Brits love jetting off to sunnier climes but if you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to soak up the sun, taking a DFDS ferry or cruise could be the perfect solution. With so many destinations reachable by boat from the UK – namely Jersey, Amsterdam and France – a dream holiday doesn’t have to mean paying for hiked-up airfares during the school holidays.
We’ve found the best ways to save on your next channel crossing or cruise holiday with DFDS. This leading ferry operator offers a variety of holiday packages to destinations across Europe. Keep scrolling for our money-saving tips and tricks.
What to know before searching for a DFDS deal
Here are some tips from our deals experts to consider, before searching for a DFDS discount:
- Route-specific special offers: Many DFDS promotions apply only to certain routes or destinations, so be sure to factor this in when planning your trip.
- Know when to book: By selecting off-peak times (such as avoiding school holidays), booking in advance or travelling on weekdays, you could save up to 50 percent on your booking.
- Use the cheap fare finder: Enter your route and travel dates and let the DFDS fare finder do the hard work. It'll find you the best deals, so you can find more flexible savings.
- Look for partner discounts: If you’re an AA, Angling Trust or English Heritage member, you are eligible for exclusive partner discounts. For example, English Heritage members can save up to 33 per cent on ferries, which is significantly higher than the average 15 per cent discount offered to all customers.
- Book directly with DFDS: Save an additional 10 per cent on your booking if you find a lower price elsewhere. This best best price guarantee can be claimed within 24 hours of making your booking.
Current DFDS discount codes and promotions
Multi-trip package deals
DFDS multi-trip packages are ideal for those who travel frequently. Here are the different packages available:
- Bronze: From £69 per car (one way) and includes three to four return trips or six to nine single trips. With no extras included, it’s ideal for occasional travellers looking for basic savings.
- Silver: From £67 per car (one way) and includes five to eight return trips or ten to 17 single trips. You’ll get transferable tickets and a pet travel discount. This option is great for flexible, pet-friendly travel.
- Gold: From £65 per car (one way) and includes nine to 11 return trips or 18 to 23 single trips. This also includes transferable tickets, pet travel discount and priority boarding – perfect for frequent travellers who want speed and convenience.
- Platinum: From £63 per car (one way) and includes 12+ return trips or 24+ single trips. This comes with all the perks, such as transferable tickets, pet discount, priority boarding and premium lounge access. This is the best value for regular DFDS travellers.
Student, young people and senior discounts
DFDS offers a 20 per cent discount on selected routes for students aged 18 to 27, young people aged 18 to 25 and seniors over 60. For example, right now there is 20 per cent off sailings from Newhaven to Dieppe. To take advantage of these savings, simply verify your eligibility and present a valid ID at the port.
Duty-free shopping and on-board spend vouchers
Bonus tip: don't forget to browse DFDS's duty-free shops onboard and at ports including Calais and Dunkerque. You can save up to 50 per cent compared to UK high street prices on items such as spirits, perfumes, Lego and confectionery. For added convenience, use the reserve and collect service to shop online before your trip and pick up your purchases before you sail.
Ferry discounts
As mentioned previously, most DFDS ferry offers are specific to routes. Here are some of the current ways to save:
- 15 per cent off Amsterdam ferries from Newcastle
- 15 per cent off ferries to France, plus a £10 onboard voucher
- 15 per cent off return trips to Sweden
- Free day trip when you spend £150 in the duty-free shop on selected routes
- 50 per cent off premium lounge access on selected routes
- Pre-book your meal and save 10 per cent on selected routes
Mini cruises
DFDS often runs 50 per cent off mini-cruises to various European destinations, including Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Oslo. Some offers are exclusive to foot passengers, so it’s worth checking if you can leave the car behind and still make the most of the deal.
Package holiday summer sale
The DFDS summer sale is now on, with one of the stand-out deals being 50 per cent off Amsterdam city breaks. From £106 per person, you can explore the famous canals, vibrant flowers and relaxed culture, with your ferry and accommodation included. The journey time takes approximately 16 hours and includes on-board entertainment, various dining options and Wi-Fi. This offer applies to trips between 1 July and 31 October 2025.
What to know before booking
Cancellation Policy
DFDS cancellation policies vary depending on your ticket type and route, so we highly recommend double-checking before you book. For example, for Dover to Calais/Dunkirk routes, economy tickets are non-refundable whereas premium tickets can be cancelled up to 48 hours before departure.
All refund requests must be made in writing within three months of the cancellation date.
For families
If you’re travelling with children, you’re in luck. Most DFDS routes offer child-friendly entertainment, such as treasure hunts, face-painting and play areas with mascots like Jack the pirate . Plus, children under three travel and dine free of charge, without needing their own seat or bed. Don’t forget to check out the DFDS offers page for regular family-specific discounts.
Travelling with pets
Your furry friends are also welcome on board DFDS crossings. As a part of the DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), travelling abroad with dogs and other pets is made straightforward and stress free.
Booking as a group
Large groups can save with DFDS’s group vehicle saver offer and get 10 per cent off when booking 10 or more cars or bikes on routes such as Newcastle to Amsterdam and Dover to France. Extra benefits include paying a 25 per cent deposit upon booking, with the remaining balance due eight weeks before departure.
How we choose the best DFDS discount codes
The Independent’s crack team of deal hunters is dedicated to finding you the best offers, deals and discounts. From best-selling products that we know our readers love to experiences for the whole family, we’re always searching for new ways to help you save more of your hard-earned cash.
Why you can trust us
Our team uses their years of experience in sourcing bargains to bring you the best possible discounts. By tracking the prices of products throughout the year, we’re able to bring you the best deals from tried-and-tested brands we love and trust.
For even more bargains, check out our dedicated deals section
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