Malo-les-Bains
Walk the huge sandy beach and promenade in Dunkirk’s most attractive seaside district.
Hauts-de-France · France
Dunkirk Ferry &
Dunkirk Ferry &
Destination Guide
Explore Dunkirk’s vast beach and wartime history, then use the DFDS terminal at Loon-Plage for direct vehicle ferries to Dover and long sailings to Ireland.
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Discover Dunkirk
A resilient northern French port city where broad beaches, maritime heritage and Channel ferry links meet
Dunkirk is known internationally for the events of 1940, but the modern city offers more than wartime history. Its enormous beach at Malo-les-Bains, waterfront districts and museums make it a worthwhile stop before or after a Channel crossing.
The Dunkirk 1940 Museum provides context for Operation Dynamo and the evacuation, while nearby memorials and coastal sites connect the history to the surrounding landscape.
Malo-les-Bains gives the destination a completely different atmosphere. The wide sand, promenade and colourful seaside architecture are ideal for a walk after a long drive or ferry journey.
Dunkirk also has an active port and maritime identity. The harbour, Musée Portuaire and restored vessels explain the working city beyond its military story.
Passenger ferry traffic uses the DFDS terminal at Loon-Plage, outside the city centre. Direct vehicle ferries run to Dover, and DFDS also operates the longer Rosslare–Dunkirk route between France and Ireland.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Dunkirk
Dunkirk’s wide beach and maritime museums provide a strong contrast to the industrial scale of the modern port.
Dunkirk 1940 Museum
Understand Operation Dynamo through exhibits close to the historic evacuation beaches.
Musée Portuaire
Explore the city’s seafaring and port history in a former tobacco warehouse.
Belfry of Dunkirk
Climb or visit around the historic centre for views over the city and coast.
Operation Dynamo sites
Follow memorials and coastal locations connected with the 1940 evacuation.
Flanders coast
Use Dunkirk as a base for Gravelines, the dunes and nearby Belgian destinations by road.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Dunkirk
Browse wartime tours, private excursions and experiences around Dunkirk, Flanders and the Channel coast.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Dunkirk Ferry Terminal
Because Loon-Plage is outside central Dunkirk, road access is the practical choice. Follow the DFDS signs and allow time for check-in, border processing and peak-period traffic.
DFDS also operates Rosslare–Dunkirk, a much longer direct Ireland–France route aimed primarily at travellers with vehicles. Foot passengers are not accepted on these vehicle-focused routes under the current product.
DFDS operates the passenger ferry terminal at Loon-Plage, west of Dunkirk city centre. The main short-sea route is Dunkirk–Dover, a vehicle-only passenger service with a typical crossing time of about two hours.
Passenger terminal DFDS terminal at Loon-Plage, west of Dunkirk
Directions to the port Open Dunkirk Ferry Terminal in Google Maps
Main route Frequent vehicle ferries connect Dunkirk with Dover
Ireland route DFDS also links Dunkirk directly with Rosslare on a long vehicle-focused crossing
Foot passengers Not accepted on the Dover–Dunkirk route; travel with a booked vehicle
Border formalities Allow time for passport and security checks on UK crossings
Plan your stay
Getting around Dunkirk
The centre and Malo-les-Bains are straightforward to explore locally, while rail and road links connect Dunkirk with Lille, Calais, Belgium and beyond.
Walk Malo-les-Bains
The beach and promenade are ideal for a long walk and easy to combine with central sights.
Use Dunkerque station
Regional rail services connect Dunkirk with Lille and other northern French destinations.
Find Dunkirk rail tickets here...Drive from the ferry terminal
A car is the simplest way to move between Loon-Plage, the city and onward routes into France or Belgium.
Stay in Dunkirk
Find Dunkirk Accommodation
Stay around the centre or Malo-les-Bains
Malo-les-Bains is best for the beach, while central Dunkirk suits museums, restaurants and rail connections before an onward drive to the ferry terminal.
Common planning questions
Dunkirk ferry & destination FAQs
Where is Dunkirk Ferry Terminal?
The DFDS passenger ferry terminal is at Loon-Plage, west of Dunkirk city centre.
Which ferry sails from Dunkirk to Dover?
DFDS operates the direct Dunkirk–Dover passenger vehicle-ferry route.
Can I travel as a foot passenger from Dunkirk to Dover?
No. The current DFDS Dover–Dunkirk product requires passengers to travel with a vehicle.
Is there a ferry from Dunkirk to Ireland?
Yes. DFDS operates the long Rosslare–Dunkirk route for vehicle-based passenger travel.
What are the best things to do in Dunkirk?
Malo-les-Bains, the Dunkirk 1940 Museum, maritime museum, historic centre and Operation Dynamo sites are key attractions.
Can I take a car on the Dunkirk ferry?
Yes. The main passenger routes are designed around cars and other correctly booked vehicles.
Can I reach Dunkirk by train?
Yes. Dunkerque station has regional rail connections, although Loon-Plage ferry terminal is best reached by road.
How long should I spend in Dunkirk?
One day covers the main highlights; an overnight stay allows more time for the beach and wartime sites.
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