Dover – Calais
Ferries to France
Dover – Calais
Ferries to France
The Dover to Calais ferry route is provided by 3 operators and is available all year round. The ferry crossing from Dover to Calais takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes on ferries servicing this route. The duration for the Dover to Calais ferry can range between 90 minutes and 110 minutes depending on the operator that you choose to book with and weather conditions at the time of departure.
There are around 162 weekly sailings from Dover to Calais. P&O Ferries provide up to 13 sailings per day, Irish Ferries provide up to 14 sailings per day and DFDS Seaways provide up to 14 sailings per day. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry leaves Dover Port at approximately 00:15 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 23:55. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.
There are up to 9 ferries that sail overnight from Dover to Calais. The first overnight sailing from Dover usually departs at 23:55 with P&O Ferries and will arrive in Calais at around 01:35.
The fastest ferry from Dover to Calais is with P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries and DFDS in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Dover to Calais usually cost around $168.
Yes, there are cabins available on the ferry from Dover to Calais with Irish Ferries.
Yes, pets are welcome on the P&O ferry service from Dover to Calais. They are also welcome on Irish Ferries and DFDS Seaways. Pets must be transported in a secure carrier when boarding the ship and are not allowed on the passenger decks. Those travelling on P&O Ferries should know that it costs around $20 per pet each way to travel on the Dover to Calais route. However, registered Guide and Hearing Dogs are allowed to travel for free. All pets must remain in the vehicle or the Pet Lounge throughout the crossing.
Yes, cars are allowed on ferries from Dover to Calais with DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries.
Yes, foot passengers can board the ferry from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries. Please note that the availability of foot passenger services may vary between ferry operators. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for foot passenger ferries.
Those travelling with P&O Ferries can bring as many luggage items as they wish. However, each item must weigh under 23 kilograms as well as hand luggage. Those travelling with Irish Ferries are allowed to take up to 2 pieces of luggage per passenger, though each bag should not weigh more than 22 kilograms. Meanwhile, DFDS allow a maximum of 50 kilograms of luggage per passenger.
The price of a ferry from Dover to Calais can vary between $62 and $290 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $204, prices can range from $62 and $509. The average price with a car is $214. Car prices can range from $110 and $264. Prices may vary for other vehicle types. All ferry prices can change from season to season.
Prices subject to change, pricing representative of searches over last 30 days.
Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. We highly recommend that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability.
The best way to travel from Dover to Calais is by ferry or the Eurotunnel. With up to 24 sailings per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there is an alternative ferry to Dover if you require additional flexibility.
P&O customers can travel as a foot passenger from Dover to Calais between 9am and 7pm on certain sailings. However, DFDS and Irish Ferries currently do not permit foot passengers to travel on their ships between Dover to Calais. Foot passengers arriving at Dover can even reach the capital city of London in 1 hour via a high-speed train.
Save up to 50% on high street prices from your favourite brands with Duty Free on ships operating the Dover to Calais route. Facilities operating this route include foreign currency exchange and a selection of bars, restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy during the trip.
First class is available on ferries from Dover to Calais with Irish Ferries.
Dover to Calais is the fastest ferry crossing from England to France with a distance of approximately 30 miles between the English and French port. The close proximity makes Dover to Calais a great day trip ferry route for people to visit France.
Foot passengers across the country can take a direct train from London to Dover, with the fastest journey via the southeastern high speed train in just over 1 hour. In Calais, regular trains travel from Calais Ville to popular French destinations such as Lille, or the capital city, Paris, for a longer stay. Calais is situated north west of France close to Normandy and very close to the border with Belgium. Brussels is just a few hours drive from Calais for those who want to cross the border and visit one of Europe's most influential capital cities.
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| Dover - Calais Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | UK | |
| Destination Country | France | |
| No. of Operators | 3 | |
| Operators | DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries & P&O Ferries | |
| Average Price | $168* | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 24 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 162 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1h 30m | |
| First Ferry | 00:15 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:55 | |
| Distance | 32 nautical miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.
Located in the coastal town of Dover, the Dover ferry port offers a convenient and picturesque starting point for your sea journey. Situated near the white cliffs, this port provides travelers with a stunning view of the English Channel. The town of Dover itself is rich in history, boasting attractions such as Dover Castle and the Roman Painted House. The Dover ferry port is well-connected to public transportation, with the city center just 1.5 kilometers away. The Dover Priory train station is also easily accessible, located 2 kilometers from the port. Bus stations are conveniently close as well, making it easy to explore the town and its surroundings. Throughout the year, Dover hosts a variety of events and festivals, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture. From food festivals to historical reenactments, there is always something happening in Dover to entertain and delight travelers passing through the ferry port. Whether you are embarking on a new adventure or returning home, the Dover ferry port offers a tranquil and charming starting point for your journey across the Channel. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Dover before setting sail from this historic port.
Calais ferry port serves as a vital link between France and the United Kingdom, offering convenient access to cross-channel travel. Situated in the charming coastal town of Calais, visitors can explore its historical sites, such as the iconic Calais Lighthouse and the imposing Town Hall. The port is in close proximity to public transport links, including the Calais Ville train station, located just 2 km away, and the Calais bus station, a short 1.5 km distance. Travelers can easily navigate their way to the city center, only 2.5 km from the port, where they can discover quaint cafes, boutiques, and the bustling Place d'Armes square. Calais also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, from art exhibitions to music festivals, ensuring there is always something exciting happening in this vibrant town. Explore Calais and all it has to offer from the convenient and well-connected Calais ferry port.
