Are ferries kid-friendly for trips to France?

Yes, travelling to France with DFDS is very family‑friendly, with spacious onboard areas, flexible luggage allowances and a relaxed atmosphere that helps children feel comfortable throughout the journey.

What should families pack for a ferry journey?

With no need to worry about baggage restrictions, you can pack everything you might need. Bring essential documents, comfort items for children, snacks and drinks, entertainment, spare clothes and phone chargers.

How do I keep kids entertained onboard?

DFDS offers a range of children’s entertainment onboard, from soft play and colouring to Jack the Pirate’s treasure hunt. While there’s plenty to do, we also recommend bringing travel games for kids or their favourite toys to keep them occupied.

Are cabins better for families?

Some families choose cabins on DFDS ferries for added privacy and downtime. It can be helpful when travelling with young children or on long crossings, but it ultimately depends on your family’s needs whether you should book one.

How long is the ferry to France?

DFDS offers several ferry routes to France, with crossing times varying by route. The Dover to Calais service takes 1 hour and 40 minutes, while our Dover to Dunkirk route is just under 2 hours. If you opt for the Newhaven to Dieppe crossing, you can expect a journey of approximately 5 hours.

How to Travel to France by Ferry with Kids

Begin your family-friendly adventure to France the moment you board with DFDS. With space to move around, the freedom to bring everything you need and a journey that feels like part of the holiday, sailing across the channel with kids has never been easier. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or older children, we’ve got something to keep everyone entertained.

From practical family travel tips and information to family holiday ideas and family-friendly places in France, read on to find out everything you need to plan your French adventure.

Why Travelling by Ferry Is Easier for Families

Travelling with children by ferry to France offers a calm, family‑friendly alternative to flying. It’s a quick and practical way to reach France, with our Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk crossings taking under 2 hours. During the trip, we have plenty of onboard entertainment to keep little ones occupied, a selection of family-friendly restaurants and lots of space for kids to roam and burn off extra energy.

With no strict baggage limits, you can pack pushchairs, travel cots and all your travel essentials for the kids. Hop onboard, soak in the scenic views and enjoy a smooth journey before arriving ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Planning Your Family Ferry Trip to France

Good planning is the key to stress-free family holidays in France. By thinking ahead, you can ensure everything runs seamlessly. Ferry travel offers the unique advantage of exploring France at your own pace, letting you visit a variety of family-friendly places in France without the hassle of rigid schedules or baggage limits.

To make your trip even easier, consider booking your ferry crossings in advance and opting for off-peak ferries, which not only help you save money but also provide a more relaxed atmosphere onboard. If you’re travelling with toddlers or young children, try planning your journey to coincide with nap times – it can make the crossing even smoother!

What to Pack When Travelling with Kids

Forget weighing suitcases or deciding what to leave behind; with DFDS, you can load your vehicle with as much luggage as you can fit, including all your travel essentials for the kids. Besides the basics like clothes and toiletries, here are some items you may need when travelling with children:

Snacks and beverages, including plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Comfort items, like favourite blankets or toys.
Entertainment, such as colouring books or travel games for kids.
Practical items, including wipes, spare clothes and reusable bottles.
Child-friendly equipment, such as a travel cot, high chair or pushchair.
Baby essentials like nappies, a baby monitor, baby food, milk bottles and powder.

Boarding the Ferry with Children: What to Expect

Boarding our DFDS ferries is a smooth and family-friendly process. For seamless check-in and boarding, please arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled ferry departure. This gives you plenty of time for last-minute delays like a quick toilet run or a nappy change.

Before boarding, don’t forget to check that you have the correct documents, including your up-to-date passport, ID or visa. Once onboard, families can head straight to seating areas for picturesque sea views or explore our facilities. Travelling with your vehicle means you won’t have to carry all your luggage, as it can safely stay in your car. Simply pack a small bag of essentials to take with you on deck.

For more information about your journey, read our FAQs.

Family‑Friendly Facilities Onboard

Family travel onboard DFDS ferries on Baltics route

With comfortable seating for parents to spread out, family-friendly restaurants that make mealtimes super easy and exciting sea views from the top deck, our onboard facilities are designed to ensure the whole family enjoys a memorable journey.

The ship has a range of activities to keep the kids entertained, from a soft play area to Jack the Pirate’s treasure hunt, which will take you on an adventure around the ship. Head to the top deck for dolphin and whale spotting or book a Family cabin on our Newhaven to Dieppe route, perfect for little ones that need extra space. Whatever you need, we have activities and accommodation to suit the whole family.

Family Holiday Ideas in France

France is a brilliant destination for families, whether you’re planning short family weekend breaks or longer family-friendly getaways. Children are sure to love sunny beaches in the South of France, magical moments in Disneyland® Paris and mountain adventures in the Alps. Explore iconic cities like Paris or Bordeaux, enjoy countryside retreats or discover Normandy’s spectacular Mont-Saint-Michel.

From hiking in the mountains and scenic river cruises to visiting castles, zoos and aquariums, there are plenty of things to do in France with kids. Many regions also offer family-friendly accommodation options, such as holiday parks with pools, playgrounds and organised activities. Wherever you go, there’s an adventure waiting to be discovered!

Family Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

Arriving in France with DFDS is where the flexibility of ferry travel really shines. With your car and belongings ready to go, you can embark on your journey at a pace that suits everyone. Here are some handy tips for your French road trip:

Plan regular breaks during long drives.
Keep snacks, drinks and familiar items within reach.
Carry a valid driving license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance with you.
Most shops and many rural fuel stations close on Sundays, so plan your supplies and refuelling accordingly.
Don’t forget to drive on the right-hand side of the road! Read our guide if this is your first time driving in France.

Our Routes

Dover to Dunkirk

With a journey time of just 2 hours, our Dover to Dunkirk ferry crossing gives you access to Belgium, France, the Netherlands and beyond.

Dover to Calais

Hop onboard our most popular ferry crossing, Dover to Calais, and arrive in Calais in just 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Newhaven to Dieppe

Arrive in Dieppe in 5 hours with our Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing. Enjoy fantastic facilities while you sail, including restaurants and an onboard shop.