Holidaymakers heading to France next year could save by shifting their travel planning habits.
While most travellers on ferry operator DFDS’ Dover to France routes book just four to six weeks before they travel, those with firm plans to holiday in France in 2025 could secure substantial savings by booking before the end of January.
The company has shared the following advice to help Francophiles secure the best deal for their 2025 ferry crossings:
Ireland to France bookings
For those considering a getaway in Northern Europe from Ireland, there is 20 per cent off the vehicle and cabin price for crossings in a standard car or on a motorcycle on the Rosslare-Dunkirk route. All meals onboard are included in the price. Book by 31 January for travel between 6 January and 15 December 2025 and save up to €180 on a return trip.
Prices on this route include up to four people travelling in a car and pet cabins are available, but availability is likely to be limited for those booking shortly before they travel. Travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday from Rosslare for the best fare.
DFDS offers up to five sailings per week on its overnight Rosslare-Dunkirk service, with crossing times taking 24 hours. Arrive at the heart of Northern France and just 30 minutes from the Belgian border refreshed and ready to start a European road trip. Bright and spacious passenger areas offer lounges, shops and cabins that provide plenty of opportunities for travellers to unwind and experience the joy of the journey. The company’s ships feature open-plan lounges, a self-service restaurant offering four inclusive meals during the journey, a children’s play area and a well-stocked shop located at the heart of the ship.
Normandy route
On the Newhaven-Dieppe route fares start from £55 for a car and two people each way for those booking by 4 January 2025 for travel from 7 January until 30 April 2025 and from 1 October to 15 December 2025.
Campervanners, caravanners and motorhome owners can travel for the same price as a car on Saturday morning sailings from Newhaven to Dieppe between 1 May and 30 September 2025. Book by 4 January 2025 to secure a crossing at this special fare.
For the lowest prices on this route, the best time to travel is midweek, when sailings tend to be quieter.
There are two sailings per day on the Newhaven to Dieppe route until 1 May 2025, increasing to three per day during the summer season. Crossings times are four hours, and the newly refurbished ships feature a spacious duty-free shop offering local produce and a range of well-known brands in cosmetics, fragrances, spirits and wines; a colourful children’s play area; a relaxing lounge with reclining seats; and a fully refurbished suite of 43 private standard cabins to suit all budgets.
Dover to France
Customers seeking the ultimate flexible travel option can book on the Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk services, with up to 54 sailings per day. A 15 per cent discount off standard fares is available when travelling by car and booking before 5 January. The offer applies for travel from 1 January to 22 December 2025.
Travel in the afternoon from Dover or early morning on return crossings from Calais and Dunkirk to secure the best price. For night owls there are extra savings to be made on departures between 23.59 and 06.00.
For more information or to book visit www.dfds.com.
Terms and conditions apply to all offers.
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About DFDS:
DFDS provides ferry and transport services in and around Europe, generating annual revenues of EUR 2.3 bn.
To over 10,000 freight customers we deliver high performance and superior reliability through ferry & port terminal services, and transport and logistics solutions. DFDS delivers high reliability to more than 10,000 freight customers through ferry and port terminal services and transport and logistics solutions.
For more than five million passengers, it provides safe overnight and short sea ferry services.
Our 12,700 employees are located on ships and in in offices across 20 countries. DFDS was founded in 1866, is headquartered in Copenhagen, and listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen.
In the UK, DFDS operates passenger ferry services on routes from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, Newcastle to Amsterdam and Newhaven to Dieppe.
DFDS has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for 12 years running (2012-2023), as well as the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for the last 12 years (2011-22).
DFDS currently operates up to 54 sailings a day between Dover and Calais and Dunkirk. DFDS also offers two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam. In addition, the UK network includes a passenger and freight service between Newhaven and Dieppe, which has four daily sailings and is owned by Transmanche Ferries.
For further information about DFDS, or to find out about the latest sailing times, fares and offers across all routes from the UK, visit www.dfds.com.
In the UK, DFDS operates passenger ferry services on routes from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, Newcastle to Amsterdam and Newhaven to Dieppe.
DFDS has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for 12 years running (2012-2023), as well as the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for the last 12 years (2011-22).
DFDS currently operates up to 54 sailings a day between Dover and Calais and Dunkirk. DFDS also offers two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam. In addition, the UK network includes a passenger and freight service between Newhaven and Dieppe, which has four daily sailings and is owned by Transmanche Ferries.
For further information about DFDS, or to find out about the latest sailing times, fares and offers across all routes from the UK, visit www.dfds.com.