Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry Timetable & Schedule 2026

The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry operates year-round with 2-3 daily sailings, increasing to up to 4 sailings per day during summer peak season. DFDS Seaways is the exclusive operator on this route, offering a reliable 4-hour crossing between England and Normandy, France.

This comprehensive timetable guide covers all departure and arrival times, seasonal variations, how to choose the best sailing for your journey, and tips for planning your Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing.

Last updated: December 2025

Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry Timetable and Schedule

Check Live Ferry Times & Book Your Crossing

⏰ Ferry Timetable at a Glance

2-3 daily
Year-Round Sailings
4 hours
Crossing Duration
Up to 4
Summer Peak Sailings
365 days
Service Operates
  • DFDS Seaways – Exclusive operator on this route
  • Morning, afternoon & overnight sailings available
  • Increased summer frequency – more choice in July-August
  • Reliable schedule – consistent year-round departures

Standard Year-Round Ferry Timetable

DFDS operates a consistent year-round schedule on the Newhaven to Dieppe route with 2-3 daily sailings. Below is the standard timetable for most of the year.

📌 Important: All times shown are local time. Newhaven times are UK time (GMT/BST), and Dieppe times are French time (CET/CEST). France is 1 hour ahead of the UK.

Departs Newhaven Arrives Dieppe Duration Operating Days Best For
09:30 14:45 (French time) 4 hours Daily Day trips, arriving Dieppe afternoon
17:00 22:00 (French time) 4 hours Daily Evening arrivals, accommodation in Dieppe
23:00 04:00+1 (French time) 4 hours Daily Overnight crossing, early Paris arrival

+1 indicates arrival the following day. The 23:00 departure arrives at 04:00 the next morning.

Understanding the Time Zone Difference

Critical Information: France operates on Central European Time (CET), which is **1 hour ahead** of UK time (GMT). This means:

– When you depart Newhaven at 09:30 UK time, you arrive in Dieppe at 14:45 French time
– The actual crossing time is 4 hours
– 09:30 UK = 10:30 French time (starting point)
– 10:30 + 4 hours = 14:30, but displayed as 14:45 due to exact scheduling

**Your phone should automatically adjust** to French time when you arrive. If traveling in summer, both UK and France observe daylight saving time, so the 1-hour difference remains constant year-round.

💡 Pro Tip: When booking onward travel from Dieppe (trains to Paris, etc.), always use French time for your connections. Most booking systems automatically show local time.

Summer Holiday Timetable (Additional Sailings)

During peak summer months (typically July and August), DFDS increases capacity to meet demand, offering up to **4 daily sailings** on weekends and potentially additional midweek services.

Departs Newhaven Arrives Dieppe Duration Days Period
05:30 10:30 4 hours Sat & Sun July-August
11:00 16:00 4 hours Sat & Sun July-August
17:00 22:00 4 hours Daily July-August
23:00 05:00+1 5 hours Sat & Sun July-August

⚠️ Booking Advice: Summer sailings (especially weekends in July-August) sell out quickly. Book at least 8-12 weeks in advance to secure your preferred departure time and best prices.

Return Journey: Dieppe to Newhaven Timetable

The return journey from Dieppe to Newhaven follows a similar schedule with 2-3 daily sailings year-round.

Departs Dieppe Arrives Newhaven Duration Operating Days
06:00 (French time) 09:00 (UK time) 4 hours Daily
12:00 (French time) 15:00 (UK time) 4 hours Daily
18:00 (French time) 21:00 (UK time) 4 hours Daily

How to Choose the Best Ferry Time for Your Journey

Selecting the right sailing time depends on your specific travel plans, destination, and preferences.

09:30 Departure (Morning Sailing)

**Arrives Dieppe: 14:45 French time**

Best For:
– Day trips to Dieppe or Normandy
– Continuing to Paris same day (afternoon train connections available)
– Exploring Dieppe in the afternoon/evening
– Travelers who prefer daylight arrivals

Advantages:
✅ Arrives during daylight hours
✅ Time to settle into accommodation
✅ Good connections to Paris afternoon trains
✅ Less crowded than evening ferry
✅ Can explore Dieppe same day

Considerations:
⚠️ Early start required from Brighton/London
⚠️ Peak summer pricing
⚠️ Popular with families (busier with children)

Perfect Itinerary:
– 08:00 – Leave Brighton by train
– 08:15 – Arrive Newhaven Town
– 09:30 – Ferry departs
– 14:45 – Arrive Dieppe
– 15:30 – Catch train to Paris (arrives 18:00)

17:00 Departure (Evening Sailing)

**Arrives Dieppe: 22:00 French time**

Best For:
– Travelers with accommodation pre-booked in Dieppe
– Those wanting to relax after work before departure
– Avoiding early morning starts
– Leisurely crossing with sunset views

Advantages:
✅ No early morning rush
✅ Work a full day before traveling
✅ Beautiful sunset crossing in summer
✅ Quieter ferry (business travelers, fewer families)
✅ Often cheaper than morning sailing

Considerations:
⚠️ Arrives late evening (limited time for activities)
⚠️ Must have accommodation booked in advance
⚠️ Limited onward train connections that evening
⚠️ Dieppe restaurants may be closing when you arrive

Perfect Itinerary:
– 16:00 – Leave Brighton/London
– 16:15 – Arrive Newhaven
– 17:00 – Ferry departs
– 22:00 – Arrive Dieppe
– 22:30 – Check into pre-booked hotel

23:00 Departure (Overnight Sailing)

**Arrives Dieppe: 04:00+1 French time (next morning)**

Best For:
– Travelers continuing to Paris early morning
– Those wanting to maximize time in France
– Budget travelers (save on accommodation)
– Business travelers wanting full day in France

Advantages:
✅ Arrive fresh in France early morning
✅ Catch early trains to Paris (05:30-07:00 departures)
✅ Save money on accommodation
✅ Book a cabin for comfortable sleep
✅ Full day available in France upon arrival
✅ Often the cheapest sailing

Considerations:
⚠️ Early morning arrival (04:00 – very early!)
⚠️ Port facilities limited at 04:00
⚠️ Dieppe town mostly closed at arrival
⚠️ Should book a cabin (£20-40 extra) for comfort
⚠️ Limited transport options until 06:00

Perfect Itinerary:
– 22:00 – Leave Brighton/London
– 22:15 – Arrive Newhaven
– 23:00 – Ferry departs (sleep in cabin)
– 04:00 – Arrive Dieppe
– 06:00 – Catch first train to Paris (arrives 08:30)
– Full day in Paris ahead!

💡 Cabin Recommendation: For the overnight ferry, we strongly recommend booking a 2-berth or 4-berth cabin. While you can sleep in reclining seats, a cabin provides privacy, comfort, and proper sleep before your onward journey. See cabin prices here.

Connecting with Train Services

The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry is perfectly positioned for train travelers, with excellent rail connections at both ports.

UK Train Connections to Newhaven

From Journey Time Frequency Train Operator
Brighton 12-15 minutes Every 30 mins Southern Railway
London Victoria 90 minutes Hourly Southern Railway
Lewes 10 minutes Hourly Southern Railway
Eastbourne 25 minutes Hourly Southern Railway

💡 Station Tip: Newhaven Town railway station is just 2 minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal. Exit the station, turn right, and follow signs to “Ferry Terminal.” For detailed guidance, see our complete port access guide.

**For the 09:30 Ferry from Newhaven:**
– Brighton departure: 08:45 or 09:00
– London Victoria departure: 07:30 or 08:00
– Eastbourne departure: 08:45

**For the 17:00 Ferry from Newhaven:**
– Brighton departure: 16:00 or 16:15
– London Victoria departure: 15:00
– Eastbourne departure: 16:15

**For the 23:00 Ferry from Newhaven:**
– Brighton departure: 22:00 or 22:15
– London Victoria departure: 21:00
– Eastbourne departure: 22:15

French Train Connections from Dieppe

To Journey Time Frequency Operator
Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare) 2h 20m – 2h 40m 5-7 daily SNCF Intercités
Rouen 45 minutes 8-10 daily SNCF TER
Le Havre 2 hours 4-6 daily SNCF TER

📍 Getting from Dieppe Port to Train Station: Dieppe SNCF station is 2km from the ferry port. Options: (1) Walk 20-30 minutes along waterfront, (2) Shuttle bus €3 (departs after ferry arrivals), (3) Taxi €10-15. For complete guidance, see our Brighton to Dieppe guide.

Seasonal Variations & Holiday Periods

Ferry schedules can vary during peak holiday periods and special events. Here’s what to expect throughout the year.

Peak Season (June – August)

**Schedule Changes:**
– Up to 4 daily sailings on weekends
– Additional midweek sailings possible
– Extended booking windows (reserve 12+ weeks ahead)
– Earlier check-in opening times

**What to Expect:**
– Busiest period of the year
– Ferries often fully booked
– Higher prices (£120-140 vs £30-50 off-peak)
– More families with children onboard
– Longer check-in queues possible

**Booking Advice:**
Book **at least 3 months in advance** for July-August travel, especially weekends and school holidays.

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)

**Schedule:**
– Standard 2-3 daily sailings
– Occasional additional weekend services in May
– Reliable schedule

**What to Expect:**
– Best value for money
– Good availability
– Pleasant weather (especially September)
– Fewer crowds
– Quieter ferries

**Booking Advice:**
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for best prices. This is the **sweet spot** for value and experience.

Off-Peak Season (November – March)

**Schedule:**
– Standard 2-3 daily sailings maintained
– Very reliable (less affected by demand)
– Possible cancellations only in severe weather

**What to Expect:**
– Lowest prices (from £30 foot passenger)
– Excellent availability
– Quietest ferries
– More locals, fewer tourists
– Potential weather delays

**Booking Advice:**
Can book closer to travel date (2-4 weeks), but advance booking still cheaper.

Holiday Period Considerations

Holiday Period Schedule Impact Booking Advice
Christmas/New Year May run slightly reduced schedule Dec 25-26 Book 6-8 weeks ahead
Easter Busy period, standard schedule Book 8-10 weeks ahead
May Half-Term Busy, possible extra sailings Book 8-10 weeks ahead
Summer Holidays Up to 4 daily sailings, busiest period Book 12-16 weeks ahead
October Half-Term Busy but manageable Book 6-8 weeks ahead

Check-In Times & Arrival Recommendations

Knowing when to arrive at the port is crucial for a stress-free journey.

Official Check-In Times:
– **Check-in opens:** 2 hours before departure
– **Check-in closes:** 45 minutes before departure (vehicle passengers)
– **Check-in closes:** 30 minutes before departure (foot passengers)

Recommended Arrival Times:

**For Vehicle Passengers:**
– **Peak season (June-Sept):** 90 minutes before departure
– **Off-peak season:** 60 minutes before departure
– **First-time travelers:** 90 minutes before departure

**For Foot Passengers:**
– **Peak season:** 75 minutes before departure
– **Off-peak season:** 60 minutes before departure
– **With lots of luggage:** 90 minutes before departure

⚠️ Late Arrival Policy: If you arrive after check-in closes, DFDS may try to accommodate you on the next available sailing, but this is not guaranteed and may incur additional fees. Always allow buffer time for unexpected delays.

**Sample Arrival Schedule for 09:30 Ferry:**
– 07:30 – Leave Brighton by train
– 07:45 – Arrive Newhaven Town station
– 07:47 – Walk to ferry terminal (2 mins)
– 07:50 – Check in opens
– 08:00 – Complete check-in
– 08:00-09:00 – Wait in terminal/departure lounge
– 08:45 – Boarding begins
– 09:30 – Ferry departs

Weather & Cancellations

The Newhaven to Dieppe route operates year-round with a very high reliability rate. However, severe weather can occasionally affect sailings.

Weather Considerations:

**High Wind:**
– Services may be delayed or cancelled in Force 8+ winds
– Most common October-February
– DFDS monitors conditions continuously

**Fog:**
– Rarely causes delays (modern navigation systems)
– May slow crossing time slightly

**Rough Seas:**
– Crossing continues in most sea conditions
– Motion sickness tablets recommended if sensitive
– Ships are designed for English Channel conditions

If Your Ferry is Cancelled:

1. **DFDS will contact you** via email/SMS if booked in advance
2. **Check website/call** if weather is severe on travel day
3. **Automatic rebooking** on next available sailing (usually)
4. **No additional charges** if weather cancellation
5. **Refund available** if no suitable alternative

**DFDS Customer Service:**
☎️ +44 33 058 787 87 (for updates and rebooking)

💡 Travel Insurance Tip: If your ferry is cancelled due to weather and you’ve booked non-refundable onward accommodation or connections, travel insurance may cover additional costs. Always check your policy.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ferry Timetable

How many ferries run from Newhaven to Dieppe per day?

DFDS operates 2-3 ferries per day year-round on the Newhaven to Dieppe route. During summer peak season (July-August), this increases to up to 4 daily sailings on weekends. Standard departure times are 09:30, 17:00, and 23:00, with additional 05:30 and 11:00 departures added during busy periods.

What time does the first ferry leave Newhaven?

The earliest year-round ferry from Newhaven departs at 09:30 and arrives in Dieppe at 14:45 (French time). During summer weekends (July-August), an additional early sailing departs at 05:30, arriving at 10:30. This early sailing is particularly popular with travelers continuing to Paris.

What time does the last ferry leave Newhaven?

The last ferry from Newhaven departs at 23:00 and arrives in Dieppe at 04:00 the following morning (French time). This overnight sailing is ideal for travelers who want to arrive in France early morning or continue to Paris for breakfast. Booking a cabin is recommended for comfort on this sailing.

Do ferry times change in summer?

Yes, during summer peak season (typically July and August), DFDS adds extra sailings to meet increased demand. Weekend services can increase from 2-3 daily sailings to up to 4 sailings, with additional departures at 05:30 and 11:00. These extra sailings make it easier to find convenient departure times during the busiest travel period.

How long is the ferry crossing from Newhaven to Dieppe?

The ferry crossing from Newhaven to Dieppe takes approximately 4 hours. The overnight sailing (23:00 departure) takes slightly longer at around 5 hours. Crossing time can vary by 15-30 minutes depending on weather conditions and tidal factors, but DFDS maintains very consistent schedules.

Do I need to arrive early for my ferry?

Yes, you should arrive at Newhaven Port at least 60 minutes before departure, or 90 minutes during peak season (June-September). Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for vehicle passengers and 30 minutes for foot passengers. Arriving early ensures you have time for check-in and security procedures without stress.

Can I catch a train from Brighton to make the 09:30 ferry?

Yes, absolutely. Trains from Brighton to Newhaven Town take just 12-15 minutes and run every 30 minutes. For the 09:30 ferry, you should catch the 08:45 or 09:00 train from Brighton. This gives you 60-75 minutes at the port, which is perfect for check-in. Newhaven Town station is just a 2-minute walk from the ferry terminal. See our complete Brighton to Dieppe guide for detailed timetables.

What is the time difference between UK and France?

France is 1 hour ahead of the UK year-round. When it’s 09:30 in Newhaven, it’s 10:30 in Dieppe. Your phone should automatically adjust to French time when you arrive. Remember to account for this when booking onward train connections from Dieppe – always use French time for departure times.

Which ferry time is best for Paris?

The overnight 23:00 ferry or 09:30 morning ferry are best for Paris. The overnight ferry (with cabin booking) arrives at 04:00, allowing you to catch the 06:00 train to Paris, arriving by 08:30. The 09:30 ferry arrives at 14:45, connecting with afternoon trains reaching Paris around 17:30-18:00. See our Newhaven to Paris guide for complete journey planning.

Do ferries run on Christmas Day?

Ferry services typically operate on Christmas Day, though the schedule may be reduced (usually 1-2 sailings instead of the standard 2-3). Boxing Day (December 26) also may have a reduced schedule. Always check the DFDS website or call +44 33 058 787 87 for confirmed holiday schedules when planning December travel.

Planning Your Journey: Next Steps

Now that you understand the ferry timetable, here are the next steps to plan your Newhaven to Dieppe journey:

1. Check Ferry Prices

Compare prices for your travel dates and passenger type. Learn about discounts and when to book for best value.

2. Foot Passenger Guide

Traveling without a car? Our complete foot passenger guide covers everything you need to know.

3. Check-In Process

Learn what to expect at check-in, what documents to bring, and step-by-step boarding instructions.

4. Onboard Facilities

Discover what’s available during your 4-hour crossing – restaurants, shops, seating, and entertainment.

Ready to Book Your Ferry?

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