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'''Update:''' There is a (probably new built) gas station just after Nieuwpoort, between onramp 3 and 4.. [[User:Jeensg|Jeensg]] also experienced it to be worthwhile getting on the Highway motorway and being dropped off just at the first onramp after Belgian border (Adinkerke), where he got a ride to [[Brussels]] after 2 minutes.
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<map lat='51.02' lng='2.28' zoom='11' view='0' float=right width=500 height=200 country=France/>
'''Dunkerque''' (English: ''Dunkirk'', Dutch: ''Duinkerke'', DeutschGerman: ''DünnkirchenDünkirchen'') is a major port town at the Channel with [[ferryhitchhiking a boat|ferries]] across the [[English channel]] to [[Dover]] (''norfolklines'' – crossings every 2 hours). The ferries are free for hitchhikers, if you find someone to give you a lift onto the ferry.
== Hitching Out Hitchhiking out ==
=== West to [[Calais]], South to [[Lille]] ===
There is a roundabout right next to ''Polyclinic Villette'' on ''Avenue du Stade''. Cars can park there quite easily, also on the parking spot right next to it. McDo is close to this position, too, for asking people. Furthermore there is a traffic light a little bit ahead towards the river, which also marks the end of possible spots to stand with a sign or the thumb since there is no place to stop a car and the traffic is getting too fast.
See the [[English channel]] page for more information about options for crossing the channel.
=== East towards [[Belgium]] ===
It also must be possible in the above mentioned spot to get lifts towards [[Belgium]]. The first petrol station in Belgium is '''Mannekensvere''' just after exit 3, but be aware of where you are going since there is no further gas station on this [[highwayNieupoort]] but , and a further one is at [[Jabbeke]] , shortly before [[Bruges|Brugge]].
=== To [[England]] ===
It is less busy and more laid-back/friendly than the [[Calais]]-Dover route. Both the Calais-Dover boats and the Dunkerque-Dover boats do not charge for extra passengers in vehicles. While [[Calais]]-Dover ferries allow foot passengers (cost about £15/20Euros), it is not possible from Dunkerque, so you have no other choice than to get a lift.
Since mid October[2018] busses around Dunkerque are free, so from Dunkerque city centre, it is possible to take a free bus in the direction of Loon-Plage. Close to the ferry is a hotel parking lot at the roundabout, which is a good place to be dropped off. The best way to catch a ride from there is walking a little bit in the direction of the ferry. Be warned the signs 'car ferry' on the roundabout point in the 'wrong' direction here, not many cars take this exit because it is a detour towards the ferry. It is faster to take the first exit (when coming from Dunkerque direction). To catch all cars & vans who will cross the Channel walk 10 min to the next roundabout. Crossing takes about 1h50 and on the ''Norfolkline'' ships there is provide free wireless internet access.
==== How to get to the port ====
Ferries leave from Port Ouest.
To get there from Dunkerque, take a bus '''A''' (i.e. from the city center/railway station), going towards Loon Plage (various terminus possible). Get off at ''Maison Blanche'' (about 12km, 30min), walk up to the big roundabout in front of you and follow signs "Car Ferry"/"Port Ouest" (second road on the right on roundabout). From there you have 3km left - I recommend walking, but if you have time, you can always try to hitch.
If on the A16 motorway (Calais <-> Dunkerque) take the Exit 24.
Upon arrival in Dover, UK customs also have a tendency to check far more cars than any other EU country, the UK is '''not''' part of the [[Schengen Agreement]], so you might consider leaving the ferry as a foot-passenger to save your driver a potentially substantial delay! (Not possible if you arrived using ''Norfolklines'')
If you look respectable, are from a respectable country, [[United States of America|USA]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], to name a few, you are unlikely to have any problems entering the UK, even as a hitchhiker. Show a passport from [[Somalia]], [[Pakistan]] or [[Iran]], to name a few that are somewhat less respectable in the eyes of the UK government, expect lots of hassle, including being denied entry.
If you think you will fall in the latter category, you should consider going on to [[Calais]], ''Norfolkline'', which sails from Dunkerque does not take foot-passengers, and spend the money to buy a foot-passenger (return) ticket yourself to avoid causing trouble for your driver, although that does not in any way reduce the risk that you're denied entry either at UK immigration in France or upon arrival in Dover.
