Day trip to France (Calais) from the UK
Cross the Channel for a taste of FranceWhat about hopping over to France for the day? A short Dover - Calais ferry crossing puts the continent on your doorstep. In just 1 hour 30 minutes, you can leave the White Cliffs behind, sip a café au lait, and explore Calais’ magical squares, markets and beaches.
With frequent departures, great on‑board amenities, and beautiful sights waiting on the other side, a day trip to Calais in northern France from Kent is definitely worth it. Find out how to plan it with ferry tickets on Ferryhopper, in just a few steps.
The majestic lighthouse of Calais, a unique viewpoint to the English Channel
Ferry from Dover to Calais: schedules, prices & duration
The Dover - Calais ferry route is the most popular channel crossing and operates all year round. The connection is served by over 20 sailings per day and the journey usually takes about 1 hr 30 min. Note that ferries run from the early hours (often before 05:00) right through to after midnight, giving you plenty of flexibility when planning your return to Dover from Calais.
Irish Ferries and DFDS currently accept car passengers only; foot passengers are only carried by P&O Ferries. Ferry tickets start at about €96 (£87) one-way for a car and up to 4 passengers, with special round-trip offers appearing regularly.
We recommend checking in at least 90 minutes before sailing to avoid potential queues, especially during high season, on holidays and on weekends. There’s ample parking at the Port of Dover, and the terminal offers currency exchange, cafés, and free Wi‑Fi.
Ferries arrive at Gare Maritime Est, a short drive from Calais city centre.
Tips & useful information
- We recommend booking well in advance for popular weekend and school‑holiday sailings; prices often rise with demand and midday departures can sell out quickly.
- Don’t forget your passport and remember that France is 1 hour ahead of the UK.
- The distance between Dover and Calais is about 27 nautical miles (50 km).
- Head to the ship’s open deck as you approach Calais for a great photo of the port and, on clear days, a distant view of Dover’s cliffs.
Dover: the UK's busiest international ferry port
Day trip Calais: explore culture, towers & markets
Calais may be famous for its ferry terminal but its Old Town boasts a stunning landscape waiting to be explored. Start at the Hôtel de Ville, a neo‑Flemish town hall built in the early 20th century and crowned by a UNESCO‑listed belfry. Take the lift up the 78‑metre tower (costs €5) to enjoy panoramic views over the city’s rooftops and winding streets, and the Channel.
In the square outside stands Rodin’s poignant Les Bourgeois de Calais sculpture honouring 6 beave citizens who offered themselves to Edward III during the Hundred Years’ War. The monument is a gentle reminder of the city’s resilience and long history.
From the square, take a short walk to the Église Notre‑Dame, a church gracefully blending Gothic and Tudor architecture and a testament to the English occupation that reshaped its form. Nearby, the Tour de Guet (Watchtower) rises above Place d’Armes, a 13‑century tower that is the city’s oldest monument.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the square transforms into a bustling market with stalls selling tasty cheeses, baguettes and seasonal produce. Pick your favourite flavors and head to the seafront for a picnic with a view.
Your day trip continues at the Phare de Calais (lighthouse), rising above the harbour. Almost two centuries old, it survived World War II bombardments and still guides ships entering the harbour. Climb its spiral staircase of 271 steps to reach a 58‑metre lantern where you will be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Channel and even the White Cliffs of Dover.
Note: from June to September, the lighthouse is open every day with adult tickets at €5.50. During the rest of the year, it opens on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
Down on the waterfront, keep strolling and you’ll encounter the weathered stones of Fort Risban, originally built by the English in 1347. Continue along the shore to Fort Lapin and Fort Nieulay, 17‑century fortifications that once guarded Calais. Take a moment to appreciate the sea stretching out to the horizon and sense echoes of past centuries weaving through the salty air.
Tip: if you’ve got a few extra hours, venture west along the Côte d’Opale for a taste of rural coastal France. The breathtaking chalk cliffs of Cap Blanc‑Nez and Cap Gris‑Nez are connected by a scenic 10‑mile trail of dunes and beaches, while nearby villages such as Wissant and Audresselles host lively markets and brasseries serving fresh seafood.
Calais Town Hall: an architectural treasure
Ready for a France day trip?
With medieval monuments, panoramic towers, bustling markets and a rugged coastline all within easy reach of the ferry terminal, Calais is a northern‑French gem that you can explore at any time of the year.
Compare schedules, fares, and operators for your day trip to Calais on Ferryhopper, and use our interactive Map of ferries to plan the perfect cross‑Channel adventure. Book your ferry tickets hassle-free, pack your passport, and see where a ferry from Dover will take you next.