Dover to Calais: Alternative ferry routes
Travel Advice
1 June 2026
Dover to Calais: Alternative ferry routes
Although Dover to Calais may be the fastest ferry route between the UK and France, taking just 1 hour 30 minutes, it’s not always the best option. Alternative ferry routes may actually be cheaper, less crowded and more convenient depending on your final destination. By choosing a different departure or arrival port, you can avoid heavy traffic, reduce driving time or just enjoy a more relaxed crossing. To help you out, we’ve compared some of the most popular alternatives so you can choose which route suits you best.
Comparison: getting to France from the UK
| Route | Duration | Price (from) | Frequency | Best for |
| Dover to Dunkirk | 2 Hours | £25 | 63 sailings per week | Second fastest connection after Calais, frequent sailings, cheaper fares, ideal for Belgium and the Netherlands |
| Newhaven to Dieppe | 4 Hours | £32 | 16 sailings per week | Avoiding Kent traffic, easy access to western France/Normandy |
Alternative routes
Dover to Dunkirk
If you still want to depart from Dover, the Dover to Dunkirk ferry is a great alternative, with regular daily sailings. Dunkirk is located just 23 miles from Calais, so you’re still arriving in roughly the same part of northern France.
This route is often cheaper and less congested than Dover to Calais, making it ideal if you want to avoid long queues and busy terminals. Because it’s slightly less popular, fares tend to be a bit cheaper, especially if you book in advance.
Dunkirk is well connected to the French motorway network, making onward travel easy. Not only does it offer great access to northern France but its close proximity to Belgium and the Netherlands make it ideal if you plan on exploring further afield.
| How to get to Dover |
|
| Ideal for |
|
| Nearby landmarks | Visit the White Cliffs of Dover, one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, the medieval Dover Castle and the beautiful landscapes of Kent Downs. |
| Travel by | Ferries from Dover to Dunkirk allow:
|
Newhaven to Dieppe
Located around 100 miles west of Dover, Newhaven is a good alternative to the Dover routes, especially for travellers coming from southern England, such as Brighton and Portsmouth. Dover can get extremely busy due to high freight traffic so it means you can avoid congestion and delays on route.
Because Newhaven is a smaller and quieter port, you can usually expect a more relaxing experience with short queues and quicker check-in times. On arrival, Dieppe is well positioned for exploring western France. It offers straightforward access to destinations such as Rouen, which is less than an hour away, as well as the rest of the Normandy region.
The longer crossing time also means fares are often cheaper, making it a good option if you’re on a budget.
| How to get to Newhaven from Dover |
|
| Ideal for |
|
| Nearby landmarks | Visit the Seven Sisters Cliffs, a quieter alternative to the White Cliffs of Dover, the historic market town of Lewes and South Downs National Park with its beautiful walking trails. |
| Travel by | Ferries from Newhaven to Dieppe allow:
|
Decision guide: Which ferry is the right one for me?
| Cheapest | Dover to Dunkirk |
| Fastest | Dover to Dunkirk |
| Easiest to reach from Dover | Dover to Dunkirk |
| Best for destination/landmark | Depends on what you prefer - for iconic landmarks Dover is best but for national parks, historic towns and cities, Newhaven may be better |
Dover is the most popular departure point for ferries to France, with Calais as the main arrival port due to the fast crossing time and frequent daily sailings.
However, the Dover to Dunkirk route is a great alternative, with cheaper fares and less congestion. It’s also great for connections to Belgium and the Netherlands.
Newhaven to Dieppe is also a good option. Although the crossing is slightly longer, it means you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed sailing. Overall, the best route depends on your priorities. Compare all routes with Direct Ferries and book your ferry today!