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 211 weekly sailings on this ferry route, with 31 daily sailings on average throughout the year. Prices start from as little as £21, with an average price of £164. Pets are allowed on the ferries to Calais. Cabins are also available to passengers on this route. You can travel on ferries to Calais in a range of vehicles including motorcycles, cars and campervans. These ferries typically even allow passengers to travel with bicycles. DirectFerries was founded in 1999 and offers quick and easy way to look, compare and book 1000's of ferry crossings across the world
Dover to Calais ferries are provided by 3 ferry companies; Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways, offering 31 daily and 212 weekly sailings.
Bear in mind, the Dover to Calais ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Dover to Calais ferries run all year round:
Day trips from Dover to Calais by ferry are very popular due to the short journey time and frequent daily crossings. Taking a vehicle also gives you easy access to the rest of France.
Dover to Calais ferry prices typically start from £21. The average price is typically £164. The average price for a foot passenger on the ferry from Dover to Calais is £67. The average price for a car is £160.
While you can often turn up on the day and book a ferry, prices increase as sailings fill up so booking in advance (at least 48 hours, ideally earlier) is the most reliable way to secure the lowest fares. There are also limited seats available so spontaneous trips may not be possible during busy periods.
We also offer a 5% discount for Students and graduates on ferry tickets. Students will need to register with our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You'll then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Each operator has different extras and ticket types so keep an eye out for what's important to you.
Most operators don't have any specific limits on luggage so you can take however much fits in your car, but this does vary by operator:
Extras vary by vessel and operator so may not have all the options listed below, but some of the available extras are:
Some extras are completely free but others may require an additional cost while booking.
The Eurotunnel is the most the common alternative to the ferry and while it's quicker than the ferry, it can be more expensive and is often busier so it's good to compare schedules and prices to get the best option.
Dover also offers routes to Dunkirk which can be a nice option for getting to Belgium and exploring more of Europe as well as having nice connections to the rest of France.
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| Dover - Calais Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | £67 | |
| 1 Adult with Car | £160 | |
| 1 Adult with Motorcycle | £76 | |
| Average Campervan Price | £205 | |
| Average Cabin Price | £209 | |
| Dover - Calais Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | France |
| No. of Operators | 3 |
| Operators | Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries & DFDS Seaways |
| Average Price | £164 |
| Average Pet Price | £197 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 31 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 211 |
| 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 May 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
