Ferry from Dover to Calais

The Dover Calais ferry route connects England with France and is currently operated by 2 ferry companies. The DFDS Seaways service runs up to 15 times per day while the P&O Ferries service runs up to 23 times per day.

So that’s a combined 38 cross Channel sailings on offer per day on the Dover Calais route between England and France.

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.

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.

Foot passengers and Cars on Ferries


P&O customers can travel as a foot passenger from Dover to Calais between 9am and 7pm on selected sailings. Irish Ferries and DFDS do not currently permit foot passengers to travel on their ships. Traveling with a vehicle is permitted on all ferry companies that service this route.

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

Dover - Calais Ferry Operators

  • Irish Ferries
    • 14 Sailings Daily 1 hr 30 min
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  • DFDS Seaways
    • 15 Sailings Daily 1 hr 30 min
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  • P&O Ferries
    • 12 Sailings Daily 1 hr 30 min
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Dover Calais Average Prices

Prices shown represent the average one way price paid by our customers. The most common booking on the Dover Calais route is a car and 2 passengers.

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.