Dover - Calais
Ferry to France
Dover - Calais
Ferry to France
Ferries from Dover to Calais are operated by 3 ferry companies; Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways. The journey usually takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. There are currently 207 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £115. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Calais today.
Dover to Calais ferry prices typically range between £115* and £302*. The average price is typically £213*. The cheapest Dover to Calais ferry prices start from £115*. The average price for a foot passenger on the ferry from Dover to Calais is £68*. The average price for a car is £179*.
Dover to Calais ferry prices will vary depending on the 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 March 2026.
You can easily find a cheap Dover to Calais ferry using our Deal Finder. We recommend booking your ferry in advance for the cheapest Dover to Calais ferry fares. The sooner you book, the better the availability too. You can also check out our Special Offers page for the latest deals on Dover to Calais ferry crossings.
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.
The first Dover to 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 can see live Dover to Calais ferry times and easily find a ferry that suits your schedule and preferences.
Yes, you can take a day trip from Dover to 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 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 find out Dover to Calais car ferry prices. You can also check out our special offers page for deals on ferries from Dover to Calais and discover our top tips on driving to France on our blog.
If you’re travelling by car, speed limits in Calais are as follows:
Yes, it is possible to take a motorhome or caravan on the ferries from Dover to Calais. Use our Deal Finder for more information on travelling with a caravan on the Dover to Calais ferry or give our blog post on European Road trips a read.
Yes, you can take your bicycle on the 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 the operator's policies before you travel. View our Deal Finder for more information.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with P&O Ferries ferries to Calais from Dover.
Yes, pets are allowed on Dover to Calais ferries with Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways. 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.
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board the Dover to Calais ferry:
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator you travel with. Here's 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 ferry 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.
Ferries run all day on the Dover to 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 Irish Ferries, DFDS and P&O Dover to Calais ferry timetables and crossing times. Please note that the duration of the night ferries is usually slightly longer than that of the day ferries.
The duration of the Dover to Calais ferry depends on whether you’re travelling on a Dover to Calais fast ferry or conventional ferry. The Dover to Calais ferry takes 1 hour 30 minutes on average.
Average Dover to Calais ferry time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Fastest Dover to Calais ferry: 30 minutes
Longest Dover to Calais ferry: 2 hours 40 minutes
Bear in mind that Dover to Calais ferry times can change depending on the ferry operator you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in.
Dover to Calais ferries are provided by 3 ferry companies; Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways. There are a combined total of 31 daily and 207 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Dover to Calais ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Dover ferry to Calais runs all year round
Irish Ferries: 9 daily sailings and 62 weekly sailings
P&O Ferries: 10 daily sailings and 70 weekly sailings
DFDS Seaways: 11 daily sailings and 76 weekly sailings
Dover to Calais distance: approximately 37.8 miles (60.8km) or 33 nautical miles.
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.
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 Dover ferry port. If you're looking for short or long-stay parking at Dover ferry port, then there are plenty of options nearby. You'll then need to either get a shuttle or a taxi to the port.
Looking for accommodation near Dover ferry port before you travel? Check out our accommodation page for the best deals and prices.
Yes, 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.
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.
Accommodation and seating on ferries to Calais from Dover differs depending on the ferry company you're travelling with. Prices are also dependent on the operator 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. Although it might take longer if you're travelling with a car, campervan or a pet. 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 Dover to Calais ferry tickets in advance to guarantee your place on the ferry as there is often limited space on board. Dover to Calais ferry prices are also lower if you 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.
If cheap Dover to Calais ferry prices are your priority then we'd recommend booking your ferry in advance, out of the peak summer months and at off-peak times. Most Calais to Dover ferry prices are higher in the summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can also sell out so if you're planning on 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 on Dover to Calais ferry fares.
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 travelling 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 Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | £68 | |
| 1 Adult with Car | £179 | |
| 1 Adult with Motorcycle | £74 | |
| Average Campervan Price | £202 | |
| Average Cabin Price | £208 | |
| Dover - Calais Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | France |
| No. of Operators | 3 |
| Operators | Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways |
| Average Price | £213 |
| Average Pet Price | £194 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 31 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 207 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 30 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 March 2026.
"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. Numerous daily sailings make it a convenient option too, giving you plenty of freedom when it comes to planning your trip to France.
Dover is a historic coastal town in southeast England, famous for its iconic white cliffs and ferry links to Europe. Blending breathtaking natural beauty with rich history, the town offers plenty to see and do. Whether you fancy taking a scenic hike, visiting medieval landmarks or exploring fascinating museums, you'll soon realise that there's more to Dover than just its port.
Dover has a great bus service operated by Stagecoach, connecting some of Dover's main tourist sites. However, if you want to explore the region fully, we'd recommend renting a car.
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 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
