Ferry from Dover to Calais

Tickets, Prices & Schedules

There are multiple daily ferry crossings from the port of Dover in southeastern England, UK, to the port of Calais in northern France. Find updated info, compare ferry schedules, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper.

Discounts

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry to Calais from Dover with lower-cost ferry tickets. Ferry companies offer special discounts for specific passenger categories, such as:

  • Children up to 15 years old
  • Families with children 

Note: children up to 3 years can usually travel by ferry to France from Dover for free. Keep in mind that available discounts can vary from one ferry operator to another.

On-board services and amenities

Cabins

Since the ferry trip is short (1.5 hr), there are no cabins available on the Dover - Calais ferries.

Luggage

Each ferry company has its own luggage policy:

  • On DFDS ferries, each passenger can carry up to 50 kg of luggage. The luggage must be taken by yourself from and on board. Note that there are no luggage carts.
  • On Irish Ferries, passengers traveling by car may bring as much personal luggage as they can fit into their vehicle.
  • On P&O Ferries, there are no specific limits on ferry luggage.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on ferries that travel from Dover to Calais. Make sure you carry your pet’s passport and health documents with you. Your pet can either stay in your vehicle or in designated pet-friendly kennels, typically available for an additional fee

Note: each ferry company has its own pet policy, so make sure to check it or contact the company before your trip.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Calais from Dover

Here are some travel tips for your trip from Dover to Calais:

  • Make sure to arrive at the Dover port well in advance. Check-in closes 90 min prior to the scheduled departure time for foot passengers and 60 min prior for all other categories of traffic. The dedicated shuttle bus for foot passengers will leave when check-in closes (90 min before your sailing).
  • Since there is a 1-hr time difference between the UK and France, don’t get confused! The ferry trip to Calais takes 1.5 hr, and not 2.5 hr.
  • To travel from the UK to France hassle-free while enjoying the high-end amenities onboard the Dover to Calais ferry, you will need a valid passport.
  • Dover - Calais is the fastest ferry crossing from the UK to France. The proximity of the two ports makes Calais a popular destination for a great weekend trip to France from Dover by ferry.

Where to take the ferry from Dover to Calais

Ferries from Dover to Calais depart regularly from the port of Dover in southeastern England, which is one of the world's busiest passenger ports.

Dover is around 112 km from London and you can get to the port by car in less than 2.5 hr, via the M20 which merges into the A20 at Folkstone. You can also travel from London to Dover by train. Dover Priory is the nearest train station to Dover ferry Terminals. You can walk from the station to the Passenger Terminal in about 25 min.

If you are traveling to Calais as a foot passenger, you will get to the Passenger Terminal building at Dover’s Eastern Docks first. You will then take a shuttle bus from the Passenger Terminal building to your ferry.

You will find all necessary amenities in the Passenger Services Building (PSB), located on the west side of the port. Facilities include cash and currency services, toilets, cash points, vending machines, free Wi-Fi access, restaurants, and a games room.

Where does the ferry arrive in Calais?

Ferries typically arrive at the Calais terminal at Gare Maritime Est, situated a few minutes’ drive from the centre of the city.

How long is the ferry ride from Dover to Calais?

The Dover to Calais ferry time is approximately 1 hr 30 min. However, the ferry trip can take up to 2 hr 30 min, depending on the season, vessel, ferry operator, and weather conditions.

Dover - Calais ferry companies

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FAQs

Yes, you can transfer your vehicle on the Dover to Calais ferry. The types of vehicles allowed are small and bigger cars, motorhomes, buses, motorcycles, and bicycles.

No, you can’t stay in your car during the ferry crossing between Dover and Calais. Once the vessel disembarks, you are not allowed to stay in the car parking deck for safety reasons.

However, you can return to your car a few minutes before reaching the port of Calais, following the instructions of the crew.

The ferries operating the route from Dover to Calais are normally conventional. The fastest ferry to Calais takes about 1.5 hours.

The distance between the port of Dover in the UK and the port of Calais in France is around 27 nautical miles (approximately 50 km).

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

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