Dover-Calais Ferry
Ferry crossings Dover-Calais
Dover-Calais is the fastest and cheapest crossing between the UK and France. Three companies operate on this route.
- Up to 11 crossings per day
- 90 minutes
- 1 pers. by car: ± £76 to £135
- Up to 15 crossings per day
- 100 minutes
- 1 pers. by car: ± £77 to £151
- Up to 14 crossings per day
- 90 minutes
- 1 pers. by car: ± £70 to £118
The ferry service between Dover and Calais provides an important connection between mainland Europe and the United Kingdom. Three ferry companies operate the route from England, providing a regular schedule throughout the year. These are P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries.
The Dover to Calais crossing usually takes around 1.5 hours, depending on weather conditions and the type of ferry. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during busy periods. This means you are assured of a place on board and you don’t pay too much.
There are two train connections that go through the Channel Tunnel. The Eurostar for foot passengers and The Shuttle for travellers with a car, van, camper, caravan, motorcycle or bicycle.
Make your reservation early, as prices can rise quickly as the ferries and trains fill up.
Dover - Calais train
A popular alternative to ferry services is the Eurotunnel. There are passenger trains and car trains.
- From Folkestone to Calais
- Only with a vehicle
- 35 minutes
- 1 pers. by car: ± £82 to £185
- From London to Amsterdam
- Foot passengers
- 4 hours and 10 minutes
- 1 person: ± £48 to £231
- From London to Rotterdam
- Foot passengers
- 3 hours and 29 minutes
- 1 person: ± £48 to £231
- The distance between Dover and Calais is 41.23 kilometers.
- The length of the Eurotunnel is just over 50 kilometers.
- The crossing takes approximately 90 minutes. At DFDS it is a little longer.
Can you buy tickets at the port?
Tickets can be purchased at the ferry companies’ Travel Centers. All ferry companies charge a Turn-Up and Go rate at the port. That is a premium rate and also more expensive than the internet rate. To get the lowest price, it is better to book online in advance.
Check-in
Check-in closes at least 60 minutes in advance for car drivers, and at least 90 minutes for pedestrians. On busy days it is recommended to be there at least two hours in advance. It can then be very busy at check-in and customs.
Which company should I choose?
For a crossing of only 1.5 hours, a low price is an important component for many. You can compare all providers in the booking module. Those looking for the best experience can take a look at the page where we compared the ferry services after our trips.
Pets
All companies allow pets on board if they have a pet passport. P&O has very extensive facilities on the Pioneer and Liberté ships. Irish ferries allow a dog on board, but the facilities are limited. With DFDS, pets have to stay in the car.
Alternative crossings
Around the Calais-Dover ferry service, there are several other crossings that might also be of interest to you.
- 2 crossings per day
- 6.5 hours or 8.5 hours (at night)
- 1 person, 1 car: £107 to £276
Calais-Dover.com offers a unique combination of in-house travel experience and booking technology. You can compare departures and prices with us in the booking module, but you can also read more about our own experiences with the three ferry services and the Eurotunnel. We have tried all the companies extensively and all photos and videos were taken by ourselves.
About us
The ultimate traveler’s guide from Calais to Dover, the shortest distance you can travel from France to England by ferry or train.
Compare tickets from P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries, DFDS and the Eurotunnel on Calais-Dover.com.
