Dover to Calais

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Book a Cheap Dover Calais Ferry

The Dover to Calais ferry route operates up to a combined 45 times a day by DFDS & P&O. The route joins England and France and takes 90 minutes.

 

No matter where you’re going to in France one of the best places to start is taking a Dover Calais ferry. Thanks to Calais’ excellent road network you’ll be able to reach your French destination quickly and efficiently. 

Prices are usually pretty cheap, especially if you’re able to split the cost between a group. Peak times and short notice can inflate the cost so it’s best to book ahead of time if you can. 

If you’re looking to begin a holiday to France, the beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery and of course the delights of Paris only 3 hours away far away, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. All that fun begins when you book a ferry to Calais. There’s plenty aboard to keep you entertained on the ferry to Calais from the UK.

 

Travelling by your car from the UK gives you the freedom to explore France with ease, and both ferry operators can accommodate just about any vehicle.

You can book a caravan, car or with P&O even as a foot passenger so you can enjoy the convenience of going on holiday as you please. Travelling with your pet, motorhomes and motorbikes is fine too!

DFDS Dover Calais Ferry

DFDS offer sailing up to 30 times a day with prices from around £68. With the addition of two new ships, DFDS offers a very flexible timetable. 

 

If you arrive early or are late, do not worry! With DFDS you can take the immediately earlier or immediately later ferry. This happens a lot and the check-in staff know exactly what to do.

DFDS
£ 68 From
  • From £68, car + 4 one way
  • Up to 30 daily crossings
  • No baggage restrictions
Popular

P&O Dover Calais Ferry

Easily the most recognisable name on the Channel is P&O. They run five ships to and from Calais at up to 15 times a day at peak times. 

 

You can take up to 9 people with you on a trip so why not load up with some friends, grab some wine from the local hypermarkets and make your way back in just 90 minutes.

 

P&O
£ 68 From
  • Saver from £68
  • Standard Flexi from £100
  • Fully Flexi from £179.50
Popular

Foot Passenger Dover to Calais

DFDS Foot Passenger

The only way you can do this with DFDS is if you are part of a group booking such as part of a  coach trip. 

P&O Foot Passenger

Important Foot Passenger Information

P&O allow foot passengers and have in the past run promotions for as little as £1. All foot passengers have to pre-book. 
You cannot turn up at the port and get a foot passenger ticket! You’ll also disembark 30 minutes after the ship has arrived so factor this into your plans. Then once you are at the port there is a shuttle bus that can take you out of the port. From there, it’s up to you. Take a look at our blog Top Things to Do in France as a Foot Passenger for some inspiration.

  • You have to pre-book. You cannot turn up at either port and expect to be able to book a ticket
  • Dover has drop of spaces and taxi ranks
  • The shuttle bus in Calais is free but space is subject to availability
  • The bus will leave 90 minutes before your sailing. Make sure you’re on it!
  • You will be expected to carry your own luggage at either end
  • Make sure you have the correct documents
  • Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
  • Must be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)

P&O Foot Passenger Sailing Times

Dover Sailing Times

09:55

13:40

17:25

Calais Sailing times

10:35

15:50

18:50

How Long Is The Ferry From Dover to Calais?

90 minutes. At just 21 miles away, Calais is easy and fast to get to whichever ferry provider you use. This route is both the shortest and quickest way to cross the English Channel.

However, factor in time to get through checks at the Port and if you are booking a popular ferry timing, you may experience delays in getting to the Port.

We advise you to check the traffic via AA traffic or the Kent Traffic website.

Dover Port

Due to its close proximity to France, Dover Port has become the busiest in the UK. 


We recommend that you arrive at the port a minimum of 45 minutes (90 minutes for busy sailings) before your departure time to complete the check-in process.

Calais Port

Located in Pas-de-Calais, Northern France, travellers will find the Port, which is the closest French port to England.

It’s close enough that you can see the White Cliffs of Dover on a bright day. Follow the large green ‘Port Ferries’ signs, and you’ll be on your way.

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