Published 20 July 2026 | Updated 25 October 2026 by Jane Robinson
DFDS has Dover-France day trips from £79 return for a standard car and up to five people.
That makes it a cheap same-day Channel run if you want Calais or Dunkirk for a change of scene, a duty-free stock-up, or lunch in northern France without paying for an overnight stay.
The checked DFDS page is for Dover to Calais or Dunkirk. DFDS says the crossings take around two hours and that it runs more than 50 daily sailings across the two routes.
DFDS had the £79 Dover-France day-trip fare for a standard car when we checked on 25 October 2026. It says the lead price is a return day-trip fare for a standard car carrying up to five passengers on Dover-France routes, including the ETS charge. DFDS now lists booking by 30 December 2027 and travel by 31 December 2027.
This is a same-day trip rather than a mini-break. DFDS also says only vehicle travel is permitted on its Dover-France routes, so this one is for drivers, not foot passengers.
From 30 September 2026, DFDS says Dover-Calais and Dover-Dunkirk passengers will need to show a valid passport at check-in, so pack it even for a same-day run.
Deal FAQs
What does the £79 DFDS fare cover?
DFDS describes the lead price as a return day-trip fare for a standard car carrying up to five passengers on Dover-France routes, including the ETS charge.
Which DFDS routes can you use?
The day-trip page points readers to Dover-Calais and Dover-Dunkirk. DFDS says the crossings take around two hours and that it operates more than 50 daily sailings across the two routes.
When do you need to book and travel?
DFDS says to book by 30 December 2027 and travel by 31 December 2027. Availability can change, so check the live fare before paying.
How to book
Book direct with DFDS. Use the day-trip page, choose Dover-Calais or Dover-Dunkirk, then check the final fare, vehicle details, passenger count and sailing times before paying.
Jane Robinson is Senior Editor at Flight Tribe. She has a Master’s in English and Journalism, and writes about flight deals, holiday offers and practical ways UK travellers can spend less without wasting time on weak promotions. Jane has spent time living and working across Asia and New Zealand, which gave her a lasting interest in how people travel, eat, move around and spend their free time in different places.
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