Dover
Calais
Ferries to France
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Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Open Ticket?

Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Trip Details
Outbound
Round Trip

Ferry from Dover to Calais

The Dover to Calais ferry route is provided by 3 operators and is available all year round. The ferry crossing from Dover to Calais takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes on ferries servicing this route. The duration for the Dover to Calais ferry can range between 90 minutes and 110 minutes depending on the operator that you choose to book with and weather conditions at the time of departure.

Dover to Calais Ferry Schedule

There are around 287 weekly sailings from Dover to Calais. P&O Ferries provide up to 13 sailings per day, Irish Ferries provide up to 14 sailings per day and DFDS Seaways provide up to 14 sailings per day. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.

Dover to Calais Ferry Times

The first ferry leaves Dover at approximately 00:10 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 23:50. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.

Is there a Dover - Calais overnight ferry?

There are up to 9 ferries that sail overnight from Dover to Calais. The first overnight sailing from Dover usually departs at 00:10 with DFDS Seaways and will arrive in Calais at around 01:40.

High Speed Ferry Dover to Calais

The fastest ferry from Dover to Calais is with P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries and DFDS in 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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

Yes, there are cabins available on the ferry from Dover to Calais with Irish Ferries.

Are pets allowed on P&O Ferries Dover to Calais?

Yes, pets are welcome on the P&O ferry service from Dover to Calais. They are also welcome on Irish Ferries and DFDS Seaways. Pets must be transported in a secure carrier when boarding the ship and are not allowed on the passenger decks. Those travelling on P&O Ferries should know that it costs around $20 per pet each way to travel on the Dover to Calais route. However, registered Guide and Hearing Dogs are allowed to travel for free. All pets must remain in the vehicle or the Pet Lounge throughout the crossing.

How much luggage can you bring on the Dover Calais ferry?

Those travelling with P&O Ferries can bring as many luggage items as they wish. However, each item must weigh under 23 kilograms as well as hand luggage. Those travelling with Irish Ferries are allowed to take up to 2 pieces of luggage per passenger, though each bag should not weigh more than 22 kilograms. Meanwhile, DFDS allow a maximum of 50 kilograms of luggage per passenger.

Dover to Calais Ferry Price

The price of a ferry from Dover to Calais can vary between $62 and $290 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $204, prices can range from $62 and $509. The average price with a car is $214. Car prices can range from $110 and $264. Prices may vary for other vehicle types. All ferry prices can change from season to season.

Prices subject to change, pricing representative of searches over last 30 days.

Cheap Ferry Dover to Calais

Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. We highly recommend that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability.

With up to 32 sailings per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there is an alternative ferry to Dover via Dunkirk if you require additional flexibility.

Dover Calais Ferry Crossing

P&O customers can travel as a foot passenger from Dover to Calais between 9am and 7pm on certain sailings. However, DFDS and Irish Ferries currently do not permit foot passengers to travel on their ships between Dover to Calais. Foot passengers arriving at Dover can even reach the capital city of London in 1 hour via a high-speed train.

Save up to 50% on high street prices from your favourite brands with Duty Free on ships operating the Dover to Calais route. Facilities operating this route include foreign currency exchange and a selection of bars, restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy during the trip.

Can I travel in first class from Dover to Calais?

First class is available on ferries from Dover to Calais with Irish Ferries.

Day Trip from Dover to Calais

Dover to Calais is the fastest ferry crossing from England to France with a distance of approximately 30 miles between the English and French port. The close proximity makes Dover to Calais a great day trip ferry route for people to visit France.

Ferry to France

Foot passengers across the country can take a direct train from London to Dover, with the fastest journey via the southeastern high speed train in just over 1 hour. In Calais, regular trains travel from Calais Ville to popular French destinations such as Lille, or the capital city, Paris, for a longer stay. Calais is situated north west of France close to Normandy and very close to the border with Belgium. Brussels is just a few hours drive from Calais for those who want to cross the border and visit one of Europe's most influential capital cities.

Dover to Calais Ferry Alternatives

For more information, please visit our Ferries from England to France page.
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Dover - Calais Route summary
Departure Country UK
Destination Country France
No. of Operators 3
Operators DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries & P&O Ferries
Average Price $229*
Average Daily Sailings 32
Average Weekly Sailings 221
Average Sailing Duration 1h 30m
First Ferry 00:10
Last Ferry 23:50
Distance 32 nautical miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2023-08-01.

Most popular questions

  • How long is the ferry from Dover to Calais?

    The typical crossing time for ferries from Dover to Calais is approximately 1h 31m. However, please keep in mind that sailing duration might change depending on what season you choose to travel.
  • How much is the ferry from Dover to Calais?

    The average price of a ferry from Dover to Calais is approximately $153. However, please remember that the price of a ferry from Dover to Calais can differ depending on the season. Price exclusive of booking fees.
  • Which ferry companies operate between Dover to Calais?

    There are currently 3 popular ferry operators travelling from Dover to Calais. The following operators that provide this service are
    • P&O Ferries
    • DFDS Seaways
    • Irish Ferries
  • How can I book ferry tickets from Dover to Calais?

    Ferries from Dover to Calais are available for booking through our deal finder. Please also visit our offers page to stay updated with all the latest ferry offers on this route.
  • Can you travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Dover to Calais?

    Yes, you can currently travel as a foot passenger onboard the ferries from Dover to Calais with
    • P&O Ferries
  • Can you take your car on the ferry from Dover to Calais?

    Yes, you can travel with a vehicle from Dover to Calais with the following operators
    • P&O Ferries
    • DFDS Seaways
    • Irish Ferries
  • Can you bring pets on the ferry from Dover to Calais?

    Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their pets onboard this ferry service. However, you may require a pet passport and other documentation to take your furry companion with you. The following operators currently allow pets on their ferries
    • P&O Ferries
    • DFDS Seaways
    • Irish Ferries
  • How far is Calais from Dover?

    Dover to Calais is approximately 32 nautical miles distance apart.

Dover to Calais Ferry Guide

Dover Ferry Guide

The town and port of Dover is located on the south east coast of England, in the county of Kent. The major ferry port lies on the English Channel coast, at its narrowest point between England and France. Dover is the world's busiest passenger port with roughly 16 million travellers, 2 million lorries, nearly 3 million cars and motorcycles and 86,000 coaches passing through it each year.

Dover ferry port is only 70 miles from London and is easily reached by following the M20. The nearest airport is Gatwick in south London, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. The passenger terminal building has currency services, massage chairs, WiFi, Costa Coffee, Burger King and WHSmiths. There are also disabled toilets available for those with reduced mobility.



Calais Ferry Guide

The French town and major sea port of Calais is located in northern France and lies on the English Channel coast, around 21 miles across the English Channel from the English Port of Dover.

The port of Calais is well known to many visitors from the UK and is the 4th largest port in France, by passenger numbers. It is the main gateway into France for many UK visitors and is less than 3 hours by car from Paris, Brussels and London and is connected to several motorways. On average a ship departs from Calais every 30 minutes, with around 50 ferries to Dover each day.

Calais ferry port is accessible by following the A16 or E40 and exiting at 47. There are various facilities available including a shop, lockers, baby changing room, toilets, WiFi, cafes, restaurants, ATMs and car parking, which is located outside the P&O Ferries building. There are also bus transfers available to the terminal.


Dover to Calais Ferry Timetables

Timetables between 3/18/2024 and 3/24/2024


Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
DFDS Seaways 00:10 01:40 1 hour 30 minutes Mon
DFDS Seaways 00:15 01:45 1 hour 30 minutes Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries 01:25 02:55 1 hour 30 minutes Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
DFDS Seaways 02:20 03:50 1 hour 30 minutes Wed
Irish Ferries 02:55 04:25 1 hour 30 minutes Mon, Sun
P&O Ferries 03:10 05:00 1 hour 50 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS Seaways 03:40 05:10 1 hour 30 minutes Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries 04:40 06:10 1 hour 30 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS Seaways 04:40 06:10 1 hour 30 minutes Tue
DFDS Seaways 05:05 06:35 1 hour 30 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries 06:15 07:45 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
P&O Ferries 06:55 08:30 1 hour 35 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS Seaways 07:40 09:10 1 hour 30 minutes Tue
Irish Ferries 07:50 09:20 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
P&O Ferries 08:25 10:00 1 hour 35 minutes Everyday
DFDS Seaways 08:30 10:00 1 hour 30 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS Seaways 09:10 10:40 1 hour 30 minutes Mon, Tue
Irish Ferries 09:30 11:00 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
DFDS Seaways 09:55 11:25 1 hour 30 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O Ferries 10:05 11:40 1 hour 35 minutes Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS Seaways 10:40 12:10 1 hour 30 minutes Mon, Tue
Irish Ferries 11:05 12:35 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
P&O Ferries 12:05 13:50 1 hour 45 minutes Everyday
Irish Ferries 12:45 14:15 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
DFDS Seaways 12:55 14:25 1 hour 30 minutes Tue
DFDS Seaways 13:15 14:45 1 hour 30 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O Ferries 13:45 15:20 1 hour 35 minutes Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
DFDS Seaways 14:25 15:55 1 hour 30 minutes Mon, Tue
Irish Ferries 14:25 15:55 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
DFDS Seaways 14:40 16:10 1 hour 30 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O Ferries 15:25 17:00 1 hour 35 minutes Everyday
DFDS Seaways 15:55 17:25 1 hour 30 minutes Mon, Tue
Irish Ferries 16:00 17:30 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
P&O Ferries 17:25 19:05 1 hour 40 minutes Everyday
Irish Ferries 17:35 19:05 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
DFDS Seaways 18:05 19:35 1 hour 30 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS Seaways 18:10 19:40 1 hour 30 minutes Tue
P&O Ferries 19:05 20:40 1 hour 35 minutes Everyday
Irish Ferries 19:10 20:40 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
DFDS Seaways 19:30 21:00 1 hour 30 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS Seaways 19:40 21:10 1 hour 30 minutes Mon, Tue
Irish Ferries 20:45 22:15 1 hour 30 minutes Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
P&O Ferries 20:45 22:25 1 hour 40 minutes Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS Seaways 21:10 22:40 1 hour 30 minutes Mon, Tue
Irish Ferries 22:15 23:45 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
P&O Ferries 22:40 00:15 1 hour 35 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS Seaways 22:50 00:20 1 hour 30 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries 23:50 01:20 1 hour 30 minutes Everyday
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