Ferry from Dover to Calais

Is there a ferry from Dover to Calais?

The Dover - Calais ferry route is available all year round, with up to 25 crossings a day. The route is operated by 3 ferry companies: DFDS, P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries.

Important: on DFDS and Irish Ferries you can't travel from Dover to Calais as a foot passenger. You can only travel with a vehicle.

What's the Dover to Calais ferry schedule?

At the moment, the Dover - Calais route is normally served up to 25 times daily. The earliest ferry usually departs from Dover at 04:40 and reaches Calais at 07:10. The latest ferry to Calais from Dover usually departs at 21:10, arriving in Calais at 23:40.

Every day, there are also several Dover - Calais crossings after midnight, such as crossings scheduled at 00:10, 01:40 or 03:20. However, if you’re considering taking a day trip to France, the latest ferry from Calais to Dover usually departs at 22:35. 

How long is the ferry crossing from Dover to Calais?

The Dover to Calais ferry time is approximately 1 hr 30 min. However, the ferry trip can take up to 2 hr 30 min, depending on the season, vessel, ferry operator and weather conditions.

Is there a high-speed ferry from Dover to Calais?

The ferries operating the route from Dover to Calais are normally conventional. The fastest ferry to Calais takes about 1.5 hours.

What’s the distance between Dover and Calais?

The distance between the port of Dover in the UK and the port of Calais in France is around 27 nautical miles (approximately 50 km).

Ferry Dover - Calais: useful tips for your trip

Here are some travel tips for your trip from Dover to Calais:

• Make sure to arrive at the Dover port well in advance. Check-in closes 90 min prior to the scheduled departure time for foot passengers and 60 min prior for all other categories of traffic. The dedicated shuttle bus for foot passengers will leave when check-in closes (90 min before your sailing).
• Since there is a 1-hr time difference between the UK and France, don’t get confused! The ferry trip to Calais takes 1.5 hr, and not 2.5 hr.
• To travel from the UK to France hassle-free while enjoying the high-end amenities onboard the Dover - Calais ferry, you will need a valid passport.
• Dover - Calais is the fastest ferry crossing from the UK to France. The proximity of the two ports makes Calais a popular destination for a great weekend trip to France from Dover by ferry.

Where to take the ferry from Dover to Calais

Ferries from Dover to Calais depart regularly from the port of Dover in southeastern England, which is one of the world's busiest passenger ports.

Dover is around 112 km from London and you can get to the port by car in less than 2.5 hr, via the M20 which merges into the A20 at Folkstone. You can also travel from London to Dover by train. Dover Priory is the nearest train station to Dover ferry Terminals. You can walk from the station to the Passenger Terminal in about 25 min.

If you are traveling to Calais as a foot passenger, you will get to the Passenger Terminal building at Dover’s Eastern Docks first. You will then take a shuttle bus from the Passenger Terminal building to your ferry.

You will find all necessary amenities in the Passenger Services Building (PSB), located on the west side of the port. Facilities include cash and currency services, toilets, cash points, vending machines, free Wi-Fi access, restaurants, and a games room.

Can I travel on the ferry from Dover to Calais with a car?

Yes, you can transfer your vehicle on the Dover to Calais ferry. The types of vehicles allowed are small and bigger cars, motorhomes, buses, motorcycles and bicycles.

Can I stay in the car on the ferry from Dover to Calais?

No, you can’t stay in your car during the ferry crossing between Dover and Calais. Once the vessel disembarks, you are not allowed to stay in the car parking deck for safety reasons.

However, you can return to your car a few minutes before reaching the port of Calais, following the instructions of the crew.

Ferry luggage

Each ferry company has its own luggage policy:

• On DFDS ferries, each passenger can carry up to 50 kg of luggage. The luggage must be taken by yourself from and on board. Note that there are no luggage carts.
• On Irish Ferries, passengers traveling by car may bring as much personal luggage as they can fit into their vehicle.
• On P&O Ferries, there are no specific limits on ferry luggage.

Cabins

Since the ferry trip is short (1.5 hr), there are no cabins available on the Dover - Calais ferries.

Pet travel

You can travel with your pet on ferries that travel from Dover to Calais. Make sure you carry your pet’s passport and health documents with you.

Note: each ferry company has its own pet policy, so make sure to check it or contact the company before your trip.

Book cheap ferry tickets from Dover to Calais

You can book cheap ferry tickets from Dover to Calais online on Ferryhopper. Use our Map of ferries to visualize and plan your Dover - Calais ferry trip. Compare ferry companies and fares, and book your ferry trip in just a few clicks!