DFDS, is a Danish ferry operator founded in 1866 and headquartered in Copenhagen. Starting with 19 vessels, the company has grown into one of Europe's largest ferry operators, running around 50 ships across 25 routes on the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and English Channel.
Today, DFDS connects more than 20 countries, carries approximately 5.25 million passengers each year, and employs around 15,000 people worldwide. The company operates both short daytime crossings and longer overnight sailings, serving travellers with vehicles as well as foot passengers.
DFDS Seaways Ferry Timetable
DFDS Seaways Fleet
Calais / All ships
The E-Flexer Cote d'Opale (2021), DFDS's newest and longest ship on the English Channel at 214 m, sailing the Dover-Calais route under the French flag.
Facilities include a choice of restaurants (including the 7 Seas restaurant and the Lighthouse Cafe), the largest Duty-Free shop on the Channel at 1,100 square metres, a Premium Lounge with complimentary refreshments and sea views, a children's play area, and a Road Kings lounge for freight drivers.
King Seaways
King Seaways was built in 1987, renovated in 2006 and offers restaurants, shops, bars, cafés, two cinemas, a casino and children's entertainment on the Amsterdam–Newcastle route.
Stena Vinga
Stena Vinga has 40 cabins, a restaurant, a duty-free shop, a cinema and a recliner lounge for passengers.
D Class Vessel
The D Class vessels are the Dover Seaways, Delft Seaways and Dunkerque Seaways, three 2005-built UK-flagged sister ships operating DFDS's Dover–Dunkirk crossing.
Onboard facilities include several dining venues, a café, children's play areas, a shop, a private lounge and facilities for commercial drivers.
Princess Seaways
Princess Seaways, built in 1986 and most recently renovated in 2024, operates DFDS's Amsterdam–Newcastle route. It can accommodate over 1,200 guests and 600 cars. It offers a choice of bars and restaurants, duty-free shopping, play areas, slot machines, and a cinema.
DFDS Seaways Popular Ferry Routes
DFDS Seaways Ports & Departure Points
- CalaisFRA
- DoverGBR
- AmsterdamFelison Ferry Terminal, Sluisplein, IJmuiden aan Zee, IJmuiden, Velsen, North Holland, Netherlands, 1975 AG, NetherlandsNLD
- NewcastlePort of Tyne International Passenger Terminal, Coble Dene, Meadow Well, North Shields, North Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, North East, England, NE29 6BF, United KingdomGBR
- DunkirkFRA
- JerseyCanton de Bas, La Vingtaine de la Ville, St Helier, JE2 4NZ, JerseyJEY
- PortsmouthFountain Road, Stamshaw, Tipner, Portsmouth, England, PO2 8QN, United KingdomGBR
Why choose DFDS?
DFDS connects more than 20 countries across Europe, with routes ranging from quick Channel crossings to longer overnight sailings. Through Viaferry, you can compare available DFDS departures and book your tickets in just a few steps, whether you are travelling as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.
Here is what you can expect when travelling with DFDS:
Frequent departures: On popular routes such as Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk, ferries run throughout the day, giving you flexibility to choose a crossing that fits your schedule.
Onboard comfort: All DFDS ferries have restaurants, bars, and shops onboard. Overnight sailings also include private cabin accommodation, making longer crossings more comfortable.
Travel with your vehicle: DFDS accepts cars, motorcycles, campervans, and coaches on most routes. Simply select your vehicle type when booking through Viaferry.
Easy booking: Through Viaferry, you can search, compare, and book DFDS tickets quickly.
DFDS Travel information
Check-in: Arrive at the port with enough time before departure. Check your booking confirmation for route-specific check-in times.
Onboard facilities: Short crossings offer dining and shopping. Overnight routes include cabin accommodation, restaurants, bars, and children's areas.
Vehicles: Ensure all vehicle documents are in order before travel. Drivers are responsible for boarding and disembarking their own vehicle.
Luggage: Personal luggage only. Foot passengers should carry only what they can manage unassisted.
Tickets, changes and cancellations: Bookings made through Viaferry are confirmed automatically. What you can change or refund depends on your fare: Economy, day trip and short break tickets are non-refundable, while Flexi fares can be refunded if cancelled in writing at least 48 hours before departure, with an administration fee applied.
Changes may be possible depending on your fare and how far ahead of departure you arrange them: sometimes free within a window at the port, and otherwise for an amendment fee plus any difference in fare. Check the exact conditions for your fare when you book on Viaferry.
Accessibility: Passengers who need mobility assistance should give notice at the time of booking, or at least 48 hours (two working days) before travel, so support can be arranged. Sunflower lanyards are available at ports and on board, and assistance and guide dogs recognised by the ADI and IGDF schemes travel free.