Denmark
DFDS
Channel, North Sea and Baltic ferries since 1866
Est. 1866Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo: Leonhard Lenz / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)- 14
- Routes
- 11
- Ports
- 7h 8m
- Avg crossing
- 2
- Vessels
- 1866
- Founded
DFDS is a ferry operator, founded in 1866 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark. It operates 14 ferry routes serving 11 ports. Its fleet includes King Seaways / Princess Seaways, Tangier Express. Across its network, crossings average about 7h 8m.
Live board
DFDS departures today
Filtered to sailings that operate on today's date — open a departure for its full timetable.
Timetables
Which routes does DFDS operate?
14 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calais → Dover | 1h 40m | 11 / wk | 2 | France |
| Algeciras → Tánger Med | 1h 30m | 7 / wk | 3 | Spain |
| Dieppe → Newhaven | 4h | 3 / wk | 1 | France |
| Newhaven → Dieppe | 4h | 3 / wk | 1 | United Kingdom |
| Amsterdam → Newcastle | 16h 45m | 1 / wk | 1 | Netherlands |
| Newcastle → Amsterdam | 16h 45m | 1 / wk | 1 | United Kingdom |
| Algeciras → Ceuta | 1h | — | 3 | Spain |
| Ceuta → Algeciras | 1h | — | 3 | Spain |
| Tánger Med → Algeciras | 1h 30m | — | 3 | Morocco |
| Dover → Calais | 1h 40m | — | 2 | United Kingdom |
| Dover → Dunkirk | 2h | — | 1 | United Kingdom |
| Dunkirk → Dover | 2h | — | 1 | France |
Algeciras2 routes
Dover2 routes
Dunkirk2 routes
Amsterdam1 route
Calais1 route
Ceuta1 route
Dieppe1 route
Newcastle1 route
Newhaven1 route
Rosslare1 route
Tánger Med1 route
Network
Where does DFDS sail?
DFDS sails to 11 ports.
Compare
How does DFDS compare?
Side-by-side with the operators DFDS shares crossings with.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Cruise-ferry cabins
- Restaurants & entertainment
- Vehicle & freight decks
- Multiple cabin grades
- One of Europe's largest ferry and logistics groups, founded 1866 by C.F. Tietgen
- Dover–Calais and Dover–Dunkirk high-frequency Channel crossings
- Overnight cruise-ferries Newcastle–Amsterdam and Copenhagen–Oslo
- Expanded to the Mediterranean/Türkiye via the 2018 U.N. Ro-Ro takeover
- Listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen; ~14,000 employees
Fleet
DFDS fleet
2 vessels seen in our schedules.
- King Seaways / Princess Seaways
- Tangier Express
About
About DFDS
DFDS is one of Europe's largest ferry and logistics groups, founded in Denmark in 1866 when financier C.F. Tietgen merged the country's three biggest steamship companies. It began sailing in 1867 with nineteen ships; today its passenger brand, DFDS Seaways, runs ferries across the English Channel, the North Sea and the Baltic.
Channel, North Sea and Baltic
On the short English Channel crossings, high-frequency ferries link Dover to Calais and Dunkirk. Overnight cruise-ferries sail the North Sea between Newcastle and Amsterdam (IJmuiden) and the Baltic between Copenhagen and Oslo, with further passenger and freight routes around Scandinavia and, since the 2018 takeover of U.N. Ro-Ro, the eastern Mediterranean and Türkiye.
Cruise-ferries and fares
The overnight ships — Pearl Seaways and Crown Seaways on the Oslo route, King Seaways and Princess Seaways on the Amsterdam route — carry en-suite cabins in several grades, restaurants and entertainment, while the Channel boats are quick day crossings. Fares vary by route and season and are quoted in DKK, EUR or GBP. DFDS is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and employs around 14,000 people across some 50 ships.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was DFDS founded?
DFDS was founded in 1866, and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Where does DFDS sail?
DFDS operates 14 ferry routes and serves 11 ports in Denmark, including Algeciras, Amsterdam, Calais, Ceuta, Dieppe, Dover, Dunkirk, Newcastle and more.
What ships does DFDS operate?
DFDS's fleet seen in our schedules includes King Seaways / Princess Seaways, Tangier Express.
Can I take a car on DFDS ferries?
Yes — DFDS operates vehicle-carrying ferries on some routes. Book vehicle space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific crossing for size limits.
What facilities are available on DFDS ferries?
DFDS ferries typically offer Cruise-ferry cabins, Restaurants & entertainment, Vehicle & freight decks, Multiple cabin grades. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a DFDS ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a DFDS departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with DFDS.
How do I find DFDS ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every DFDS route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with DFDS before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 4, 2026.
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