The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry operates year-round with multiple daily sailings, run exclusively by DFDS Seaways. The crossing takes around 4 hours, with morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight departures typically available depending on the season and day of the week.
Because departure times vary by date, tide, and season, we always recommend checking the live DFDS timetable for your specific travel dates. This guide explains what types of sailings are available, how the schedule changes throughout the year, and how to choose the best crossing for your journey.

Check Live Ferry Times & Book Your Crossing
Departure times vary by date — always check the DFDS booking engine for your specific travel dates.
⏰ Ferry Timetable at a Glance
- ✅ DFDS Seaways – Exclusive operator on this route
- ✅ Early morning, morning, evening & overnight sailings typically available depending on date
- ✅ Extra sailings in summer – more choice during peak season
- ✅ Tide-dependent schedule – exact times vary by date, always check live
What Types of Sailings Are Available?
DFDS typically operates a mix of sailing types throughout the day, depending on your travel date. Here’s what you can generally expect to find when you search your dates:
📌 Important: All times shown on DFDS are local time. Newhaven is UK time (GMT/BST) and Dieppe is French time (CET/CEST). France is 1 hour ahead of the UK. The crossing takes approximately 4 hours, but due to the time difference you will “arrive” 5 hours after your departure time as shown on a clock. Note also that times can vary slightly due to tides — DFDS states that Dieppe-Newhaven times may vary depending on the tides.
How the Schedule Changes by Season
The number of daily sailings increases during busier periods. Here’s a general guide to what to expect throughout the year — but always check the live timetable for your specific date.
| Season / Period | Typical Daily Sailings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 1-2 per day | Reduced frequency; overnight sailing typically included |
| Spring / Autumn (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct) | 2–3 per day | Good availability; shoulder season pricing |
| Summer Peak (Jul–Aug) | 3+ per day | Most choice of times; book well in advance |
⚠️ Why times vary so much: Unlike some ferry routes, the Newhaven–Dieppe schedule is tide-dependent. DFDS explicitly notes that departure times can shift based on tidal conditions, which is why exact times differ day to day and don’t follow a fixed pattern. Always use the live booking tool to find the actual times for your date.
Return Journey: Dieppe to Newhaven
The return journey from Dieppe to Newhaven follows a similar pattern, with sailings spread throughout the day. As with the outbound crossing, exact departure times are tide-dependent and vary by date — check DFDS directly for your return journey times.
Remember: On the return crossing you gain an hour — France is 1 hour ahead, so departing Dieppe at (for example) 18:00 French time means arriving Newhaven at approximately 19:00 UK time, not 23:00.
💡 Pro Tip: When planning your return, allow plenty of time between any onward travel from Dieppe (e.g. trains from Paris) and your ferry check-in. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure, and in busy season DFDS recommends arriving at least 90 minutes early.
Ready to Book Your Ferry?
Car + 4 passengers from £117 | Foot passengers from £32
How to Choose the Best Sailing for Your Journey
Once you’ve found the available sailings for your date, here’s how to decide which one suits you best.
Choose an early morning sailing if…
- You want to arrive in France before lunch and make the most of your day
- You’re travelling on a summer weekend when this extra sailing is most likely to run
- You don’t mind a very early start from Brighton, Lewes, or London
Choose a morning sailing if…
- You want to make the most of your first day in France
- You’re heading onward to Paris or elsewhere the same day
- You prefer arriving in daylight
Choose an evening sailing if…
- You don’t want an early morning start
- You’re working the day before you travel
- You have accommodation already booked in Dieppe for your arrival night
Choose the overnight sailing if…
- You want to save on a night’s accommodation
- You need to be in France early the next morning
- You want to catch an early train from Dieppe to Paris
- You’re happy to book a cabin (recommended — additional charge) for a comfortable night’s sleep
💡 Cabin Tip: For the overnight ferry, we strongly recommend booking a 2-berth or 4-berth cabin. While reclining seats are available to all passengers, a cabin gives you privacy and a proper rest before your onward journey. See cabin prices here.
Planning Your Journey
Everything you need to know for a smooth crossing
1. Check Prices
From £117 car+4 | From £32 foot passenger. See all discounts and booking tips.
4. Onboard
Restaurants, shops, seating, and entertainment during your 4-hour crossing.
Ready to Book Your Ferry?
Car + 4 passengers from £117 | Foot passengers from £32