to Ireland or the Netherlands, explore the Baltic or cross the Strait of Gibraltar.
Routes
From Ceuta
From Ciutadella
From Spain
From Formentera
From Gibraltar
From Ibiza
From Mallorca
From Melilla
From Tarifa
How long is the ferry from Dover to Calais?
About 1 hour 40 minutes. DFDS runs up to 30 sailings a day on this route, from just after midnight to the evening.
Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk: which is better?
Calais is the shorter crossing. Dover – Dunkirk takes around 2 hours, with up to 22 sailings a day, day and night. Dunkirk is less than 30 minutes from the Belgian border, so it's a handy choice if you're driving on to Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany.
Can I travel as a foot passenger?
Not on the Dover routes: Dover – Calais and Dover – Dunkirk are for vehicles only. You can travel on foot on Newhaven – Dieppe, Newcastle – Amsterdam and the Jersey routes.
Can I take my dog on the ferry?
Yes, DFDS is pet friendly. On the Dover routes pets stay in your vehicle. On other routes there are options such as kennels, pet cabins or pet lounges. There's a charge per pet and you need to book it in advance.
How long does the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry take?
Around 16 hours 45 minutes overnight. The ferry leaves Newcastle every day at 17:00; check-in opens at 14:00 and closes at 16:15. You'll have a cabin, restaurants, bars and entertainment on board.
Is there a direct ferry from Ireland to France?
Yes, Rosslare – Dunkirk. The crossing takes just under 24 hours and all meals are included. DFDS recommends arriving at the port at least 2 hours before departure.
How do I get to Jersey by ferry?
From Portsmouth (about 9 hours, all year round), from Poole (about 4 hours 30 minutes, in season) or from St Malo in France (under 2 hours). All three take cars and foot passengers.
Is there a luggage limit?
If you travel with your car, there are no baggage restrictions: you can load up the boot. Foot passengers on Newhaven – Dieppe leave large luggage in the dedicated storage area on board.
Where can I read DFDS's terms and conditions?
On DFDS's website: legal information and terms. Clickferry's own conditions for changes and cancellations also apply to your booking.
Does DFDS sail to Morocco?
Yes. In the Strait of Gibraltar, DFDS sails Algeciras – Tanger Med, with 8 sailings a day in each direction on its regular timetable, and Algeciras – Ceuta.