Take your bike to France

It’s easy to take your bike onboard our ferries: you can bring them attached to your vehicle or come with your bike alone. We have dedicated cycle lanes in our Dover port, although for your convenience and safety, please note the following:

• Follow the red cyclist line in Dover, this fast tracks you to your own check in.
• Cyclists are loaded together in one group and will be either first or last to board depending on the number of passengers and vehicles boarding and what time you arrive.
• The ship’s officer will instruct you how to disembark down the ramp when it is safe to do so. When boarding and disembarking, you should walk with your bike.
• Cyclist shoes must be removed onboard. Please ensure you bring a change of shoes.

Take a well-deserved rest in our Premium Lounges or Relax Lounges onboard our Dover – France routes. Or sit back and relax in reclining chairs, taking in the sea view on our Dieppe – Newhaven route.

Taking your bike on a ferry gives you the freedom to enjoy a cycling holiday in Europe. Our three French ports are all well situated, near popular tourist destinations, great cycling routes & railway stations.

From Dunkirk, you can cycle along the coastline and down to Bruges in just 4 hours! Meanwhile, from Calais you can explore nearby Boulogne or beach resort of Le Touquet.

From Dieppe, you can explore western France and Normandy, including the wonderful Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande. Alternatively, take a longer trip down to Paris.

When returning to the Calais port, DFDS recommends cycling through Calais town centre rather than taking the D119 road.

Take on the challenge of L’Avenue Verte, the famous cycle route from London to Paris, and what better way to get you across the channel than with DFDS? Our ferry between Newhaven and Dieppe, perfectly fits into the Avenue Verte route and offers a welcome rest to weary cyclists.

Translated as ‘green avenue’ it is called so because much of the route takes you through the heart of the countryside and riverside routes. Just outside Dieppe, the route follows the old Dieppe – Paris railway line for 25 miles, passing through rural scenery, quaint villages and rolling hills.

Take your time exploring the route – we recommend a week for a leisurely cycling holiday. The L’Avenue Verte ends at the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of Paris. A magnificent end to a wonderful ride, don’t you think?

We're elated to announce that DFDS has once again retained its title as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator at the 2024 World Travel Awards.

This accolade wouldn’t have been possible without you, our loyal passengers. Thank you for recognising the hard work of our exceptional team members who are dedicated to ensuring each voyage is as exceptional as the next.

Your ongoing support is the anchor to our success.