Ferry Calais ⇄ Dover

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Betreiber der Fähre Calais ⇄ Dover

DFDS

DFDS is a Danish shipping company that has been in existence since 1866 and is now one of Europe’s leading ferry companies. With a fleet of over 50 ships, it connects destinations in Scotland, England, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Estonia and Lithuania. Every year, around six million passengers travel with DFDS across the Baltic Sea, North Sea and English Channel.

Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries is an Irish shipping company that has been offering ferry services between Ireland, Great Britain and France since 1973. With a modern fleet, it sets standards in comfort and efficiency. Whether for passengers, vehicles or freight – Irish Ferries offers you reliable and pleasant crossings.

P&O Ferries

P&O Ferries is a British ferry company with over 180 years of experience. With a fleet of more than 20 ships, it offers over 30,000 crossings a year on eight main routes, including connections from England to France, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands. The ships operate across the English Channel, the North Sea and the Irish Sea.

Port information for the ferry connection between Calais and Dover

Calais

The port city of Calais has an old town that is well worth seeing, with its historic town hall, well-kept facades and picturesque gabled roof houses, which invite you to ...

Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Calais.

Port address

Ferry port Calais
Street:	Av. du Commandant Cousteau
Postcode & city:	62100 Calais
Country:	France
GPS:	50.966606, 1.865626

Travel information

Arrival by car

• From Paris: Ferries on the A1 and change to the A26 in the direction of Calais. Follow the A26 to the Calais-Centre exit and then follow the signs to the Calais ferry port.
• From Brussels: Take the A16/E40 towards France. In France, stay on the A16 until you reach the ferry port of Calais.
• From London (via the Eurotunnel): Drive to Folkestone and use the Eurotunnel. On arrival in Calais, follow the signs to the ferry port.

Arrival by bus & train

• By train: Calais is easily accessible by TGV and regional trains. From Calais-Ville or Calais-Fréthun train station, you can take a cab or a local bus to the ferry port.
• By bus: Regional and national bus lines serve Calais. Check the timetables to the ferry port.

Arrival by plane

The nearest major airport is Lille, from where you can travel to Calais by train or hire a car.

Dover

From afar, the famous chalk cliffs welcome visitors to Dover. In addition, the city has many other attractions to offer. Dover Castle is one of the mightiest castles in England ...

Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Dover.

Port address

Ferry port Dover
Street:	Back Rd W
Postcode & city:	CT16 1LT Dover
Country:	England (United Kingdom)
GPS:	51.126937, 1.328087

Travel information

Arrival by car

• From London (northwest): Ferries south east on the M20 until it becomes the A20. Follow the A20 directly to Dover and the signs to the ferry port.
• From Canterbury (north): Take the A2 southeast to Dover. The A2 will take you directly to the ferry port. In the port, follow the signs to your terminal.
• From Brighton (west): Ferry along the A27, change to the A259 and follow the coast road until you meet the A20, which will take you to Dover.

Arrival by bus & train

Train connections to Dover are available from various cities in the UK, including London. Dover Priory train station is the closest to the ferry port. From there, you can take a local bus or cab to the ferry port.

Arrival by plane

• Nearest major airport: London Gatwick (LGW): From Gatwick you can take a train to Dover or drive on the M25 and then on the M20/A20.

Itinerary

Itinerary of the Ferry Calais – Dover

With P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways, and Irish Ferries, three ferry companies offer year-round service between the United Kingdom and France. Up to 40 crossings take place daily between Calais and Dover, with a travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Start from Calais ferry port

The Port of Calais is the largest ferry port in France, with more than ten million passengers annually, and offers the shortest distance between France and the UK. A modern ferry port, Calais has restaurants, restrooms, Wi-Fi and car rentals. Parking spaces are available.

Journey to the port of departure Calais

There are generally two routes to Calais. From Germany and Northern Europe via the E40 and A16; from Paris via the E15 and A26. From downtown Calais, you can take the free shuttle bus or a taxi to the terminal. Pedestrians are strongly advised not to walk or ride a bicycle to the terminal.

On board the Ferries to Dover

From Calais to Dover and back there are various Ferries, including the Prideof Kent, the Pride of Burgundy and the Spirit of France. The latter can accommodate up to 2,000 passengers and more than 1,000 cars. This makes it one of the largest Ferries that pass through the English Channel in the direction of Dover.

What you can do during the crossing

All Ferries across the English Channel offer duty-free stores, WLAN, video games and children’s areas. Depending on the shipping company, the youngest passengers can look forward to an additional entertainment program during the summer peak season. The view of the chalk cliffs of Dover from the outside deck is particularly beautiful – on clear days you can already see them from Calais.

These offers are available on board the Ferry

The gastronomic offerings at Ferries include restaurants, cafés and bars. The exclusive Club Lounges are a particularly relaxing place to travel.

Arrival at Dover ferry port

In Dover, life takes place around the harbor. It is considered an important hub for ferry, cargo and cruise ships and is divided into the Eastern and Western Docks.

Your options in Dover

Long before you enter the harbor, the chalk cliffs and the mighty Castle of Dover greet you. Once there, the waterfront, restaurants, cafes and small stores make for a relaxing vacation on the English south coast. A visit to the Crabble Corn Mill from the Victorian era is fascinating. What traces the Romans left in Dover? A lighthouse and the Roman Painted House with its murals. Hotels and B&Bs are available in various price ranges.

Your options for onward travel from Dover

From Dover Port, you can take the M20 or the A2 directly to London. About 2.5 kilometers from the ferry terminal is Dover Priory station, from here it is only 90 minutes to the British capital by high-speed train. Alternatively, you can continue your journey by car, bus and train along the south coast of England.

DFDS, P&O Ferries, or Irish Ferries: Which Ferry is right for you?

On the route from Calais to Dover, you can choose between the ferry lines DFDS, P&O Ferries, and Irish Ferries. All three ferry lines carry cars, motorcycles, and RVs. The main differences are in the policies for foot passengers, pets, fares, and the onboard services available for booking.

Depending on the ferry company and departure time, the trip takes about 90 to 100 minutes. Be sure to allow enough extra time for check-in and the French and British border controls.

Departure times and ship schedules are subject to change due to schedule adjustments, maintenance, and changes in passenger volume. Therefore, always check the current schedule before booking.

Which cruise line is right for whom?

DFDS is the right choice for you if you’re traveling with a vehicle, want a wide selection of departure times, and value access to a bookable premium lounge. However, this route is not suitable for passengers traveling without a vehicle.

P&O Ferries is the top choice for travelers without a car. However, passengers on foot are only allowed on certain departures. For travelers with dogs, the pet lounge—which can be booked in advance—may be a good option.

Irish Ferries offers short crossings and good accommodations for pets. The Oscar Wilde and Isle of Inishmore Ferries feature a “Pet Den” where you can travel with your pet. Since space is limited, you must book in advance.

When making your selection, don’t just compare the base price. Also check what rebooking options, lounge access, and additional services are included in the ticket.

How much does the Ferry from Calais to Dover cost?

Prices for the Calais–Dover ferry route vary depending on the ferry company, departure time, occupancy, and vehicle type. For this reason, it is not possible to quote a fixed price that applies at all times. Ticket prices can be significantly higher, especially on weekends, before holidays, and during school breaks.

The following values are provided as a guide.

Please note that these figures are not guaranteed minimum prices. Booking fees, pets, trailers, extra-large vehicles, and additional services may increase the total price.

What determines the ferry fare?

The following information is particularly important for determining the final price:

• Travel Date and Departure Time
• one-way trip or round trip
• Number and ages of traveling companions
• Vehicle type, overall length, and overall height
• Trailers, RVs, roof boxes, or bike racks
• Bringing a Pet Along
• Selected plan
• Lounge access, priority boarding, or other additional services

Depending on the shipping line, vehicle tickets may already include several passengers. Therefore, when booking, check how many people the displayed price covers.

A low-cost standard fare or a flexible ticket?

The cheapest fare is a good choice if your departure time is set. Changes or cancellations are often not allowed with these tickets, or are only possible for a fee.

A more flexible fare is more expensive, but it can pay off if you arrive in Calais earlier or later than planned due to traffic. The time window for a different departure is from the ferry company and the fare you booked. A Flex ticket doesn’t automatically mean you can take any Ferry you want. There also has to be space available on the vehicle deck.

Premium fares may include additional benefits. Depending on the cruise line, these may include access to a lounge, priority boarding, more favorable rebooking terms, or priority disembarkation.

Can I buy my ticket right at the port?

Vehicle tickets can also be purchased at the port on short notice, depending on availability. However, the selection is more limited in that case, and the price may be higher. During vacation periods and on days when demand is high, there is also a risk that the desired departure may already be fully booked.

If you plan to travel as a foot passenger, you should book your P&O ticket online in advance. Please note that transportation is available only on select departures and that the number of seats is limited.

Here’s How You Can Save on Ferry Tickets

• Compare multiple departure times on the same day.
• Book as early as possible if you’re traveling during the holidays or on the weekend.
• Compare one-way trips with round-trip tickets.
• Check out short-trip and same-day return offers.
• Only choose a flexible plan if you need the additional benefits.
• Provide complete information on the vehicle’s dimensions and attachments from the very beginning.
• Compare the total price, including the cost of a pet, a trailer, and additional services.

From Calais to Dover Without a Car: Which Ferry Accepts Pedestrian Passengers?

If you want to travel from Calais to Dover without a car, you’ll have significantly fewer options. P&O Ferries offers regular foot passenger tickets on this route. DFDS does not carry foot passengers only on the Calais–Dover route. Irish Ferries also does not currently offer a regular foot passenger service.

Not every P&O departure is open to walk-on passengers. When you book, you’ll only see the available sailings. So be sure to book your ticket early and don’t count on being able to board spontaneously at the port.

Check-in for passengers traveling on foot

With P&O, check-in for foot passengers usually closes 90 minutes before departure. However, you should arrive at the terminal a little earlier, as immigration checks take place before boarding.

After check-in, you will be taken to the ship by a harbor bus. Therefore, you cannot arrive at the pier immediately before departure. Please follow the instructions on your ticket and the directions given by the harbor staff.

From the Calais-Ville train station to the ferry terminal

The Calais-Ville train station is not located directly at the ferry terminal. Therefore, check the current local public transportation schedule before your trip or reserve a taxi. Allow plenty of time. Keep in mind that not all paths in the port area are suitable for pedestrians. So don’t assume you’ll be able to walk from the train station to check-in.

Luggage as a Walking Passenger

Please bring only luggage that you can carry yourself and load onto the transfer bus. Different conditions may apply to particularly large pieces of luggage, sports equipment, or bicycles. For example, a bicycle must be booked as a bicycle and not as a regular piece of luggage.

Important documents, medications, and valuables should be packed in your carry-on luggage. Before you leave, also check to see if there are any items you’re not allowed to bring along due to security or import regulations.

From the Dover Ferry Terminal to Dover Priory Station

Upon arrival, the harbor bus will take you from the ship to the passenger terminal. The Dover Priory train station is located outside the port area. To continue your journey, you can take a taxi or the local bus. Be sure to allow plenty of time between the Ferry’s scheduled arrival and your train departure for disembarking, border control, and the transfer.

If you have booked a connecting train, make sure you allow plenty of time for the transfer. Please note that weather conditions, port operations, and heavy traffic may delay disembarkation.

From Calais to Dover by car, RV, motorcycle, or bicycle

All three shipping companies transport vehicles. You can use this service with a car, motorcycle, RV, or trailer. Bicycles must be booked as a separate item of luggage.

Specify Vehicle Dimensions Correctly

Measure your vehicle exactly as it will be when it boards the Ferry on the day of travel. The total height and length also include:

• Roof Boxes and Roof Luggage
• Bicycles on the Roof
• Rear and Bike Racks
• Trailer hitches
• Travel Trailers and Trailers
• sports equipment attached to the vehicle

Providing incorrect information may result in an additional charge at the port. In the worst-case scenario, your vehicle may be refused if there is no more space available on the corresponding vehicle deck.

Irish Ferries, for example, has separate height categories for vehicles up to 1.90 meters, up to 2.25 meters, and taller. There is also a separate category for motorhomes with a total length of more than eight meters.

RV and Trailer

RV and trailer combinations are permitted on this route. Please specify the total length of the combination. This includes the towing vehicle, the drawbar, the trailer, and any permanently mounted racks.

Gas cylinders must be closed, secured in an upright position, and stowed safely. Turn off gas-powered devices before boarding. Different quantity and safety requirements apply to gas cylinders, fuel cans, and other hazardous materials, depending on the shipping company. Check these regulations before departure.

You are not allowed to be inside the RV or trailer during the crossing.

Motorcycles and Bicycles

Motorcycles are secured on the vehicle deck. The crew will assign you a parking space and explain how to secure your motorcycle. Bringing your own straps can be helpful, provided the shipping line allows their use.

To bring a bicycle on board, you must book a trip authorized for bicycles. A bicycle ticket is not the same as a foot passenger ticket. At the port, please follow the separate lanes and instructions for bicycles.

With the electric car to the Ferry

In general, electric cars and plug-in hybrids can be brought aboard just like other passenger cars. Please specify the vehicle type correctly when booking. Do not plan to charge the car during the short crossing. Instead, charge the battery at a public charging station before departure or after arrival.

Notify port or ship personnel if your vehicle is damaged, displays a battery warning, or becomes unusually hot.

Can I stay in the car during the crossing?

No. After parking your vehicle, you must leave the vehicle deck and proceed to the public passenger areas. The vehicle deck remains closed during the crossing. Therefore, you cannot return to retrieve any items you may have forgotten.

So be sure to take your passport, medications, money, cell phone, charger, and anything else you’ll need during the trip with you up on deck. Turn off the alarm system if it might be triggered by the ship’s movement.

Continuing the journey from Dover

To leave the harbor, you must drive on the left. Pay special attention to the unfamiliar direction of traffic, especially when turning and in roundabouts.

Canterbury is located about 30 kilometers from Dover. It’s about 125 kilometers to the Greater London area. The actual travel time depends heavily on traffic. If you’re driving to London, you should check in advance about low-emission zones, vehicle registrations, and possible fees.

The Calais–Dover ferry or the Calais–Folkestone Eurotunnel?

If you’re traveling from France to England, you can choose between the Ferry to Dover and the LeShuttle car train through the Eurotunnel to Folkestone. Which option is better for you depends on your vehicle, your destination, and your personal preferences.

When is the Eurotunnel a better option?

The Eurotunnel is especially convenient if you want to travel to England quickly. The train ride takes only about 35 minutes. Folkestone is closer to the roads leading to London than the ferry terminal in Dover.

Even in rough seas, the tunnel may be the more comfortable option. For travelers with dogs, it’s convenient that the pet can stay with its familiar caregivers in its own vehicle during the trip.

When is the Ferry a better option?

The Ferry offers you a real break from the drive. You can get out of the car, grab a bite to eat, stretch your legs, and, if the weather permits, go out on the outdoor deck. For passengers traveling on foot, the Ferry is the only option.

If your destination is Dover, Canterbury, or the Kent coast, arriving at the Dover Ferry terminal may be cheaper. Depending on the day of travel, the Ferry may also be less expensive than the tunnel.

Always compare the total price and the total travel time. Both routes include check-in, border controls, waiting time, and loading and unloading. For more information, visit our page on the Eurotunnel LeShuttle Calais–Folkestone.

Entering England: Passport, ETA, and Border Control

British entry requirements apply to the crossing from Calais to Dover. For German citizens, an ID card is usually not sufficient.

Passport

You need a passport that is valid at least until the end of your trip. This also applies to children. Therefore, please check well in advance of booking to ensure that everyone traveling with you has a valid passport.

Exceptions may apply, for example, to individuals with certain British residency rights. In this case, check the conditions that apply to your specific status.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

In addition to a passport, German citizens generally need a British“Electronic Travel Authorization,”or ETA for short. The travel authorization is digitally linked to the passport used when applying.

An ETA currently costs 20 British pounds. It is typically valid for two years or until the passport used expires. It can be used for multiple trips within that period. Infants and children also need their own ETA.

Apply for the ETA through the official UK ETA app or directly on the UK government’s website. Allow at least three days for the process. Do not use any third-party websites that charge high processing fees in addition to the official fee.

Border Control in Calais

French exit checks and British entry checks take place in Calais before boarding. Therefore, please have the passports of all travelers handy. The shipping company or border authorities will also verify whether the required ETA has been obtained.

On days when travel demand is high, security checks may take longer. Therefore, the check-in deadline is not the same as the recommended arrival time. Allow extra time before holidays and during school breaks.

Documents Needed for Traveling by Car

If you’re entering the country with your own vehicle, you should bring the following documents with you:

• valid driver’s license
• Certificate of Registration
• Proof of Insurance or Green Insurance Card
• Ferry Booking Confirmation
• Permission from the owner if the vehicle does not belong to you
• Documents from the landlord or lessor for a rented or leased vehicle

German driver’s licenses are recognized in the United Kingdom. An international driver’s license is generally not required. However, be sure to check before you leave to make sure your auto insurance fully covers driving in the United Kingdom.

Be aware of the time difference

In the United Kingdom, the time is one hour earlier than in Germany and France. The departure and arrival times listed in the schedule are given in local time.

A departure at 2:00 p.m. from Calais and an arrival at 2:30 p.m. in Dover therefore do not mean that the travel time was only 30 minutes. Due to the time difference, you were actually on the road for 90 minutes in this example.

Customs and Goods Carried

Since the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, the United Kingdom has had its own import regulations. Quantity limits or declaration requirements apply to alcohol, tobacco, food, plants, medications, and large sums of money.

Regulations may change at short notice. Therefore, be sure to check the current British customs regulations before your trip. This applies in particular to meat and dairy products, as well as plants and animal products.

Traveling with a Dog, Cat, or Ferret

To enter the country with a pet, you’ll need, among other things:

• a valid pet passport or a required health certificate
• a microchip
• a valid rabies vaccination
• a reservation for the animal with the shipping line

Before entering the United Kingdom, dogs must normally be treated for tapeworms. This treatment must be administered by a veterinarian and noted in the travel document. The time between the treatment and entry must be between 24 and 120 hours.

Check all entries before departure. Incorrect or incomplete documents may result in your pet not being allowed on board or being denied entry. With Irish Ferries, you must check in with your pet at least 90 minutes before departure.

Channel ferries - traveling across the English Channel from Calais to Dover

Fähren von DFDS und P&O Ferries im Fährhafen von Dover.

The DFDS Ferry Dover Seaways entering the ferry port of Dover.

Ferries of DFDS and P&O Ferries in the ferry port of Dover.