Take your bike to France

It’s easy and very quick to take your bike onboard our ferries with dedicated cyclist lanes in the Dover port, although for convenience and safety there are a few things cyclists need to know:

• Follow the red cyclist line in Dover, this takes you past the queuing vehicles and fast tracks you to your own check in.
• Cyclists are loaded together in one large group and will be either first or last to board depending on the number of passengers and vehicles boarding and what time you arrive.
• The ship’s officer will instruct you how to disembark down the ramp when it is safe to do so and when there is no other traffic. When boarding and disembarking, you should walk with your bike.
• Cyclist shoes must be removed onboard. Please ensure you bring a change of shoes to wear when onboard the vessel.
• Take a well deserved rest in our Premium Lounges or Relax Lounges onboard our Dover – France routes. Or sit back and relax in reclining chairs, taking in the sea view on our Dieppe – Newhaven route.

Taking your bike on a ferry gives you the freedom to enjoy a cycling holiday in Europe. Our ports are all in great locations, near popular tourist destinations, great cycling routes & railway stations.

From Dunkirk, you can cycle along the coastline and down to Bruges in just 4 hours! Meanwhile, from Calais you can explore the beautiful Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, including Boulogne or beach resort of Le Touquet.

From Dieppe, you can explore western France and Normandy; the most desirable region in Europe, including the wonderful Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande. Alternatively, take a longer trip down to Paris.

When returning to the Calais port, DFDS recommends cycling through Calais town centre rather than taking the D119 road.

Let us inspire your next cycling trip with our top ten routes in northern France:

Take on the challenge of L’Avenue Verte, the famous cycle route from London to Paris, and what better way to get you across the channel than with DFDS? Our ferry between Newhaven and Dieppe, perfectly fits into the Avenue Verte route and offers a welcome rest to weary cyclists.

Pedalling between two of Europe’s most famous cities, you can take in charming pockets of England and France en route. Translated as ‘green avenue’ it is called so because much of the route takes you through the heart of the countryside, through old railway paths and riverside routes. Just outside Dieppe, the route follows the old Dieppe – Paris railway line for 25 miles, passing through rural scenery, quaint villages and rolling hills.

Take your time exploring the route – we recommend a week for a leisurely cycling holiday. The L’Avenue Verte ends at the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of Paris. A magnificent end to a wonderful ride don’t you think?

We are proud to have been voted World’s Leading Ferry Operator 2022 at this year’s World Travel Awards for the 12th year in a row! We have also won Europe's Leading Ferry Operator 2012-2022 and World’s Best Ferry Operator Website 2021-2022.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us and voted for us for over 12 years. Let’s sail the seas together with world class service!