Newhaven to Dieppe Foot Passenger Guide: Complete Travel Guide

Why Travel as a Foot Passenger on Newhaven to Dieppe?

The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry is exceptionally suited for foot passengers, offering advantages that many other ferry routes can’t match.

Complete Step-by-Step Journey Guide

Here’s the complete journey from start to finish as a foot passenger, with exact timings and practical tips.

BY TRAIN (RECOMMENDED):

Newhaven Town railway station is the closest station to any UK ferry port – just 120 meters (2-minute walk) from the terminal.

Walking Directions from Newhaven Town Station to Ferry Terminal:

1. Exit station – Turn right out of station exit
2. Walk 120 meters – Follow signs to “Ferry Terminal” (2 minutes)
3. Arrive at terminal – Passenger check-in building directly ahead

For the 09:30 Ferry (Example from Brighton):

• • 08:00 – Leave Brighton station (platform 5/6)
• • 08:12 – Arrive Newhaven Town
• • 08:14 – Walk to ferry terminal (2 mins)
• • 08:15-09:00 – Check in and wait in departure lounge
• • 09:00 – Boarding begins
• • 09:30 – Ferry departs

BY BUS:

Brighton & Hove bus routes serve Newhaven, but service is less frequent than trains.

• • Route 12/12A from Brighton (Churchill Square)
• • Journey time: 45-60 minutes
• • Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
• • Cost: £5-7 single
• • Bus stop: Get off at Newhaven Town Centre, 10-minute walk to port

NOT RECOMMENDED: Buses are slower and less convenient than trains.

Foot passenger check-in is straightforward and faster than vehicle check-in.

CHECK-IN TIMES:

WHAT YOU NEED:

Essential documents for check-in:

• ✓ Valid passport – must be valid for duration of stay (no minimum requirement post-Brexit)
• ✓ Booking confirmation – printed or on phone (booking reference number)
• ✓ Photo ID – if claiming student/youth/senior/disabled discount
• ✓ Pet documentation – if travelling with pet (Animal Health Certificate, vaccination records)

CHECK-IN PROCEDURE:

1. Enter passenger check-in building – follow “Foot Passenger Check-In” signs
2. Queue at check-in desk – separate desk from vehicle passengers
3. Present documents – passport, booking confirmation
4. Receive boarding pass – keep this safe, you’ll need it to board
5. Security screening – similar to airport (bags through X-ray, walk through metal detector)
6. Wait in departure lounge – comfortable seating area with toilets and vending machines

Security Restrictions (Similar to Airport):

• ✗ No liquids over 100ml in hand luggage
• ✗ No sharp objects (scissors, knives, etc.)
• ✗ No prohibited items (weapons, flammable liquids, etc.)
• ✓ Checked luggage can contain normal items (liquids, toiletries, etc.)
• ✓ Food and drinks allowed after security

BOARDING PROCESS:

1. Announcement – “Foot passengers for the [time] sailing to Dieppe, please proceed to boarding”
2. Present boarding pass – show to staff at departure lounge exit
3. Board shuttle bus – free shuttle bus takes you from terminal to ferry
4. 3-minute bus ride – drives directly to ferry (you cannot walk to the ferry)
5. Exit bus at ferry – staff direct you to foot passenger entrance
6. Walk up gangway – external ramp leads to vehicle deck
7. Proceed to passenger decks – follow signs upstairs to decks 6, 7, and 8

IMPORTANT: The shuttle bus is the ONLY way for foot passengers to reach the ferry. You cannot walk through the vehicle area for safety reasons.

LUGGAGE HANDLING:

• • You must carry your own luggage at all times
• • No trolleys or luggage carts available
• • Bring luggage with wheels for easier movement
• • Consider a luggage strap for multiple bags
• • Staff cannot help carry luggage (health & safety)

BOARDING TIMELINE (Example for 09:30 Ferry):

• • 08:45 – Boarding announcement for foot passengers
• • 08:45-08:50 – Queue and board shuttle bus
• • 08:50-08:53 – Shuttle bus drives to ferry
• • 08:53-09:00 – Walk up gangway and find seat
• • 09:00-09:30 – Vehicle boarding (you’re already on board)
• • 09:30 – Ferry departs

Step 4: Onboard Experience

Once aboard, foot passengers have full access to all passenger facilities on decks 6, 7, and 8.

WHERE TO SIT:

Deck 7 – Main Passenger Deck (Recommended):

• ✓ Large open seating area with panoramic windows
• ✓ Reclining seats with footrests
• ✓ Tables with 4 seats (good for families/groups)
• ✓ Restaurant and self-service café
• ✓ Bar with outdoor seating
• ✓ Information desk
• ✓ Accessible toilets

Deck 6 – Quiet Lounge (Best for Rest):

• ✓ Quieter, more intimate seating
• ✓ Comfortable reclining armchairs
• ✓ Better for sleeping/reading
• ✓ Accessible toilets
• ✓ Less crowded

Deck 8 – Outdoor Deck:

• ✓ Fresh air and sea views
• ✓ Covered and uncovered areas
• ✓ Great for photos
• ✓ Can be windy and cold

LUGGAGE STORAGE:

Large luggage (bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm) MUST be left in designated baggage storage area on vehicle deck. This is a relatively new rule.

• • Storage location: Vehicle deck (deck 4), supervised area
• • Drop-off: When you board, staff direct you to baggage area
• • Collection: When ferry docks, collect before disembarking
• • Security: Supervised, cameras monitored
• • Hand luggage: Can keep small bags with you on passenger decks

FACILITIES AVAILABLE:

WHAT TO DO DURING THE 4-HOUR CROSSING:

• • Relax in comfortable seats – catch up on sleep
• • Read a book – peaceful environment
• • Have a meal – restaurant service or café
• • Browse duty-free shopping – save on gifts
• • Work on laptop – Wi-Fi available
• • Enjoy sea views – outdoor deck access
• • Watch a movie – download before travel (Wi-Fi too slow for streaming)
• • Play games – bring cards, books, or use video games area

For complete details on all onboard facilities, see our ships and onboard facilities guide.

DISEMBARKATION PROCEDURE:

1. Announcement – “We will shortly arrive in Dieppe. Foot passengers please collect your luggage from baggage storage on deck 4”
2. Collect luggage – Go to vehicle deck, supervised baggage area
3. Return to passenger deck – Wait for disembarkation announcement
4. Board shuttle bus – Free shuttle from ferry to terminal building
5. Passport control – Brief check (usually quick for UK passengers)
6. Exit terminal – You’re in Dieppe!

DISEMBARKATION TIME: Allow 20-30 minutes from ferry docking to exiting the terminal.

TIMELINE FOR 09:30 FERRY:

• • 14:30 (French time) – Announcement to collect luggage
• • 14:35-14:40 – Collect bags from storage
• • 14:45 – Ferry docks in Dieppe
• • 14:45-14:50 – Wait for shuttle bus boarding call
• • 14:50-14:55 – Shuttle bus to terminal
• • 14:55-15:00 – Passport control
• • 15:00 – Exit terminal, in Dieppe

Once you exit the ferry terminal, you have several options for onwards travel.

TO DIEPPE TOWN CENTRE (2km):

TO DIEPPE TRAIN STATION (2km from port):

• • Walking: 25-30 minutes (same route as town centre)
• • Shuttle bus: Gets you to town centre, 5-minute walk to station
• • Taxi: €10-15 direct to station

TRAINS FROM DIEPPE:

Foot Passenger Luggage Guide

Understanding luggage rules helps you pack appropriately and avoid problems at check-in.

OFFICIAL LUGGAGE POLICY:

DFDS does not have strict luggage limits for foot passengers, BUT:

• ✓ You must be able to carry your own luggage without assistance
• ✓ All luggage goes through security screening (like airport)
• ✓ Large luggage must be stored in baggage area on vehicle deck
• ✓ Small hand luggage can stay with you on passenger decks

WHAT MOST FOOT PASSENGERS BRING:

• • 2 large suitcases (checked luggage)
• • 1 cabin bag or backpack (hand luggage)
• • 1 personal item (handbag, laptop bag)

Typical total weight: 40-60kg (but no official weight limit)

RECOMMENDED LUGGAGE SETUP:

PACKING TIPS FOR FOOT PASSENGERS:

• ✅ Use suitcases with wheels – Essential for carrying through stations and ports
• ✅ Luggage strap – Attach multiple bags together for easier movement
• ✅ Pack light if possible – Remember, you carry everything
• ✅ Distribute weight evenly – Don’t overload one bag
• ✅ Keep valuables in hand luggage – Never leave in storage
• ✅ Label all bags – Name, phone number, destination
• ✅ Lock checked luggage – TSA-approved locks recommended

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

• ✗ Weapons or replica weapons
• ✗ Flammable liquids (petrol, lighter fuel, etc.)
• ✗ Explosives or fireworks
• ✗ Large quantities of alcohol (duty-free limits apply)
• ✗ Illegal drugs or substances

LIQUIDS IN HAND LUGGAGE:

Same rules as airport:

• • Maximum 100ml per container
• • All containers in clear plastic bag (20cm x 20cm)
• • One bag per person
• • Larger liquids must go in checked luggage

Foot Passenger Prices & When to Book

Foot passenger fares vary significantly by season and how far in advance you book.

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE:

• • Student: 5% off (show valid student ID at check-in)
• • Senior (60+): 20% off (must book by phone +44 33 058 787 87)
• • Youth (18-25): 20% off (must book by phone)
• • Disabled: 20% off (must book by phone)
• • Children under 4: FREE

For complete pricing details and all discount information, see our ferry prices & booking guide.

MONEY-SAVING TIPS:

• ✅ Book 12+ weeks ahead – Save 40-60% vs last-minute
• ✅ Travel midweek – Tuesday/Wednesday cheapest
• ✅ Choose overnight ferry – Often cheapest sailing
• ✅ Travel off-peak – October-April offers best value
• ✅ Claim discounts – If eligible, always book by phone for 20% off

Sample Foot Passenger Itineraries

Here are complete example itineraries showing exact timings and costs.

Total Journey Time: 11h 30m (Brighton to Paris)
Total Cost: £110 (vs £150-300 for Eurostar)

Benefits:

• ✓ Save on accommodation (sleep in ferry cabin)
• ✓ Arrive Paris early morning
• ✓ Full day in Paris ahead
• ✓ Total cost same as day journey but includes “hotel”

Frequently Asked Questions: Foot Passengers