Accessible Ferry Travel: Newhaven to Dieppe Complete Guide

Wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility are fully welcome on Newhaven to Dieppe ferries. This complete accessibility guide covers: wheelchair-accessible gangway and boarding, lifts to all passenger decks, accessible toilets throughout the ship, accessible cabins, wide corridors, boarding assistance from trained staff, 20% discount for disabled passengers AND companions, booking procedures, and expert tips for stress-free accessible travel.

Both Newhaven to Dieppe ferries are fully wheelchair accessible with lifts to all passenger decks, accessible toilets, accessible cabins, wheelchair-accessible gangway, wide corridors throughout, and trained staff assistance. Disabled passengers receive 20% discount on ferry fare, and your companion also gets 20% off. Must book by phone at least 48 hours before travel: +44 33 058 787 87.

Last updated: December 2025 | Complies with UK Equality Act 2010 and EU accessibility regulations

Both ferries (Côte d’Albâtre and Seven Sisters) are fully accessible throughout. Here’s everything available for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility.

**PASSENGER LIFTS:**
✓ Two passenger lifts serving all decks
✓ Wide doors: 90cm (accommodate all standard wheelchairs)
✓ Low control buttons (wheelchair height)
✓ Braille and tactile buttons for visually impaired
✓ Audio announcements for floor levels
✓ Emergency alarm with two-way communication

**DECK ACCESS:**
• **Deck 6 (Quiet Lounge):** Accessible via lift, accessible seating areas, accessible toilets, accessible cabins
• **Deck 7 (Main Lounge):** Accessible via lift, restaurant accessible, café accessible, duty-free shop accessible
• **Deck 8 (Outdoor Deck):** Accessible via lift, outdoor viewing areas, some seating accessible

**NO STEPS REQUIRED:** Entire passenger experience possible without encountering single step. All essential facilities reachable by lift.

💡 Navigation Tip: Upon boarding, staff show you where lifts are located. Lifts positioned centrally on each deck for easy access to all facilities. Clear signage throughout. If unsure at any point, any crew member can assist – they’re trained in accessibility support.

**ACCESSIBLE TOILET FACILITIES:**

**LOCATION:** Accessible toilets available on both Deck 6 and Deck 7

**FEATURES:**
✓ Wide entrance doors (90cm clearance)
✓ Spacious interior (wheelchair turning circle)
✓ Grab rails both sides of toilet
✓ Raised toilet seat
✓ Sink at wheelchair-accessible height
✓ Emergency pull cord alarm
✓ Non-slip flooring
✓ Automatic lighting
✓ Baby changing table (in some accessible toilets)

**CLEANLINESS:** Cleaned regularly throughout crossing, staff check every 30-60 minutes.

**ACCESSIBILITY:** No need to navigate standard toilets – accessible facilities provided throughout ship.

Available for booking at no extra charge (same price as standard cabins).

**ACCESSIBLE CABIN FEATURES:**

**BOOKING ACCESSIBLE CABIN:**
• Available on request (limited number)
• Book when booking ferry by phone
• Same price as standard cabin (£25-35)
• Recommended for overnight ferry
• Popular in summer (book early!)

**WHY BOOK CABIN:**
• Privacy and comfort
• Rest area during crossing
• Accessible bathroom facilities
• Lock valuables safely
• Particularly valuable for 4-hour crossing if you need rest

**ACCESSIBLE SEATING THROUGHOUT:**

**DECK 7 (Main Lounge):**
• Designated wheelchair spaces (don’t need to transfer from wheelchair)
• Accessible seating areas with removable armrests
• Tables at wheelchair height
• Power sockets nearby for charging mobility aids
• Near accessible toilets

**DECK 6 (Quiet Lounge):**
• Reclining seats with space for wheelchair alongside
• Quieter environment
• Accessible seating near windows
• Good for resting

**RESTAURANT (Deck 7):**
• Wheelchair-accessible tables
• Space to maneuver wheelchair
• Accessible service counter
• Staff assistance available

**OUTDOOR DECK (Deck 8):**
• Some accessible seating (benches with back support)
• Wheelchair access to viewing areas
• Note: Can be windy, may be challenging for some users

**THROUGHOUT SHIP:**
✓ All passenger corridors minimum 120cm wide
✓ All passenger doorways minimum 90cm wide
✓ Clear floor surfaces (no raised thresholds)
✓ Non-slip flooring throughout
✓ Handrails along corridors
✓ Good lighting

**EASY NAVIGATION:** Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can access all passenger areas without obstacles or tight spaces.

Disabled passengers receive significant discounts on Newhaven to Dieppe ferries.

**ELIGIBLE PASSENGERS:**

✓ **Wheelchair users** (manual or powered)
✓ **Mobility scooter users**
✓ **Blue Badge holders** (UK disabled parking badge)
✓ **Passengers with reduced mobility** requiring assistance
✓ **Visually impaired passengers** with guide dogs
✓ **Passengers with hidden disabilities** affecting mobility
✓ **Any passenger requiring accessible facilities or assistance**

**DISCOUNT DETAILS:**

**BOOKING PROCESS:**

**STEP 1: PHONE BOOKING REQUIRED**
• Call DFDS: **+44 33 058 787 87**
• Cannot book accessible travel online
• Phone lines open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm

**STEP 2: INFORM OF ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS**
• Tell operator you need accessible facilities
• Specify requirements (wheelchair user, assistance needed, accessible cabin, etc.)
• Mention if bringing mobility aid (wheelchair, scooter dimensions)

**STEP 3: CLAIM 20% DISCOUNT**
• Inform operator you qualify for disability discount
• State which proof of disability you’ll bring (Blue Badge, PIP award, etc.)
• Operator applies discount immediately

**STEP 4: BOOK COMPANION**
• Companion also gets 20% discount
• Must be travelling with you (same sailing)
• One companion per disabled passenger

**STEP 5: CONFIRM DETAILS**
• Operator confirms: sailing time, passenger names, vehicle details (if applicable), accessibility requirements, total price with discount
• Receive booking confirmation by email

**TIMING:** Book at least **48 hours before travel** to ensure staff can prepare for your arrival (though earlier booking recommended for summer travel).

**ACCEPTED PROOF AT CHECK-IN:**

✓ **Blue Badge** (UK disabled parking badge)
✓ **Personal Independence Payment (PIP)** award letter
✓ **Disability Living Allowance (DLA)** award letter
✓ **Attendance Allowance** documentation
✓ **Doctor’s letter** confirming disability/reduced mobility
✓ **EU Disability Card** (if applicable)

**IMPORTANT:** Bring proof to check-in. If cannot provide proof, you’ll be charged full standard fare (no discount).

What to expect when arriving at Newhaven Ferry Port with accessibility requirements.

**RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL TIME:** 90 minutes before departure (extra 30 mins for assistance coordination)

**CHECK-IN PROCESS:**

**VEHICLE PASSENGERS:**
1. Drive to check-in lanes as normal
2. Staff have been notified of your accessibility needs
3. Present booking confirmation and disability proof
4. Staff verify documents, apply discount if applicable
5. Receive boarding pass with “Assistance Required” noted
6. Directed to accessible parking lane (near lifts)

**FOOT PASSENGERS:**
1. Enter terminal building
2. Check in at foot passenger desk
3. Present booking confirmation and disability proof
4. Staff arrange assistance for boarding
5. Wait in terminal until priority boarding called
6. Staff escort to shuttle bus (wheelchair lift available)

**THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEY:**

✓ **Check-in assistance** – Staff guide through process
✓ **Boarding assistance** – Escort to ferry, help with gangway
✓ **Finding facilities** – Shown to toilets, restaurant, cabin
✓ **During crossing** – Staff available if you need help
✓ **Disembarkation** – Priority disembarkation with assistance

**HOW TO REQUEST HELP:**
• Push assistance button in cabin (if booked cabin)
• Ask any crew member
• All crew trained in accessibility support
• No need to feel hesitant – assistance is normal part of their role

The ferry accommodates various types of disabilities beyond wheelchair users.

**FACILITIES FOR BLIND/VISUALLY IMPAIRED:**

✓ **Guide dogs welcome** – Free travel for assistance dogs
✓ **Tactile buttons** – Lifts have braille and raised buttons
✓ **Audio announcements** – Lift floors and important announcements
✓ **Staff assistance** – Guide to facilities, escort if needed
✓ **Contrasting colors** – Good visual contrast throughout ship
✓ **Clear signage** – Large, high-contrast signs

**GUIDE DOG ACCOMMODATION:**
• Guide dogs allowed throughout passenger areas
• Water bowls available
• Relief area on outdoor deck (Deck 8)
• Guide dogs do NOT count as “pet” (no £30 pet fee)

**FACILITIES FOR DEAF/HARD OF HEARING:**

✓ **Visual announcements** – Display screens show announcements
✓ **Staff training** – Crew trained in communicating with deaf passengers
✓ **Induction loops** – Available at information desk
✓ **Written communication** – Staff can write information if needed
✓ **Vibrating pagers** – For restaurant table service (on request)

**FOR PASSENGERS WITH:**
• Autism spectrum conditions
• Anxiety disorders
• Chronic pain conditions
• Cognitive disabilities
• Any non-visible disability

**ACCOMMODATIONS:**
✓ Quiet seating areas (Deck 6)
✓ Priority boarding reduces stress
✓ Staff awareness trained
✓ Can book cabin for privacy
✓ Assistance available without judgment

**SUNFLOWER LANYARD:** If you wear a hidden disability sunflower lanyard, staff will recognize it and offer appropriate support.

**WHAT YOU CAN BRING:**

✓ **Manual wheelchairs** – All sizes accommodated
✓ **Powered wheelchairs** – Can be charged onboard (ask staff)
✓ **Mobility scooters** – Must fit through 90cm doorways
✓ **Walking frames** – Zimmer frames, rollators welcome
✓ **Crutches** – Storage space available

**CHARGING:**
• Power sockets available in accessible seating areas
• Can charge powered wheelchair/scooter during crossing
• Ask staff to show you charging locations

**STORAGE:**
• Mobility aids stay with you at all times
• No need to store separately
• Can park wheelchair/scooter beside seating

What happens when arriving in Dieppe with accessibility needs.

**PRIORITY DISEMBARKATION:**
• Wheelchair users disembark AFTER vehicles have driven off
• Avoids crowds and vehicle exhaust fumes
• Staff assistance available
• No rush, take your time

**DIEPPE PORT ACCESSIBILITY:**
• Accessible ramps from ferry
• Terminal building wheelchair accessible
• Accessible toilets in terminal
• Taxi rank close to terminal exit

**ONWARDS TRAVEL FROM DIEPPE:**

**TAXIS:**
• Some Dieppe taxis wheelchair accessible
• Pre-book accessible taxi recommended
• Taxi rank 50m from terminal
• Staff can help call taxi

**TO TRAIN STATION:**
• Dieppe train station 2.5km from port
• Station wheelchair accessible (lift to platforms)
• Taxis to station: €12-14
• Shuttle bus: may not be wheelchair accessible (check with driver)

**FRENCH ACCESSIBILITY:**
• France has good accessibility standards
• Blue Badge not recognized but EU Disability Card is
• Many hotels, attractions wheelchair accessible
• Dieppe town center mostly accessible (some cobbled streets)