Ferry tickets to Dunkirk

Tips and information about the Dunkirk port

Dunkirk: The historic port of France
It's the third largest port of France, located on the most northern point of the country and one of the most important ones for heavy bulk cargoes. It's the leading French port for importing containerised vegetables and fruits, copper and coal. The city is very close to the Belgian border as well as the Strait of Dover. Its strategic location gave Dunkirk a crucial role in World War II, with the Battle of Dunkirk having left a major mark in history.

How to get to and from the port of Dunkirk
Parking in Dunkirk isn't free and you will need a parking ticket to leave your car around the city. You will have to check the opening hours for every parking spot, as they don’t all run around the clock. Parking is only free at the coastal areas of Malo-les-Bains and Bray-Dunes.
If you don't have your own car, you can rent one or call a taxi from a private company. The initial fare is 6,40€ and then, the fare per km is 1,74€.
Dunkirk has 5 main bus lines which are free for the public. The closest train station is Dunkerque, Place de la Gare. During summer there is a free shuttle bus that runs from the port to the city centre. There aren't any buses or trains outside the port, so you will have to take a taxi.

The port of Dunkirk

How to get from airport to the Dunkirk port?
The closest airport to Dunkirk is in Lille, which is 96 km from the port.
I just arrived at the port of Dunkirk. And now what?
The facilities at the port of Dunkirk are: ATM, tickets office, locker room, restaurant, café, playground, vending machine for drinks and snacks, WC, WC for the disabled.
The port is surrounded by many attractions, mainly because the city played a crucial role in World War II. Some of them are:

• The Port Museum of Dunkirk (Musée Portuaire de Dunkerque) is housed in a former tobacco warehouse. Today it presents interactively information about the city's history.
• The Lieu d’Art et Action Contemporaine de Dunkerque,, is an art museum with more than 1500 paintings and sculptures.
• The Skatepark de Dunkerque is an indoor park for skateboard lovers.
• The Dunkirk Lighthouse (Phare du Risban)
• The Dunkirk War Museum (Museum Dunkerque 1940 Operation Dynamo) is located in a fortress built in 1870.
• The FRAC Grand Large – Hauts-de-France is a Contemporary Art Museum which is housed in a modern glass building.
• Dunkirk's zoo, the Bio Topia Fort-Mardyck Dunkerque, has more than 50 animal species from all around Europe.

If you see Dunkirk's sandy beaches and want to dive in their waters, just do it! The Plage de Leffrinckoucke has shallow and cold waters and is perfect for kids and pets. Zuydcoote is ideal for water sports, such as kite surf. It's only 3 km away from the border with Belgium and has many shipwrecks, which are visible whenever the water level is low. The Malo-les-Bains is one of the most famous in Dunkirk with a big, sandy coast. There are many cafés and restaurants around the beach as well as water sports facilities like beach volley and wind surf.
Due to Dunkirk's historical importance, there are many special activities to do. The city is very organised touristically and there are many tourist operators that organise theme tours. The most famous experience is the Operation Dynamo Tour, in which you will go through all the important locations of the operation. You will see the British Cemetery, the Zuydcoote cemetery and all the beaches where battles took place and shipwrecks happened. A much-wanted gastronomical experience is a meal at “Princess Elizabeth”, the paddle steamer that played a historical role in World War II and Operation Dynamo. Today it can be found at the Estacade Quay, that has been renovated and is now a gourmet restaurant. If you are seeking for more adrenaline, rent a small aircraft, and experience a stimulated tour of Operation Dynamo, flying above the coasts where the French and British troops were evacuated. The flight costs around 155 euro for 3 persons and it lasts about 15 minutes.
Dunkirk isn't just a summer destination, as it has many activities and events all year round.

• The famous Dunkirk Carnival takes place from January to March every year. It's a tradition dating back to the 18th century that marked the ceremonies, that were taking place in order to cheer up the local fishermen, before setting off to Iceland for salmon fishing.
• The Oyster Festival takes place during the first weekend of October.
• The last weekend of October there is a Wine and Beer Festival.

During the Operation Dynamo Tour
If you see Dunkirk on the map, you will realise, it is a great starting point for anyone wishing to explore nearby cities and famous tourist destinations.

Bruges, the romantic Belgian city, is 70 km from the port. Dunkirk to Bruges is an hour by car and 3,5 hours by train. Lille is 80 km from the port. Dunkirk to Lille is an hour by car and 1 hour and 20 minutes by train. Paris is 300 km from the port. Dunkirk to Paris is 4 hours by car and 2 hours by train. The other French port at the Channel Tunnel, Calais, is 35 km from the port. Dunkirk to Calais is 30 minutes by car and 45 minutes by train.

Dunkirk to Dover
The two ports may be so close to each other but it has become complicated to travel from Dunkirk to Dover. Dover is a British city port and therefore, after Brexit, it is not part of the European Union. European passengers can only travel with a valid passport and there are more controls at the port before you get on board. There is only one ferry company operating the service Dunkirk to Dover, DFDS. There are up to 24 crossings each day and the journey lasts 2 hours.

How can I book tickets to and from Dunkirk?
If you are thinking about to travel to Dunkirk by boat, check for routes, offers and book ferry tickets through Let’s Ferry. See timetables, book a cabin, estimate the costs for a car transfer and plan your trip to the French city with just few clicks.