Dover Ferry

Dover Ferry

Dover Ferry

Dover ferry port connects the UK with France. There are currently 275 weekly sailings operated by Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways. Popular ferry routes include Dover to Calais with a duration of around 1 hour 30 minutes. Bear in mind that sailing information can vary depending on the time of year. We recommend using our Deal Finder to see live sailing times, availability and prices for Dover ferries.

Port Address

Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT16 1JA

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Dover ferry port guide

Dover is the UK’s busiest passenger port, handling over 11 million passengers each year. It’s also an international cruise port and an important gateway for trade between the UK and Europe, with over 2 million freight vehicles passing through Dover annually. 

There is 1 passenger terminal which is located at Eastern Docks. Major ferry operators including P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways operate from this terminal, with 40 daily and 275 weekly sailings. There are also 2 main cruise terminals, along with a port of call terminal. 

Dover ferry port serves ferries to and from the French ports of Calais and Dunkirk. Ferries between Calais and Dover are the most popular and fastest ferry routes from the UK to France and vice versa, with an average journey time of around 90 minutes. Ferries between Dover and Dunkirk are also popular, with a slightly longer sailing duration of approximately 2 hours.


Where is Dover ferry port located?

Dover ferry port is located on the southeast coast of England in the county of Kent. It’s around 1.5 miles from Dover train station. Dover port is the nearest English port to France, offering a vital connection between the UK and Europe.


How to get to Dover ferry port from the UK

Dover ferry port is easily accessible from the rest of the UK by both car and public transport. Once you’ve arrived at Dover’s Eastern Docks passenger terminal, there are shuttle buses taking you from the terminal to the ferry.

Arriving by car

It’s easy to reach Dover ferry port by car. The ferry port is clearly signposted on most routes into Dover.

From the North

  • Take the M1 or M6 southbound followed by M25 and then the M20 until you reach Folkestone. Then, continue on the A20 until you get to the Eastern Docks roundabout and take the first left into the terminal.

From London

  • Take the M20 motorway and then the A20 towards Dover. Once you reach the Eastern Docks roundabout, turn left into the terminal. The journey usually takes around 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic.

From the West

  • Take the M4 eastbound towards London. Then take the M25 and then M20 before continuing on the A20 towards Dover and the Eastern Docks roundabout.

Arriving by train

Where is the nearest train station?

The nearest train station to Dover port is Dover Priory.

How to get to Dover port by train

Southeastern operate train services from London to Dover Priory, with the fastest trains taking as little as 1 hour. 

  • London St Pancras to Dover Priory – 1 hour 6 minutes 
  • London Bridge to Dover Priory – 1 hour 51 minutes 
  • London Victoria to Dover Priory – 2 hours 5 minutes 

Once you’ve arrived at Dover Priory train station, you can get a 5-minute taxi to the port or it’s a 20-minute walk away. We’d recommend getting a taxi if you have luggage.

Arriving by coach

National Express operate coaches from London Victoria to Dover Priory. The journey usually takes around 3 hours depending on traffic. Once you’ve arrived at Dover Priory, you can either walk to the terminal or take a short taxi ride.

Arriving by taxi

You can get a taxi from Dover centre to Dover ferry port. It’s just a short 5-minute journey depending on the traffic. Prices can vary between around £10 to £15.

Reaching Dover port from the airport

London City Airport

  • Distance: 60 miles/97km 
  • Approximate driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes

London Gatwick Airport

  • Distance: 80 miles/128km 
  • Approximate driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes

London Heathrow Airport

  • Distance: 95 miles/152km 
  • Approximate driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Arriving at Dover port from France

Disembarking the ship

Whether you’re coming from Calais or Dunkirk, arriving at Dover is smooth and straight-forward. Ferries from France arrive at the main passenger terminal, Eastern Docks.

Arriving as a foot passenger

If you’re travelling as a foot passenger, the ferry company provides a shuttle bus service taking you from the ferry to the passenger terminal building. All passengers must go through UK passport control, so make sure you have your passports and any necessary travel documents ready to show.

Public transport

There’s a taxi rank located outside the passenger terminal building. National Express also operate coaches between Dover port and London Victoria. We’d recommend booking your coach to London in advance.

The nearest train station

The nearest train station to Dover ferry port is Dover Priory, which is located around 1 mile away. You can walk from the ferry terminal to the train station in around 25 minutes. Trains from Dover go to a range of destinations including London, Canterbury and Folkestone.

The nearest airport

If you’re travelling to the airport, you can get to London City, London Gatwick and London Heathrow airport in around 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours depending on traffic.

Disembarking by car

If you’re arriving by car, just follow the signs directing you where to go. Make sure you have your passports handy as you will need to go through UK passport control before you leave the port.

Distance from major cities in the UK

  • London: 77 miles / 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 
  • Southampton: 150 miles / 3 hours 
  • Bristol: 195 miles / 3 hours 30 minutes 
  • Birmingham: 200 miles / 3 hours 45 minutes

Dover port: services, amenities and more

Amenities

There are a wide range of amenities available at Dover port. The Passenger Terminal has facilities such as Costa Coffee kiosks, ticket desks and public toilets. You’ll also find many more amenities at the Passenger Services Building West which is located between Berths 7 and 8 on the west side of the Port. These amenities include toilets, currency services, ATMs, a games room, pet exercise areas and shops and dining outlets such as Costa Coffee, Burger King and WHSmiths.

Parking at Dover port

Unfortunately, there are no parking facilities in Dover port. However, there are parking companies offering secure parking not too far from the ferry port. Some parking facilities even offer shuttle services to and from the terminal. We recommend trying the following services that are located within close proximity to the ferry port: 

  • Relyon ferry parking 
  • Purple parking 
  • JustPark

Accessibility

At Dover port there are unisex disabled toilet facilities throughout the terminal. There are also wheelchair-friendly ramps on all split-level buildings and walkways. Induction loops for passengers with hearing aids are also available in the main passenger buildings. Reception staff at the port are trained in deaf awareness too.

Pets

Pet exercise areas are located at the Passenger Services Building West. You’ll also find another pet exercise area located between berths 2 and 3.

Luggage

Unfortunately, there is no luggage story facility located at the port.

Useful information

Port address: 
Dover Ferry Terminal,
Eastern Docks, 
Dover, 
Kent, 
CT16 1JA 

General contact number: 
01304 240400


Visiting Dover

Staying in Dover? Dover may be known for its port but there’s more to this charming coastal town than just that. With breathtaking natural landscapes and a rich and fascinating history, there’s plenty to do in Dover. 

The White Cliffs of Dover are undoubtedly the most famous of Dover’s attractions and it’s easy to see why. These iconic white cliffs were formed millions of years ago and have become one of the country’s most iconic sights. As well as admiring from afar, we’d recommend walking along one of the clifftop coastal paths to soak up the stunning scenery. 

The impressive Dover Castle is also one of the town’s most-visited landmarks, dating back to the 11th century. This medieval hilltop castle is a must-visit, especially for history lovers. Other top attractions in Dover include the Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery where you can see the oldest sea-going vessel, and Samphire Hoe, a beautiful nature reserve created from the chalk marl used during the construction of the Channel Tunnel.

Exploring the surrounding area

There are plenty of places to explore beyond Dover too. Nicknamed ‘The Garden of England’ thanks to its beautiful landscapes, Kent is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the North Downs Way both offer incredible scenery and beautiful walking trails. 

If you prefer to be by the coast, the county’s glorious sandy coastline is sure to impress. Beach-lovers should head to Broadstairs, Margate or Ramsgate to experience a traditional English coastal town. 

There are also countless vineyards dotted across the county where you can enjoy tours and tastings. If that’s not enough, in Kent you’ll also find medieval cities like Canterbury with its iconic cathedral, and the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

FAQs

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