Your Complete Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry Guide
Everything you need for affordable family holidays to France. Written by someone who’s made this journey.
Over 28 comprehensive guides • Real experience • No fluff
Written By Tim
Over 20 Years, 3 Children, Countless Crossings
Hi, I’m Tim. For two decades, I’ve taken my family to France via the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry many times over the years. What started as a chaotic first crossing with three young children has become an annual tradition we treasure.
I created this site because I wish it had existed 20 years ago – one place with everything you need to know about travelling to France via Newhaven to Dieppe, written by someone who’s actually done it many times with kids.
Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry Quick Facts
⏱️
4 Hours
Crossing time. Short enough for kids, long enough to relax.
⛴️
2-3 Sailings Daily
Up to 4 sailings on summer weekends. Flexible travel times.
💷
From £87
Car + 2 passengers. Book early for best prices.
🚗
12 Miles from Brighton
vs 90 miles to Dover. Avoid the M25 completely.
Everything You Need to Know
28 comprehensive guides covering ferry booking, travel styles, destinations, and money-saving strategies. Real experience from 20 years of family travel.
🚢 Ferry Information
Complete ferry guide: timetables, prices, booking strategies, port guides, onboard facilities, and essential tips. Everything from check-in to arrival.
✈️ Travel Types
Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend break, or week-long holiday – with kids, solo, or on a budget. Find the perfect travel style for you.
📍 Destinations & Routes
Complete guides for every route from London, Brighton, Eastbourne. Plus Normandy destinations: Dieppe, D-Day beaches, Étretat cliffs, Rouen, and Paris connections.
Featured Destination Guides
Where to go once you arrive in France
Why Families Choose Newhaven to Dieppe
Real advantages from my experience
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Save £500-1,000
Camping saves €900 vs hotels for a week. Ferry from £87 vs Eurostar £80-250. Cook meals, pack picnics.
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Avoid M25 Chaos
From Brighton: 12 miles to Newhaven vs 90 miles to Dover. From London: A23/M23 vs M25 nightmare. Less stress.
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Normandy Access
Straight into Normandy – D-Day beaches, Étretat, Mont Saint-Michel. Real France, not Calais motorway services.
👨👩👧👦
Family Friendly
4-hour crossing (kids manage fine). Overnight option (sleep through it). Space to move around. Play areas onboard.
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No Car Needed
Train from Brighton: 12 mins to Newhaven. From London: 90 mins. Foot passenger from £30. Paris reachable without car.
😌
Less Crowded
Smaller port than Dover. Easier parking. Simpler check-in. More relaxed atmosphere. No 3-hour queues.
Real Savings: The Numbers
Family of 4, one week in Normandy (August peak season)
| Cost Item | Hotels | Camping | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (7 nights) | £1,400 | £740 | £660 |
| Food & Meals | £1,000 | £400 | £600 |
| Entertainment & Activities | £200 | £0 | £200 |
| TOTAL | £2,600 | £1,140 | £1,460 |
That’s enough savings for another holiday!
*Based on mid-range family hotels (£200/night average), Eurocamp Riva Bella mobile home (£740 for 7 nights August), restaurant dining vs self-catering. Campsites include pools, waterslides, kids clubs at no extra cost. Prices based on 20 years real family experience.
Ready to Start Planning?
Everything you need is here. Ferry guides, destination recommendations, money-saving tips from 20 years of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry take?
The crossing takes 4 hours on average. Daytime sailings are typically 3.5-4 hours, while overnight crossings may take up to 5 hours. It’s short enough that kids manage fine, but long enough to relax, have a meal, and let everyone decompress.
How much does the ferry cost?
Car + 2 passengers starts from £87 each way if you book 3+ months ahead and travel off-peak (October-April). Peak summer prices reach £190+. Foot passengers from £30. Book early and avoid school holidays to get the best prices. See complete pricing guide →
Is it worth it compared to Dover to Calais or Eurostar?
If you’re heading to Normandy, Western France, or want to avoid M25 traffic, absolutely yes. You arrive directly in Normandy (not 200 miles north in Calais). It’s cheaper than Eurostar. And if you live in Brighton, Eastbourne, or Sussex, it’s far more convenient than driving to Dover or London. Compare travel types →
Can I do a day trip to France?
Yes! You can get 6-8 hours in France on a day trip. Explore Dieppe, have lunch, visit the château and Saturday market. It’s not loads of time, but it’s enough for a taste of France. We’ve done it with kids – they loved it. See day trip itineraries →
What’s the best way to visit Paris from Newhaven?
Ferry to Dieppe, then 2-hour train to Paris (total 7-8 hours). It’s cheaper than Eurostar (£60-130 vs £80-250) and you can camp outside Paris to save even more. We stay at campsites 30-60 minutes from Paris center – mobile homes cost €100-150/night vs €300+ for Paris hotels. Complete Paris route guide →
Start Your France Adventure
Twenty years ago, I was nervous about that first crossing. Today, those ferry journeys are our family’s most treasured memories. Your journey starts here.
28 comprehensive guides • 91,000+ words • Real experience