Check-in and boarding
Check-in and Boarding Information - DFDS
Make sure you're prepared for a hassle-free check-in and boarding experience. Find information on check-in times, travelling with children and additional assistance. At DFDS, we endeavour to make travelling with us as stress-free as possible. On top of excellent service throughout your journey, we want to ensure that you can check-in and board as smoothly as possible. Find out everything you need to know with our handy guide to check-in and boarding.
Check-in and boarding on UK-France routes
Dover - Dunkirk/Calais
Check in typically closes 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. In high season we advise customers to allow 120 minutes before check in closes to pass through all controls. Check in will close promptly, therefore, we advise customers to allow plenty of time prior to departure to pass through all controls. Please note check in & departure times are based on local time.
Dunkirk/Calais - Dover
Check in typically closes 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. In high season we advise customers to allow 120 minutes before check in closes to pass through all controls. Check in will close promptly, therefore, we advise customers to allow plenty of time prior to departure to pass through all controls. Please note check in & departure times are based on local time.
Newhaven - Dieppe
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, therefore check in will close promptly. In high season we advise customers to allow 90 minutes before check in closes to pass through all controls. Please note check in & departure times are based on local time.
Dieppe - Newhaven
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, therefore check in will close promptly. In high season we advise customers to allow 90 minutes before check in closes to pass through all controls. Please note check in & departure times are based on local time.
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.
Children travelling with another surname
Parents with a different surname to their children sometimes have problems with checking their personal details at a port. If this is the case, we advise you to provide a letter of authorisation from the parental figure, to show you have permission to take the child abroad and provide their birth certificate.
Further information is available on our dedicated travelling with kids page
DFDS is committed to making travel on our services as comfortable as possible for all passengers, particularly those who may require additional assistance during their journey. Please contact us beforehand if you require any assistance during the check-in and boarding process. More information on accessibility can be found here.
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to.
Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.
On our Dover - Calais/Dunkirk routes we are unable to accept foot passengers due to operational reasons. In order to use this service, you must have a vehicle.
Vehicle Passengers: The car check-in at the port of Dover, Dunkirk, Calais, Newhaven & Dieppe is very well signposted. First, drive to the check-in counter and keep your ID card / passport and, your visa (if applicable) and the booking confirmation ready. Once checked in you will proceed through security and drive onto the ship where our staff will instruct you and ensure that you park your vehicle correctly.
Foot Passengers:
On our Dover - Calais/Dunkirk routes we are unable to accept foot passengers due to operational reasons. In order to use this service, you must have a vehicle.
Newhaven - Dieppe: Upon arrival to the port we advise you to check in at the passenger terminal where our team will be there to assist you. Once checked in you will be invited to board where you will pass through security. After you have completed all controls you will use our passenger shuttle bus to board the ship.
If you are travelling with your dog, cat or other pet onboard our Newhaven - Dieppe route as a foot passenger you must ensure you have booked a kennel for your pet. Upon arrival to the port we advise you to check in with your pet at the passenger terminal. Once all checks are completed you will board via our passenger shuttlebus, which will take you directly to the ship, where our team will greet you to assist & direct you to our pet Kennels.
Further information is available on our page dedicated to pets
Check-in and boarding on Jersey routes
Portsmouth - Jersey - Portsmouth
Recommended Arrival Time: Vehicles: 180 minutes before Departure. Foot Passengers: 90 minutes before departure
Check in for vehicle passengers closes 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Check-in for foot passengers closes 40 minutes prior to departure. Check in will close promptly, therefore, we advise customers to allow plenty of time prior to departure to pass through all controls. Please note check in & departure times are based on local time.
Jersey – St Malo - Jersey
Recommended Arrival Time: Vehicles: 180 minutes before Departure. Foot Passengers: 90 minutes before departure
Check in for vehicle passengers closes 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Check-in for foot passengers closes 40 minutes prior to departure. Check in will close promptly, therefore, we advise customers to allow plenty of time prior to departure to pass through all controls. Please note check in & departure times are based on local time.
Jersey – Poole - Jersey
Recommended Arrival Time: Vehicles: 180 minutes before Departure. Foot Passengers: 90 minutes before departure
Check in for vehicle passengers closes 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Check-in for foot passengers closes 40 minutes prior to departure. Check in will close promptly, therefore, we advise customers to allow plenty of time prior to departure to pass through all controls. Please note check in & departure times are based on local time.
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.
Children travelling with another surname
Parents with a different surname to their children sometimes have problems with checking their personal details at a port. If this is the case, we advise you to provide a letter of authorisation from the parental figure, to show you have permission to take the child abroad and provide their birth certificate.
Further information is available on our dedicated travelling with kids page
DFDS is committed to making travel on our services as comfortable as possible for all passengers, particularly those who may require additional assistance during their journey. Please contact us beforehand if you require any assistance during the check-in and boarding process. More information on accessibility can be found here.
Check-in and boarding on Newcastle-Amsterdam route
Newcastle - Amsterdam
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of 17:00, therefore check in will close promptly at 4:15. Please note: check in & departure times are based on local time.
Amsterdam - Newcastle
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of 17:30, therefore check in will close promptly at 4:45. Please note: check in & departure times are based on local time.
Please note: If you're travelling in a sportscar or low clearance car, we recommend arriving at the car check-in 15 to 75 minutes after it opens, which is approx 14:00. During this time, our loading officers will be able to assist you in finding the best spots on the car deck for your vehicle, giving you and your vehicle a smoother experience.
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.
Children travelling with another surname
Parents with a different surname to their children sometimes have problems with checking their personal details at a port. If this is the case, we advise you to provide a letter of authorisation from the parental figure, to show you have permission to take the child abroad and provide their birth certificate. Further information is available on our dedicated travelling with kids page
DFDS is committed to making travel on our services as comfortable as possible for all passengers, particularly those who may require additional assistance during their journey. Please contact us beforehand if you require any assistance during the check-in and boarding process. More information on accessibility can be found here.
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to.
Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.
Foot Passengers
Upon arrival to the port we advise you to check in at the passenger terminal where our team will be there to assist you. Once checked in you will be invited to board where you will pass through security. After you have completed all controls you will use our passenger air bridge to board the ship.
If you are travelling with your dog, cat or other pet onboard our Newcastle-Amsterdam route as a foot passenger you must ensure you have booked either a Kennel or a pet friendly cabin. Upon arrival to the port we advise you to check in with your pet at the passenger terminal.
Once all checks are completed and you are checked in, you will board via our Air Bridge where you will be greeted by a member of team who will direct you to our pet cabins or Kennels.
Further information is available on our page dedicated to pets
Vehicle Passengers
The car check-in at the port of Newcastle & Amsterdam is very well signposted. First, drive to the check-in counter and keep your ID card / passport, your visa (if applicable) and the booking confirmation ready. Once checked in you will proceed through security and drive onto the ship where our staff will instruct you and ensure that you place your vehicle correctly.
Check-in and boarding on Rosslare-Dunkirk route
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid passport, ID card, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.
When travelling from Dunkirk, please drive to the ticket office, reporting to reception on arrival. You will be accompanied to our Irish Terminal for check-in, customs, passport inspection and boarding. We recommend that you arrive at port no earlier than 3 hours and no less than 2 hours before departure. A failure to adhere to the latest check-in time may result in a refusal to travel. The allocated parking space on the ship may be inaccessible to late-comers or result in delayed disembarkation. We cannot guarantee the facilitation of mobility requirements to those that do not adhere to check-in times.
Children travelling with another surname
Parents with a different surname to their children sometimes have problems with checking their personal details at a port. If this is the case, we advise you to provide a letter of authorisation from the parental figure, to show you have permission to take the child abroad and provide their birth certificate.
Further information is available on our dedicated travelling with kids page
DFDS is committed to making travel on our services as comfortable as possible for all passengers, particularly those who may require additional assistance during their journey. Please contact us beforehand if you require any assistance during the check-in and boarding process. More information on accessibility can be found here.
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid passport, ID card, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.
The car check-in at the port of Dunkirk & Rosslare is very well signposted. First, drive to the check-in counter and keep your ID card / passport and, your visa (if applicable) and the booking confirmation ready. Once checked in you will proceed through security and drive onto the ship where our staff will instruct you and ensure that you park your vehicle correctly.
If you are travelling with your dog, cat, or other pet onboard you must ensure you have booked a pet friendly cabin for your pet. Please ensure you follow our pet checklist & ensure this is fully adhered to before travel.
Find more information on traveling with your pets here.
Check-in and boarding on Baltic Sea routes
Klaipeda-Karlshamn/Kiel
Check-in opens: For all passengers 3 hours before departure.
Check-in closes: For passengers - 90 minutes before departure.
Karlshamn-Klaipeda
Check-in opens: For all passengers 4 hours before departure.
Check-in closes: For passengers - 90 minutes before departure.
Kiel-Klaipeda
Check-in times: For all passengers 6 hours before departure.
Check-in closes: For passengers - 90 minutes before departure.
Monday-Sunday: 14:00-19:30
Paldiski-Kapellskar
Check-in closes: 1 hour prior to departure
Kapellskar-Paldiski
Check-in times:
Monday - Tuesday: 06:00-08:30
Wednesday – Friday: 16:30-20:00
Saturday: CLOSED/NO DEPARTURE
Sunday: 06:00-08:30
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.
We recommend passengers travelling with children arrive at the beginning of check-in on Klaipeda-Kiel-Klaipeda route.
Families travelling with babies or small children in the car are given a special sign. This sign alerts the loading personnel that passengers are travelling with children. Depending on availability, passengers travelling with children may be directed to park their car in a more convenient location on the deck.
For passengers' convenience, a bus can be taken from the terminal to the ferry. We recommend taking only the essentials items for one of the parents or guardians and use bus transfer as it will take you directly to the lift/escalator. Please note that lift location can vary depending on the vessel. Please enquire in advance by contacting Customer Care or ask the port personnel.
Further information is available on our dedicated travelling with kids page
DFDS is committed to making travel on our services as comfortable as possible for all passengers, particularly those who may require additional assistance during their journey. Please contact us beforehand if you require any assistance during the check-in and boarding process. More information on accessibility can be found here.
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.
Ports of Klaipeda and Karlshamn
Passengers travelling with vehicles are invited to go directly to the port's check-in gate, while passengers travelling without a vehicle are invited to check-in inside the building.
Port of Kiel
For all the passengers check-in is required in the building.
Port of Paldiski
Check-in is required in the building (only passengers with vehicles are allowed on this route).
Port of Kapellskär
Check-in takes place at the gate (only passengers with vehicles are allowed on this route).
It is essential to plan your arrival time in advance. We recommend arriving earlier as you may have to wait in line. Due to strict port regulations and loading operations, passengers who are late to check in may not be allowed to board the ferry.
Check in with your pet as a foot passenger
All pets have to be on a leash and with muzzle or in the travel kennel while taking your pet to the cabin from the vehicle or from the shuttle bus.
Further information is available on our page dedicated to pets
Check-in and boarding on Copenhagen-Frederikshavn-Oslo route
Oslo - Frederikshavn - Copenhagen
Check-in opens:
Vehicle passengers: 2 hours before scheduled departure time.
Foot passengers: possible to check-in from 09.00
Boarding starts:
All passengers: 2 hours before scheduled departure time.
Check-in closes:
Vehicle passengers to Frederikshavn: 50 minutes before scheduled departure time.
All other passengers: 15 minutes before scheduled departure time.
Frederikshavn - Oslo
Check-in opens: 21:30
Check-in closes: 23:30
If there are changes to the schedule the openings hours will be adjusted and advertised on the door.
Copenhagen - Oslo
Check-in opens:
Vehicle passengers: 2 hours before scheduled departure time.
Foot passengers: Possible to check-in from 09.00
Boarding starts:
All passengers: 2 hours before scheduled departure time
Check-in closes:
All passengers: 15 minutes before scheduled departure time
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in. These may include a valid physical passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.
We recommend passengers travelling with children to arrive early.
Please make sure that you have all relevant information ready including your passport/ID, booking confirmation, and if applicable, your visa during check-in. Children under the age of 16 may travel without a passport if accompanied by a parent or guardian. We still recommend that you bring a passport or a Danish health insurance card for children under the age of 16.
DFDS is committed to making travel on our services as comfortable as possible for all passengers, particularly those who may require additional assistance during their journey. Please contact us beforehand if you require any assistance during the check-in and boarding process. More information can be found here.
All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal. These may include a valid physical passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to.
Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports.
Foot passengers:
Passengers on foot may check in at our self-service machines or at the counter, where our team will be ready to assist you. Please make sure that you have all relevant information ready including your physical passport/ID, booking confirmation, and if applicable, your visa during check-in.
For passengers travelling from Frederikshavn to Oslo, check-in must be carried out by our staff at the counter.
All pets have to be on a leash or in the travel kennel while taking your pet to the cabin from the vehicle or from the shuttle bus.
Please ensure you follow the relevant rules and regulations & ensure these are adhered to fully before travel. You can read more about travelling with a pet below.
Travelling to Norway from a EU-country:
https://www.mattilsynet.no/language/english/animals/travelling_with_pets/travelling_with_dogs_cats_and_ferrets_from_eucountries_to_norway.23686
Travelling to Denmark
https://www.foedevarestyrelsen.dk/english/Self-Service/Guides/Pages/How-to-travel-with-your-dog.aspx
Vehicle passengers:
Passengers travelling in vehicles must check in at the port. Follow the instructions on the signposts and proceed to check-in. Please make sure that you have all relevant information ready including your passport/ID, booking confirmation, and if applicable, your visa during check-in. Once you have checked in, our personnel will guide you onto the ship.
DFDS ferry mobile app
The DFDS app is your ideal travel companion.
- View live departures and arrival times
- Access your booking pass
- Keep up to date with the latest travel announcements
- Follow your journey with your personalised itinerary
- Find information about onboard facilities
- Find directions to your DFDS terminals
Simply log into the app using your booking number to access these great features.
