Dover to Calais Ferry Most Popular Questions

• How long is the ferry from Dover to Calais?

  The Dover Calais ferry trip can take around 1 hour 30 minutes. The fastest sailings are approximately 1 hour 25 minutes with P&O Ferries. Sailing times can vary between ferry operators and can be impacted by weather conditions. Our Deal Finder can tell you if your preferred ferry is a high-speed-ferry or conventional ferry.

• How much is the ferry from Dover to Calais?

  Dover Calais ferry prices typically range between £119* and £298*. The average price is typically £168*. The cheapest Dover Calais ferry prices start from £119*. The average price for a foot passenger is £70*. The average price for a car is £164*. 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 April 26.

• Which ferry companies operate between Dover to Calais?

  There are 3 popular ferry operators for Dover to Calais. These are

  • Irish Ferries
  • P&O Ferries
  • DFDS Seaways
• Dover Calais Ferry Operator Schedules

  There are 212 weekly sailings from Dover to Calais provided by Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways. Timetables can change from season to season.

• Do ferry schedules change on holidays?

  Ferry schedules often differ on bank holidays and during peak travel periods. Some sailings may run less frequently, or at different times of the day. Tip: Always check the operator’s timetable during holiday periods and factor in queueing time at busy ports. 

• How far is it from Dover to Calais?

  The distance between Dover to Calais is approximately 37.8 miles (60.8km) or 33 nautical miles.

• Can I reserve a cabin on the Dover ferry to Calais?

  There are cabins available on ferries from Dover to Calais with Irish Ferries. The average cabin price on the Dover Calais ferry route is £209. Price exclusive of booking fees.

• Can I amend my ferry tickets?

  You can easily request amendments through “Manage My Booking”, though changes depend on the ferry operator’s policy and availability—and may incur an admin fee plus any fare difference. Alternatively, you can opt for a flexi fare (when available) to enjoy fee-free date, time, vehicle or seat changes (subject to availability). We understand you may have questions such as what happens if your sailing is delayed or cancelled, whether you're entitled to compensation, or what the fees are for cancelling or changing your booking. For guidance on these and other topics, you can find helpful information in our Help Centre. Alternatively, our customer support team is always happy to help.

• Should I book my ferry tickets in advance for better prices and availability

  Ferry prices tend to rise as space onboard the ferry becomes more limited, and cabins or specific seating options can sell out early—especially during school or public holidays. We recommend booking in advance to secure the best fares and seat choices.

• What documents do I need to travel as a foot passenger to France?

  The type of documents you'll need traveling as a foot passenger to France depends on your route and nationality. On most international routes, you will need a passport to travel. For domestic routes you can usually travel with any valid form of ID. If the country you are traveling to is part of the Common Travel Area (e.g. Ireland, Isle of Man), British or Irish citizens may only require minimal ID. Since Brexit, British citizens travelling to EU countries must meet the Schengen entry rules, with stays now limited to 90 days in any 180-day period. EU border checks may now also take longer, especially during peak times. More up-to-date information on post-Brexit European travel rules you can find here: Travel after Brexit.