The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry is a cyclist’s gateway to France, offering dedicated facilities for bikes and direct access to some of Europe’s finest cycling routes. Whether you’re tackling the legendary Avenue Verte from London to Paris, exploring Normandy’s countryside, or simply enjoying a weekend cycling break, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need for a smooth crossing.
Cycling passenger fares start from just £33, making this an affordable and eco-friendly way to reach France with your bicycle. With excellent bike storage facilities and access to the iconic 470km Avenue Verte cycle route, it’s the perfect start to your European cycling adventure.
Last updated: January 2026
The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry offers exceptional advantages for cyclists, making it the premier choice for cycling trips to France.
🚴♂️ Official Avenue Verte Gateway
The ferry is the official crossing point for the Avenue Verte London-Paris cycle route. Dieppe marks the start of the spectacular 470km journey through Normandy to the French capital, with purpose-built traffic-free paths and outstanding signposting.
💰 Excellent Value for Money
Cyclist fare: From £33 one-way
Car + 2 people: From £87 one-way
Your saving: £54+ per journey
Plus: no fuel costs, no car parking fees (£40-80), no vehicle hire needed in France. Significant savings for return trips.
🌍 Sustainable & Eco-Friendly
Cycling + ferry produces significantly lower carbon emissions than driving or flying. Typical carbon footprint comparison:
Cycle + Ferry: ~15kg CO₂
Car + Ferry: ~45kg CO₂
Flying to France: ~60kg CO₂
🏨 Excellent Cyclist Infrastructure
DFDS partners with Accueil Vélo, ensuring excellent cyclist support. Dieppe offers numerous certified cyclist-friendly hotels with secure bike storage, repair facilities, and hearty breakfasts. The Avenue Verte features comprehensive signposting and services every 10-15km.
😌 Stress-Free Experience
No driving stress, no navigating busy French roads, no parking hassles. The 4-hour ferry crossing provides perfect time to rest, refuel, and prepare for your cycling adventure. Arrive refreshed and ready to ride.
DFDS operates the Newhaven-Dieppe route with transparent pricing for cyclists traveling as foot passengers with their bicycles.
Current Ferry Prices (2026)
| Ticket Type |
Price |
Details |
| Cyclist + Bicycle (One Way) |
£33 / €41.50 |
Per adult with one bicycle |
| Standard Foot Passenger |
€37-€47 |
Varies by season |
| Private Cabin (Optional) |
From £20 |
Extra comfort for 4-hour journey |
Important: Only one bicycle can be booked per ticket. If traveling with multiple bikes, separate bookings are required for each bicycle. Book in advance for best prices and guaranteed availability.
Bike Specifications: Standard bicycles and e-bikes accepted (maximum 2m long × 2m high × 1m wide). Bike trailers incur additional charges.
The Newhaven-Dieppe ferry is the official crossing point for the Avenue Verte, the celebrated cycle route connecting London and Paris. This purpose-built route offers cyclists a memorable journey through two great capital cities and the beautiful countryside between them.
Avenue Verte Quick Facts
- Total Distance: 470km (292 miles) total route
- French Section: 211-312km depending on route chosen (western or eastern option)
- Start/End Points: London Eye to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
- Recommended Duration: 5-11 days (leisurely pace ideal for families)
- Difficulty: Mostly flat with gentle rolling hills (maximum altitude 204m)
- Surface: Mixture of dedicated cycle paths, old railway lines, quiet country lanes
Route Highlights from Dieppe
From Dieppe, the Avenue Verte follows the former Dieppe-Paris railway line for 25 miles (40km) – a beautifully surfaced, traffic-free greenway passing through rural Normandy scenery, quaint villages, and rolling hills. This section showcases authentic French countryside with apple orchards, hedged farmlands, and traditional Norman architecture.
The route is well-signposted throughout with distinctive Avenue Verte London-Paris signs. In England, look for National Cycle Network signs for routes 20 and 21. The partnership between DFDS and Accueil Vélo ensures cyclists receive excellent support throughout the French section.
Pro Tip: Stop in Dieppe before continuing your journey. This historic port city offers excellent cyclist facilities, a spectacular Saturday market, the Avenue Verte du Pays de Bray greenway, and numerous Accueil Vélo certified accommodations with secure bike storage.
Booking as a cyclist on the Newhaven-Dieppe route is straightforward, but advance reservation is strongly recommended to guarantee your space and secure the best prices.
How to Book
- Use the link below: Book directly by clicking the link below
- Select “Foot Passenger + Bicycle”: Choose this option when making your booking
- Multiple Bikes: Remember to make separate bookings for each additional bicycle (one bike per ticket maximum)
- Consider a Cabin: For extra comfort on the 4-hour crossing, add a private cabin from £20
- Port-on-Day Option: While you can book at the port, pre-booking ensures availability and better prices
Ferry Schedule
Daily Sailings: DFDS operates up to 2 sailings per day on the Newhaven-Dieppe route. Typical departures include morning and evening services, with timings varying by season.
Crossing Time: 4 hours (some crossings may be 4 hours 15 minutes depending on conditions)
Ships: Côte d’Albâtre and Seven Sisters (sister ships built 2005-2006) operate this route with excellent cyclist facilities
Understanding the boarding process helps ensure a smooth experience when traveling with your bicycle on the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry.
At Newhaven Port
Check-In Time: Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure (90 minutes recommended for peak times)
Check-In Process: Report to the terminal building with your booking confirmation and valid passport. Cyclists check in as foot passengers.
Luggage Handling: Before boarding the shuttle bus to the ferry, you must leave large luggage (bigger than 56cm × 45cm × 25cm) in dedicated baggage storage trolleys at the terminal. This luggage will be loaded onto the vessel separately – you cannot access it during the crossing. Keep essentials in hand luggage (maximum one piece per person).
Bicycle Boarding: At Newhaven, cars and lorries typically board first, with cyclists boarding last. Ferry staff will direct you when it’s time to board with your bicycle.
Bike Storage: Ferry staff will collect your bike and store it securely on the vehicle deck. Bikes are typically stored together in a designated area and strapped down for safety. While DFDS takes care with bicycles, expensive carbon bikes should ideally be protected with cardboard or padding.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early at the departure lounge to be first on the shuttle bus, first on the ferry, and get the best seats (window seats, near plug sockets, quiet areas). Cyclists board BEFORE vehicles at Dieppe, giving you prime seating choice on the return journey.
At Dieppe Port
The process in Dieppe is more cyclist-friendly. Cyclists typically board first and disembark first, meaning you can glide past the waiting cars – a satisfying moment after your crossing! The Dieppe ferry terminal is conveniently located within walking and cycling distance of the city center.
Terminal Facilities: Newhaven terminal has basic facilities (toilets, vending machines, seating). Dieppe terminal offers slightly better amenities. Both ports provide free shuttle buses for foot passengers between terminal and ferry when needed.
Once aboard the Côte d’Albâtre or Seven Sisters, you’ll find modern, comfortable facilities perfect for the 4-hour crossing.
Onboard Amenities
🪑 Seating
Comfortable reclining lounge seats included in all tickets. Quiet lounge areas available for relaxation.
🍽️ Dining
Restaurant serving hot meals, fish & chips, vegetarian options, cooked breakfasts, and light bites. Bar with stunning sea views.
🛍️ Shopping
Duty-free shop with perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, toys, and snacks. Good opportunity for savings on cross-channel shopping.
📱 Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the vessel (select “DFDS Guest Wi-Fi powered by Nowhere Networks”).
👨👩👧👦 Families
Soft play area for younger children, video games and cartoons for older kids, special children’s menu available.
🌅 Views
Outdoor deck space for enjoying Channel views, fresh air, and designated smoking areas.
Private Cabins (Optional Upgrade)
For additional comfort during your 4-hour crossing, consider booking a private cabin from £20. Cabins provide a quiet retreat where you can rest, freshen up, or simply enjoy privacy away from the main passenger areas. Particularly recommended for overnight sailings or if you’ve completed a long day’s cycling before your ferry.
Before cycling in France, it’s essential to understand French cycling laws to ensure a safe and legal journey.
Mandatory Requirements
- Helmets for Children: Mandatory for all children under 12 years (whether riding or as passenger). Adults accompanying children without helmets face fines of €90-€135
- Helmets for Adults: Not mandatory but strongly recommended by French road safety authorities
- High-Visibility Vest: Mandatory for all cyclists (and passengers) when riding outside built-up areas, at night, or in poor visibility conditions. Certified reflective vests must meet French standards
- Bike Bell: All bicycles must be equipped with an audible warning device (bell) that can be heard from at least 50 meters away
- Lights: White or yellow front light and red rear light mandatory when cycling at night. Fines range from €11-€75 for non-compliance
- Reflectors: Red rear reflector, white front reflector, orange pedal reflectors, and wheel reflectors required
- Brakes: Two effective brakes (front and rear) are mandatory
- No Headphones: It is illegal to ride while wearing headphones, earphones, or any device emitting sound in your ears. Fixed fine of €135 for violations
French Cycling Rules
- Ride on the Right: Always cycle on the right side of the road
- Riding Two Abreast: Permitted during daylight hours, but you must ride single file at night
- Mobile Phones: Using hand-held phones while cycling is prohibited (€135 fine)
- Drink Cycling: Cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in France with the same penalties as for vehicle drivers
- Passengers: Do not carry passengers except on seats specifically attached to the bicycle. For children under 5, seats must have footrests and straps
- Traffic Signals: Obey all traffic signals, signs, and road markings
- Pedestrian Priority: Always yield to pedestrians at crossings and on greenways
- Right of Way: At intersections without signals, priority is given to vehicles approaching from the right
Cycling Safety Tip: The French Code de la Route (Highway Code) was updated in December 2024 with additional cyclist protections. While cycling in France is generally safe and cycling infrastructure is excellent, always remain vigilant, make eye contact with drivers at intersections, and avoid blind spots of buses and large vehicles.
Dieppe offers excellent accommodation options specifically catering to cyclists, many carrying the official “Accueil Vélo” certification from French tourist authorities, guaranteeing cyclist-friendly services.
Hotel Aguado ⭐⭐⭐
Location: 10 minutes’ cycle from ferry port, seafront location
Facilities: Official Accueil Vélo status, secure bike storage, English spoken, period cocktail bar, sea or harbour views
Perfect for: Cyclists arriving/departing via ferry, Avenue Verte riders
Hotel Windsor ⭐⭐⭐
Location: 8 minutes’ cycle from ferry terminal, beachfront
Facilities: Hosts annual Dieppe Raid festivities, secure bike storage, waterfront restaurant serving regional seafood, family rooms available
Perfect for: Cycling groups, families, seafood enthusiasts
Ibis Dieppe Val Druel ⭐⭐
Location: 15 minutes by bike from city center and ferry port
Facilities: Dedicated bike storage room, 24/7 restaurant and bar, free Wi-Fi, English spoken
Perfect for: Budget-conscious cyclists, convenient chain hotel reliability
What “Accueil Vélo” Certification Means
Hotels and B&Bs with official Accueil Vélo status guarantee:
- Secure, covered bicycle parking (locked room or equivalent)
- Basic bike repair equipment and pump available
- Bike washing facilities or outdoor space with hose
- Hearty breakfast options suitable for cyclists
- Packed lunch service available
- Information on local cycling routes and bike shops
- Luggage transfer services or connections to providers
Make your cycling ferry journey smoother with these practical tips from experienced Newhaven-Dieppe cyclists.
Essential Preparation
- Protect Your Bike: If traveling with an expensive or carbon-fiber bike, bring cardboard or padding. Ferry staff store bikes together and strap them for safety – while care is taken, contact with other bikes can occur
- Pack Smart: Remember you cannot access large luggage during the 4-hour crossing. Keep valuables, medications, snacks, entertainment, and essentials in hand luggage
- Pre-Crossing Check: Ensure your bike has proper lights, reflectors, and bell before arriving in France. It’s harder to source these items urgently in Dieppe than to bring them from home
- High-Vis Vest: Pack a certified reflective vest in an easily accessible location – you’ll need it for cycling outside French towns
- Route Planning: Download offline maps and GPX files for the Avenue Verte before departure. While the route is well-signposted, having backup navigation helps
- Currency: Have some euros in cash for immediate needs in Dieppe (cafes, bike shops, etc.)
Getting to Newhaven Port
By Bike: If cycling to Newhaven, the town is easily accessible via National Cycle Routes 2, 20, and 21. The Newhaven Port Access Road opened in 2021 with a dedicated cycle path and footway running alongside the road, providing safe access to the ferry terminal.
By Train: Newhaven Harbour station is a short walk from the ferry terminal. Good connections from London and Brighton. Bike reservations on trains are free but must be booked in advance – trains fill quickly in summer.
By Car: If driving to Newhaven with bikes on your vehicle, parking is available at the terminal (£5 per 24 hours, cash only). However, many cyclists prefer to use street parking in nearby residential areas for longer stays.
Bike Maintenance and Shops
In Dieppe: Several bike shops in Dieppe can help with repairs, spare parts, or equipment. The Dieppe tourist office (near the castle) can provide information on local bike shops and services. Many Accueil Vélo hotels also have basic repair tools and pumps.
Along the Avenue Verte: The route passes through numerous towns and villages with bike shops, making it relatively easy to source parts or get repairs if needed.
Saturday Market: If you arrive in Dieppe on a Saturday, don’t miss the famous market – one of France’s finest. It’s an excellent opportunity to stock up on fresh food for your onward journey, including local cheeses, bread, fruits, and the regional specialty “Dieppoise.”
While the Avenue Verte is the most famous route, Dieppe serves as a gateway to many other exceptional cycling opportunities in Normandy and beyond.
EuroVelo 4 – Central Europe Route
Dieppe sits on the EuroVelo 4 (EV4), part of the trans-European cycling network. From Dieppe, you can cycle east along the spectacular Alabaster Coast towards Le Havre and beyond, or connect to other EuroVelo routes for longer European cycling adventures.
Avenue Verte du Pays de Bray
Just outside Dieppe, this beautifully surfaced, traffic-free path follows an old railway line through the Pays de Bray region – classic Normandy countryside with dairy farms, apple orchards, and charming villages. Village cafes and services are conveniently signposted off the trail.
Normandy Coastal Routes
Explore the stunning Alabaster Coast with its dramatic white cliffs, charming seaside towns like Étretat and Fécamp, and quiet country lanes through apple-growing regions. The Normandy Cheese and Cider Route offers a delicious cycling experience through picturesque countryside.
Popular Day Rides from Dieppe
- Dieppe to Étretat: 50km coastal ride to see the famous natural arches
- Dieppe to Neufchâtel-en-Bray: 40km on traffic-free greenway, perfect first day on Avenue Verte
- Alabaster Coast Loop: Varengeville-sur-Mer, Pourville, and back (30km circular)
- Château de Mesnières: 35km inland ride to magnificent château through Bray countryside
Proper documentation and insurance coverage are essential for a worry-free cycling trip to France.
Required Documents
- Valid Passport: UK passport holders need a passport with at least 3 months validity remaining beyond your departure date from France
- Ferry Tickets: Printed or digital confirmation of your booking
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including cycling activities, medical emergencies, and bike theft/damage
- EHIC/GHIC Card: UK Global Health Insurance Card for emergency healthcare in France (supplement, not replacement for insurance)
- Bike Registration: Consider registering your bike in the National Bike Registry before travel – helpful for theft recovery
Travel Insurance for Cyclists
Standard travel insurance often excludes cycling activities. Look for specialist cycling insurance or ensure your policy explicitly covers:
- Cycling activities in France (not just recreational cycling)
- Bicycle theft, damage, or loss (to the full value of your bike)
- Medical treatment and repatriation if injured while cycling
- Third-party liability (important in France where cyclists can be held liable for accidents)
- Trip cancellation and interruption
Organizations like Cycling UK offer specialist cycling insurance for members. Many standard travel insurers now offer cycling add-ons.
