Dunkerque

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Earth > Europe > Western Europe > France > Nord-Pas de Calais > Dunkerque
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Dunkerque is a major port town at the Channel with ferries to Dover (norfolklines – crossings every 2 hours).

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.

Crossing takes about 1h50.

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 highway (Calais <-> Dunkerque) take the Exit 24.


Trucks

Before the port there is big parking place for trucks and lorries (about 1km square). It is very easy to get a ride over there. Many vehicles on Polish, Romanian, Turkish and Slovak numbers. But you should find some English, Irish or German ones as well.

Cars

A bit further, there is a car park, just in front of a ticket office. You can probably try to get a lift asking drivers there. Usually you have to explain that they pay for car and not for amount of people, but correct number of passengers must be on their ticket. Changing booking is free of charge and takes less than a minute. Have always your documents ready to show to drivers, so they know you are not illegal immigrant. (I didn't try hitching there though)


Once you are on the ferry, it is an excellent idea to ask around for a lift. It is far easier to do this, than to hitchhike when you land. The best tactic is to approach individuals directly and say something like "Excuse me, sorry to bother you. I am trying to hitch-hike to [destination]. I don't suppose you could give me a lift in that direction?" Most people on the boat will speak English. Do not try to get a lift by standing at the stairs from the car deck with a sign. It does not work well.