Dover – Calais
Ferry to France
Dover – Calais
Ferry to France
The Dover to Calais ferry is available all year round and is one of the most popular England to France ferry routes. Make the journey already part of your holiday. Skip long queues at the airport and take as much luggage as you like. Planning to travel with your pet, the whole family, or wanting flexibility by taking the car? The ferries between Dover and Calais got you covered. Ferries from Dover to Calais are operated by 3 ferry companies; Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways, offering a combined total of 18 daily sailings and 125 weekly sailings. At Direct Ferries, we've made booking your ferry to France easy. Just use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and find a ferry to suit you.
Dover Calais ferry prices typically range between £108* and £274*. The average price is typically £190*. The cheapest Dover Calais ferry prices start from £108*. The average price for a foot passenger is £66*. The average price for a car is £174*.
Pricing will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated September 25.
You can easily find cheap ferry tickets with our Deal Finder. We recommend booking in advance to get the best possible prices and availability. You can also check out our Special Offers page for the latest deals on Dover ferries.
Are there any discounts available for senior citizens, students or residents? Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year around. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed in our Deal Finder. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first Dover Calais ferry typically departs from Dover at around 00:15. The last ferry usually departs at 23:55. For your convenience we update our timetables in real time, so you are always up to date and can find the ferry that fits your personal schedule and preferences best.
Yes, you can take a day trip between Dover and Calais. Day trips from Dover to Calais by ferry are very popular due to the short journey time and many daily crossings. If possible, taking a vehicle is also a good way to explore the surrounding area outside the harbour at your own pace.
Yes, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways ferries allow cars on board ferries between Dover and Calais. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Dover and Calais. You can also find the latest offers and cheap Dover Calais ferry tickets on our ferry and special offers page & tips for the perfect holiday in France by car on our blog here. If you’re travelling by car, speed limits are as follows:
Yes, it is possible to take a motorhome or caravan on the ferries between Dover and Calais. For more information on travelling with caravan on ferries, use our Deal Finder or give our blog post on European Roadtrips a read.
Yes, you can bring a bicycle on a ferry from Dover to Calais with Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways. Most ferry companies allow bicycles on board, but it is always best to check policies regarding bringing bicycles on the ferry. View our Deal Finder for more information.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with P&O Ferries ferries between Dover and Calais.
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. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey unless the ferry operator supplies pet accommodation. Pet-friendly operators: Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways.
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board the Dover to Calais boat: Health documents showing your pet’s vaccinations, everything your pet needs for a safe and comfortable journey such as water, food & a lead.
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Here some general information for the journey with your pet:
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 Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways. 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.
Ferrys run all day on the Dover Calais route. This means you can also take a ferry from England to France late in the evening or at night.
Use our Deal Finder to find out whether your desired ferry is a night ferry. Here you will also find the current ferry timetables and crossing times. Please note that the duration of the night ferries is usually slightly longer than that of the day ferries.
Although the prices of the Eurotunnel and ferry can vary depending on when you travel, getting the ferry to France is generally cheaper than the Eurotunnel. The Eurotunnel is quicker than the ferry, therefore tickets tend to be more expensive.
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. By coach: you can get a coach from London Victoria to Dover. The journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. By train: trains are also available from London to Dover Priory. These are operated by Southeastern trains. The train station is located around 1.5 miles from the port.
How early you need to arrive at Dover ferry port depends on the operator you're travelling with and whether you are travelling with a vehicle or by foot.
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.
Unfortunately, parking is not available inside the ferry port. However, there are car parks nearby. You'll then need to either get a shuttle or a taxi to the port.
If you are looking for accommodation near the Port of Dover before you travel, visit our Accommodation page for the best deals and prices.
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.
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.
Is duty free available on the Dover to Calais ferry? Planning on doing some shopping on your way to Calais? You're in luck! Duty-free shopping is available on the Dover to Calais ferry so you can save on everything from cosmetics to electronics and more.
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.
The amount of luggage you can take on the Dover to Calais ferry depends on the ferry company you're travelling with.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry generally takes around 15-45 minutes. If you are travelling with a car, campervan or a pet it might take longer. Also be aware of the possibility of border checks when you are entering France.
Ferries to Calais will take you to northern France. 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. There is a free shuttle bus called the Balad'In which connects the ferry terminal with the centre of Calais from Monday to Saturday.
Although you may be able to get on the ferry if you turn up at Dover ferry port without pre-booking a ticket, we recommend booking your ferry tickets to Calais in advance to guarantee your place on the ferry. There is often limited space on board and prices can be a lot higher if you don't pre-book your tickets.
The latest check-in time for your Dover to Calais ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.
Book your ferry tickets online with Direct Ferries using our Deal Finder. Just enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and check-in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Dover to Calais for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable.
We recommend checking for alternative dates. Our Deal Finder automatically compares the desired route with alternative routes and dates, offering up-to-date real time options, all in one place.
We recommend booking 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 in summer, it’s always best to book in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when traveling from Dover to Calais, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel.
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| Dover - Calais Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | England | |
| Destination | France | |
| No. of Operators | 3 | |
| Operators | Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways | |
| Average Price | £190 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 18 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 125 | |
| 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 September 2025.
"VERY IMPRESSED "
"Vive La France"
"Perfect"
"All good!"
You can be tucking into French delicacies and soaking up postcard-perfect views in as little as 1 and a half hours thanks to the Dover to Calais ferry route. As the quickest UK to France ferry route, it's no surprise that it's one of the busiest routes in the world, handling millions of passengers every single year. The large amount of daily sailings make it a convenient option too, giving you plenty of freedom when it comes to planning your trip to France.
There’s more to this Kent coastal town than its busy port. Offering a combination of history and natural beauty, we’d recommend allowing a day or two in Dover before making your way to France. Need some inspiration? Here’s our round-up of some of the best things to do in Dover:
Securing the top spot for the UK’s busiest passenger port, Dover ferry port handles around 11 million passengers per year. The port serves ferries, freight and cruise ships to Calais and Dunkirk in France.
At Dover ferry port you’ll find a range of amenities including information desks, currency exchange desks and toilets. There are also comfortable waiting areas and cafes where you can grab a drink and a snack.
Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT16 1JA
The historic city in northern France may be known for its port, but before you think about heading off for your French adventure, it’s worth spending a day or two soaking up the city’s vibrant culture and checking out its sights. From impressive landmarks to sandy beaches, this isn’t just your average port city…
Calais ferry port is located in northern France in the Hauts-de-France region. Handling millions of passengers every year, it’s the busiest passenger port in France, acting as the main gateway to the UK.
At Calais ferry port you'll find information desks, currency exchange counters, toilets and comfortable waiting areas. There are also a selection of shops and cafes.
Gare Maritime Est, Calais, France
