Dover Calais

€36,00

Destination(s)	🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Crossing	UK ⇔ France
Operated by	DFDS, Irish Ferries, P&O
Distance	26 miles, 42 km
Sailings	Up to 35 times per day
Night Crossing	No
Duration	1h 30 mins.
2p+Car+Return	in our estimation £ 74
Vessel type	Car ferry
Guides	to France from UK, to UK from France

Categories: France, United Kingdom

Dover to Calais is the quickest way to cross from the UK to France by ferry. It takes just 90 minutes to cover the 26-mile distance. This route is one of the world’s most frequented and crowded crossings. On this page you’ll find more information on the ferry companies, the route map, tickets, the timetable, port adresses and more.

Product is rated as #3 in category France

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Description

The ferries from Dover to Calais and Calais to Dover

Dozens of ferries go back and forth on the Dover-Calais route daily. DFDS, P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries sail on this route and, in total, offer up to 35 daily crossings. The ferry from Dover to Calais is the quickest and shortest route to France over the English Channel by ferry.

This page will provide practical information about the ferries to Dover and Calais. For example, do you have to book through P&O Ferries🔗, Irish Ferries🔗 or DFDS🔗? And are there suitable alternatives for this crossing?

Ferry route map
Tickets
P&O Ferries vs DFDS vs Irish Ferries
Timetable
Port information
Dover Port
Calais Port
Alternative routes
Frequently Asked Questions

Ferry route map

On the map below, you can find the route map for the Dover to Calais and vice versa crossing. This is where the ferries sail back and forth to France and the UK. From Dover, you can also choose to sail to Duinkerke / Dunkirk.

The Calais-Dover route is very popular for Brits travelling to mainland Europe. But also the other way around, the UK can welcome many passengers from, among others, France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.

On this page, you will find a lot of information and tips about this ferry service.

Tickets

You can purchase ferry tickets either directly from one of the ferry companies (P&O Ferries🔗, Irish Ferries🔗 or DFDS🔗) or after customizing your trip in the module below.

Dover-Calais availability and costs

Crossing costs between Dover and Calais can vary depending on how (with or without a car, caravan, etc.) and when (high or low season) you cross. The calculation of the costs below indicates the costs and prices of this crossing. Generally, the earlier you book, the cheaper it is.

In addition, there are sometimes offers that you can take advantage of. For the Dover-Calais crossing, we booked tickets with the following prices (one way):

One adult foot passenger (P&O only): £30
Car+ two adults: £74
Motorhome + two adults and two children: £115

P&O Ferries vs DFDS vs Irish Ferries

The three companies active on the Dover-Calais and Calais-Dover routes don't have a big difference in costs for this crossing. They all have more than 10 daily crossings from the UK to France and vice versa. At DFDS, you can't book as a foot passenger, while you can at P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries.

Get Prices

DFDS

Availability and Tickets

Get Prices

P&O

Availability and Tickets

Get Prices

Irish Ferries

Availability and Tickets

You will see that the P&O Ferries and DFDS prices are very close. Irish Ferries often seem a bit more expensive; the difference, however, is only a few pounds. All ferry companies have a busy and regular sailing schedule on the routes from Dover to Calais and vice versa, so there is plenty of choice in sailings.

Timetable

Timetable Dover – Calais

Below is a schedule per operator of the crossings from Dover to Calais, so from England to France. All the times in the schedule are in local time.

P&O Ferries Dover to Calais timetable Sailing Schedule

DFDS Timetable Dover to Calais crossing

Irish Ferries Timetable Dover to Calais

P&O Ferries Dover to Calais timetable Sailing Schedule

Timetable Dover – Calais – P&O Ferries Dover to Calais

The schedule of P&O Ferries' ferries on the Dover to Calais crossing. At the top, you can choose the tab for which company's departures you want to see.

Operator	Departure	Arrival	Days
P&O	3:10	5:40	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, SUn
P&O	6:00	8:30	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	8:25	10:55	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	10:05	12:35	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	12:05	14:35	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	13:45	16:15	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	15:25	17:55	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	17:25	19:55	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	19:05	21:35	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	20:45	23:15	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	22:40	1:10	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

DFDS Timetable Dover to Calais crossing

Timetable Dover – Calais – DFDS ferries Dover to Calais

The schedule of departures for DFDS ferries on the Dover to Calais crossing

Operator	Departure	Arrival	Days
DFDS	0:10	2:40	Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	1:40	4:10	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat
DFDS	4:40	7:10	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat
DFDS	7:40	10:10	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	9:10	11:40	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	10:40	13:10	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	12:55	15:25	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	14:25	16:55	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	15:55	18:25	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	18:10	20:40	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	19:40	22:20	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	21:10	2:40	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sun

Irish Ferries Timetable Dover to Calais

Timetable Dover – Calais – Irish Ferries Dover to Calais

The schedule of sailings for Irish Ferries' ferries on the Dover to Calais crossing.

Operator	Departure	Arrival	Days
Irish Ferries	1:25	3:55	Mon, Tue, We, Thuu, Fri, Sun
Irish Ferries	2:55	5:25	Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	4:40	7:10	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat
Irish Ferries	6:15	8:45	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	7:50	10:20	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	9:30	12:00	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	11:05	13:35	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	12:45	15:15	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	14:25	16:55	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	16:00	18:30	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	17:35	20:05	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	19:10	21:40	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	20:45	23:15	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	22:15	0:45	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	23:50	2:20	Mon, Tue, We, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Keep in mind that during the return journey, you will have to deal with the time difference. On the clock, the return crossing will take 2.5 hours, while in reality, it will be 1.5 hours.

Timetable Calais – Dover

Below is a schedule per operator of the crossings from Calais to Dover, travelling from France to England.

P&O Calais-Dover Sailing Schedule

DFDS Timetable Calais - Dover

Irish Ferries Timetable Calais - Dover

P&O Calais-Dover Sailing Schedule

Timetable Calais Dover – P&O Ferries

The schedule of P&O Ferries' ferries on the Calais – Dover crossing. At the top, you can choose the tab for which company's departures you want to see.

Operator	Departure	Arrival	Days
P&O	1:25	1:55	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	5:20	5:50	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
P&O	6:40	7:10	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	8:20	8:40	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
P&O	10:30	11:00	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	12:00	12:30	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	13:40	14:10	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	15:50	16:20	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	17:20	17:50	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	19:00	19:30	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
P&O	21:05	21:35	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

DFDS Timetable Calais - Dover

Timetable Calais Dover for DFDS Ferries

The schedule of departures for DFDS ferries on the Calais – Dover crossing.

Operator	Departure	Arrival	Days
DFDS	0:05	0:35	Sat
DFDS	3:05	3:35	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	6:05	6:35	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	7:35	8:05	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	9:05	9:35	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	11:20	11:50	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	12:50	13:20	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	14:50	14:20	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	16:35	17:05	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	18:05	18:35	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
DFDS	19:35	20:05	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
DFDS	22:35	23:05	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Irish Ferries Timetable Calais - Dover

Timetable Calais Dover – Irish Ferries

The schedule of departures for Irish Ferries' ferries on the Calais – Dover crossing

Operator	Departure	Arrival	Days
Irish Ferries	0:05	0:35	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	1:35	2:05	Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Irish Ferries	3:15	3:45	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	4:50	5:20	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	6:20	6:50	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	8:05	8:35	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	9:40	10:10	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	11:15	11:45	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	12:55	13:25	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	14:30	15:00	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	16:10	16:40	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	17:50	18:20	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	19:25	19:55	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	20:55	21:25	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Irish Ferries	22:30	23:00	Mon,Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

All displayed times are in local time.

6-10-2023 Update

There is a peak season and off-season for the crossings from Calais to Dover and vice versa. In peak season, the ferries will sail more often. We will update the timetable accordingly when peak season starts again.

Departure, sailing time and arrival Dover – Calais

Dover-Calais sailing schedule

DFDS makes the crossing up to 11 times a day. P&O up to 11 times a day and Irish Ferries around 13 times daily. So, there are plenty of choices for your crossing. The most significant difference is that as a foot passenger, you can book with P&O and not with DFDS; DFDS expects you to bring a car, bike, or another form of transportation. There are even stories from passengers trying to buy a bicycle before they depart with DFDS quickly.

How long in advance do you have to be present? This differs per ferry company. In any case, make sure you are present well before the final check-in time. DFDS Check-in on the Dover Calais crossing closes at the latest 45 minutes in advance. It is wise to be present at the DFDS terminal in the port of Dover well in advance. DFDS advises 90 minutes. At P&O Ferries, you are expected on board at least 90 minutes in advance. So 120 minutes in advance is wise. Irish Ferries' latest check-in time is 1 hour before departure.

Departure Dover In England you depart at the port of Dover. From there, you can start your onward journey. In summer, on the busiest days, queues might appear for the border checks at the harbor. So be early if you book in mid-summer on the busiest days. The DFDS terminal is for navigation: Eastern Docks, Dover Kent CT16 1JA United Kingdom. The P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries terminals in Dover can also be found at the same address. So also the Eastern Docks in Dover. Just follow the signs to get to the right harbor.

Dover Calais duration The sailing time between is approximately 90 minutes. The exact sailing time may differ due to weather conditions and currents.

Arrival Calais If you travel From Dover with P&O, you arrive at the e P&O Terminal in Calais. In that case, the address is Terminal E, 62100 Calais, France. In most cases, however, you will make the crossing with DFDS. The navigation address for the DFDS crossing is Terminal Car Ferry Gare Maritime Est, 62100 Calais, France.

Port information

To get to the departure ports on this route, use the address and follow the signs to the terminal when arrive

Dover Port

📍 Dover ferry terminal address:

Dover Ferry Terminal, Travel Centre,
Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT16 1JA UK

Calais Port

📍 Calais Port Terminal address:

P&O: P&O Ferries, 285 Avenue du Mérite Maritime, 62105 Calais, France.
DFDS: DFDS  Terminal Car Ferry Gare Maritime Est  62100 Calais, France.
Irish Ferries: Port Boulogne Calais, 62100, Calais, France.

Alternative routes

Plenty of reasonable alternatives to this crossing can also fit into your schedule. Popular ferry alternatives are Dover-Dunkirk and Newhaven-Dieppe.

The Dover-Dunkirk ferries bring you closer to Belgium and Holland, and Newhaven-Dieppe takes you further south in France.

Newhaven-Dieppe

€36,00

DFDS

Details

Dover-Dunkirk

€81,00

DFDS

Details

Not only the ferries connect Dover with Calais. Thousands of passengers and vehicles are transported through the Channel Tunnel daily by the Eurostar (foot passengers) and Le Shuttle (passengers with vehicles).

The ferry: not only is it easy to board your transport, but the ferry is also a green alternative to the plane. [1]Ferry Emissions Research: Carbon Footprints Compared, Ferrygogo.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Several questions are frequently asked for the crossing between Dover and Calais

How long does the crossing to Dover and Calais take?

The crossing between Calais and Dover normally takes up to 90 minutes.

Why do people choose the ferry instead of the train?

The train is faster than the ferry. Yet many people choose to go by boat. This is because the ferry is usually cheaper if you travel by transport. Some people do not like the long tunnel and prefer to get a breath of fresh air on deck.

Can I bring my pet on board?

If you travel with or without your transport, you can bring your pet (dogs, cats, and ferrets). Kennels are available. There are rules for pets from the British government and the ferry companies that must be followed.

Can you bring a bicycle on board the ferry?

Yes, when booking, you can easily select that you want to take a bicycle on board the ferry. A bicycle costs €8 per trip. With DFDS, you can't even travel without a bicycle.

References[+]References[−]

References
↑1	Ferry Emissions Research: Carbon Footprints Compared, Ferrygogo.com

Dover Calais

Description

€36,00

P&O Ferries

Dover Calais

The ferries from Dover to Calais and Calais to Dover

Table of Contents

Ferry route map