How to Get from Brighton to Dieppe: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
The journey from Brighton to Dieppe is straightforward and stress-free. Follow this step-by-step guide for a smooth journey.
The first leg of your journey is a short train ride from Brighton to Newhaven Town station.
Which Brighton Station to Use:
Brighton station (main station) is the primary departure point. It’s centrally located and well-connected to all parts of the city. Brighton station is served by Southern Railway with direct services to Newhaven Town.
Train Service Details:
- Operator: Southern Railway
- Journey time: 12-15 minutes
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak times (Mon-Fri 7-9am, 5-7pm)
- Off-peak: Every 30-60 minutes
- Weekend service: Approximately hourly
- Cost: Around £10 return, £5-7 single (prices vary)
Buying Train Tickets:
You can purchase tickets at Brighton station ticket office, from ticket machines, or online via the Southern Railway website or Trainline app. Advance booking is not required for this short journey, but buying a return ticket saves money compared to two singles.
Platform Information:
Newhaven services typically depart from platforms 3, 4, or 5 at Brighton station. Check the departure boards upon arrival. The platforms are well-signposted and easily accessible.
Journey Experience:
The train follows the scenic south coast route, passing through Falmer (home to Brighton University and the Amex Stadium), Lewes (the historic county town), and Southease before arriving at Newhaven Town. On a clear day, you’ll catch glimpses of the South Downs National Park.
This is the easiest part of the journey – Newhaven Town railway station is located directly adjacent to the ferry terminal.
Walking Route:
Exit Newhaven Town station and turn right. Follow the clear signage marked “Ferry Terminal” or “Newhaven Port”. The walk takes approximately 2 minutes on a flat, paved path. The route is fully accessible for wheelchairs and those with reduced mobility.
What You’ll See:
As you walk from the station, you’ll see the ferry terminal building ahead of you. The two DFDS ferries – Côte d’Albâtre and Seven Sisters – are often visible in the harbour, especially if you’re arriving for an afternoon or evening sailing.
Check-In Location:
Head to the passenger terminal building. For foot passengers, check-in is on the ground floor. Present your ferry booking confirmation (printed or on your phone) and your passport at the check-in desk.
Timing:
Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. During peak season (May-September), 90 minutes is recommended to allow for potential queues.
💡 Pro Tip: The 2-minute walk means you can catch a train that arrives just 60-75 minutes before ferry departure. For the 09:30 ferry, the 08:45 train from Brighton gives you perfect timing.
Once you’ve checked in, you’ll wait in the departure lounge until foot passengers are called to board.
Boarding Process:
When foot passengers are called (typically 30-40 minutes before departure), you’ll be directed to a shuttle bus that transfers you from the terminal directly to the ferry. The bus ride takes about 2 minutes along the jetty to where the ferry is docked. You must be able to carry your own luggage, as no trolleys or luggage carts are provided for foot passengers on the shuttle bus or ferry.
Ferry Facilities Onboard:
Once aboard the Côte d’Albâtre or Seven Sisters, you’ll find:
- Comfortable reclining seats in multiple lounges
- Restaurant serving hot meals, snacks, and full English or continental breakfast
- Self-service café with sandwiches, pastries, and drinks
- Bar with panoramic sea views and floor-to-ceiling windows
- Children’s play area with soft play equipment and video games
- Duty-free shop selling cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol, tobacco, and souvenirs
- Free Wi-Fi (connection quality can vary)
- Wheelchair-accessible toilets on decks 6 and 7
- Lifts connecting all passenger decks
Private Cabins:
For an additional fee (typically £20-60), you can book a private cabin for the crossing. Cabins include comfortable beds and are ideal for overnight sailings or if you want privacy and quiet during the journey. Book cabins in advance as availability is limited.
Crossing Duration:
The ferry crossing takes approximately 4 hours. The fastest crossing is 3 hours 30 minutes, while some overnight sailings may take up to 5 hours depending on tidal conditions and weather.
Time Zone Change:
Remember that France is 1 hour ahead of the UK. When you depart Newhaven at 09:30 UK time, you’ll arrive in Dieppe at 14:45 French time (which is 13:45 UK time + 1 hour). Your phone should automatically adjust.
When the ferry docks in Dieppe, foot passengers disembark after vehicle passengers have departed. Follow the signs to the passenger exit.
Customs and Immigration:
After Brexit, UK citizens now require passport checks when entering France. Have your passport ready. EU citizens can use the EU lanes for faster processing.
From Dieppe Port to Town Centre:
Option 1 – Walk (20-30 minutes):
Exit the port and turn left onto Quai Henri IV. Follow the waterfront past the fishing port and harbour. Continue straight until you reach Boulevard de Verdun, which leads into the town centre. The walk is flat and scenic, passing Dieppe’s historic seafront.
Option 2 – Shuttle Bus (€3 per person, recommended):
A shuttle bus service connects the ferry port to Dieppe town centre and train station. The bus departs shortly after ferry arrivals. Payment is cash only (euros). Journey time is approximately 10 minutes.
Option 3 – Taxi (€10-15):
Taxis are available at the port exit. A taxi to Dieppe town centre or train station costs approximately €10-15. Journey time is 5-10 minutes depending on traffic.
Dieppe Train Station:
Dieppe’s SNCF train station (Gare de Dieppe) is located approximately 2km from the ferry terminal. From here, direct trains run to:
- Paris Gare Saint-Lazare: 2 hours 30 minutes, frequent daily services
- Rouen: 45 minutes, connecting to Paris and other French cities
- Le Havre: 2 hours, for onward ferry connections
Continuing to Paris:
If your final destination is Paris, the total journey time from Brighton to Paris via Dieppe is approximately 7 hours:
- Brighton to Newhaven: 15 minutes
- Newhaven to Dieppe: 4 hours
- Dieppe port to train station: 30 minutes (including walk/bus)
- Dieppe to Paris: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total: 7 hours 15 minutes (allowing for connections)
This compares favourably to the Eurostar route (Brighton to London St Pancras + Eurostar to Paris = approximately 5-6 hours) and is significantly cheaper, especially for advance bookings. See our complete Brighton to Paris guide below.
