Dover – Calais
Ferry to France
Dover – Calais
Ferry to France
If you're wondering how to get to France from the UK, you can easily take a ferry from Dover. Ferries from Dover to Calais are operated by 3 ferry companies; P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways & Irish Ferries. With 29 daily sailings, there are plenty of options available.
First ferry: departs Dover at 00:15.
Last ferry: departs Dover at around 23:55.
Bear in mind that the Dover Calais ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Dover to Calais ferry timetable before you book.
The UK to France ferry duration depends on whether you’re travelling on a fast ferry or a conventional ferry. Ferries from Dover to Calais usually take around 1 hour 30 minutes on average.
Average Dover to Calais ferry time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Fastest Dover to Calais crossing time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Longest Dover to Calais ferry time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Dover Calais ferries are provided by 3 ferry companies; P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways & Irish Ferries. There are a combined total of 29 daily and 199 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways & Irish Ferries Dover Calais timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: all year round
P&O Ferries: 11 daily sailings and 72 weekly sailings
DFDS Seaways: 11 daily sailings and 76 weekly sailings
Irish Ferries: 9 daily sailings and 62 weekly sailings
Dover Calais ferry prices can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in.
Average Dover to Calais ferry price: £200.00
The distance between Dover to Calais is approximately 37.8 miles (60.8km) or 33 nautical miles.
Yes, you can get the ferry to Calais with a car.
Car operators: P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways & Irish Ferries
Calais Dover car ferry prices: usually between £108 and £256
Cheapest car price: £79
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the ferry to Calais from Dover.
Dover Calais foot passenger ferries: P&O Ferries
Dover to Calais foot passenger prices: usually between £33 and £155
Cheapest foot passenger ferry to Calais: £18
Yes, you can take your camper on ferries from Dover to Calais. See below for approximate prices.
Camper prices: usually between £138 and £335
Cheapest camper price: £86
Although the prices of the Eurotunnel and ferry can vary depending on when you travel, getting the ferry to Calais is generally cheaper than the Eurotunnel.
Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the Dover to Calais ferry.
Pets are allowed on Dover to Calais ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
Pet-friendly operators:
P&O Ferries
DFDS Seaways
Irish Ferries
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board the Dover to Calais boat.
P&O Ferries:
DFDS Seaways:
Irish Ferries:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs for free on the Dover to Calais boat with P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways & Irish Ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
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| Dover - Calais Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | England | |
| Destination | France | |
| No. of Operators | 3 | |
| Operators | P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways & Irish Ferries | |
| Average Price | £200 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 29 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 199 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 25 m | |
| First Ferry | 00:15 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:55 | |
| Distance | 33 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 June 2025.
"VERY IMPRESSED "
"Vive La France"
"Perfect"
"All good!"
Dover Ferry Port serves as a fascinating departure point for travellers keen on exploring the rich historical tapestry and natural beauty of southeast England. Known for the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, this port city attracts visitors with its stunning coastal views and significant wartime history. The Dover Castle, perched above the town, offers a glimpse into medieval and wartime periods through well-preserved fortifications and underground tunnels. From Dover, travellers can easily access major cities like London and Canterbury via frequent train services from Dover Priory station, which is a short bus or taxi ride from the ferry port. Annually, the city hosts the Dover Regatta, a vibrant event celebrating maritime heritage with boat races and family activities. Whether you are drawn to explore historic sites or take in the coastal charm, Dover Ferry Port provides a compelling start to your journey.
Calais Ferry Port serves as a vibrant maritime hub, linking travellers to the charms of France and beyond. The city itself is a compelling blend of history and modernity, with the famous white cliffs of Dover visible across the channel on clear days. Tourists are drawn to attractions such as the Burghers of Calais statue by Rodin, the historic Town Hall, and the World War II Museum. Just a short drive from the port, visitors can explore the scenic Côte d'Opale or take a day trip to the bustling city of Lille. The port offers excellent connectivity, with frequent train services to Paris and Brussels from Calais-Fréthun station, and a well-organized local bus network facilitating easy travel to the city centre. Whether you're exploring Calais for its rich history or as a starting point for European adventures, the port provides a convenient and accessible gateway.
We recommend to book your ferry from Dover to Calais in advance to get it at the cheapest price. Prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Calais Dover ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re travelling from Dover to Calais by boat in summer it’s always best to book in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Dover Calais ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Dover to Calais ferry booking.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
The amount of luggage you can take on the Dover to Calais ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
P&O Ferries: no specific limit
DFDS Seaways: no specific limit
Irish Ferries: 2 suitcases per person each weighing no more than 22kg
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the Dover to Calais ferry. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the Dover to Calais boat differs depending on the ferry company. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.
P&O Ferries: There are spacious lounges with seating, as well as an exclusive Club Lounge for extra comfort and sea views.
DFDS Seaways: A range of cabins are available on board for passengers including an all-inclusive Premium Lounge at an added cost.
Irish Ferries: Inside, outside and window cabins are available along with Club Class cabins which offer extra amenities.
Yes, the ferries from Dover to Calais are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate your requests.
P&O Ferries - Ferries are accessible for electric and manual wheelchair users. There are also changing place facilities on this route along with disabled toilets.
DFDS Seaways - Accessible toilets and lifts are available on board.
Irish Ferries - Wheelchairs are available along with specially adapted public toilets and dedicated seating areas.
We recommend arriving at Dover port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
Your Dover to Calais tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.
The latest check-in time for your Dover to Calais ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.
P&O Ferries: 60 minutes before departure for vehicles and motorcycles. 90 minutes before departure for foot passengers and those travelling with pets.
DFDS Seaways: usually 60 mins before departure.
Irish Ferries: 30 minutes before departure unless you're travelling with a coach. Coaches need to check in 1 hour before.
Yes, parking is available at Dover port.
Dover port is easy to reach.
By car - take the M20 until you reach Folkestone. Continue on the A20 until you get to Eastern Docks roundabout. Once there, take the first left into the ferry terminal.
Once you've arrived at Calais port, make sure you follow the instructions at the port on where to go. You should also be prepared for custom checks and have your passport ready to show.
If you’re travelling by car, speed limits are as follows:
Motorways: 130km/h or 80mph
Dual carriageways: 110km/h or 70mph
Main roads outside built-up areas: 80km/h or 50mph
Main roads within built-up areas: 50km/h or 30mph
