Dover-Calais
Compare prices for the Dover-Calais ferry crossing.
Secure your tickets quickly and conveniently using the Direct Ferries booking module
Parking at Dover and Calais
If you need parking for a Calais Dover crossing, the first thing to know is that Dover has two very different setups. Cruise passengers can use official on-site cruise parking, but ferry passengers cannot park inside the Port of Dover ferry area. That catches a lot of travellers out.
Parking at Dover: ferry or cruise?
Before you book anything, make sure you know whether you are taking a ferry or a cruise.
- Dover cruise parking: official on-site valet parking is available through Cruise and Passenger Services (CPS).
- Dover ferry parking: there are no parking facilities inside the Port of Dover for ferry travellers. You need an off-site parking provider.
Dover cruise parking
Can cruise passengers park at Dover Cruise Terminal?
Yes. Dover Cruise Terminal offers official on-site parking for cruise passengers through CPS. The Port of Dover says this service uses on-site and undercover parking facilities for cruise customers. CPS handles bookings, vehicle check-in and the transfer process at the terminal.
If you are travelling on a cruise from Dover, this is the most straightforward parking option because it is linked directly to the cruise terminal process. You can read more on the official Dover cruise parking page.
How Dover cruise parking works
- Drive directly to Dover Cruise Terminal.
- CPS staff check your booking and vehicle details.
- Your vehicle is photographed as part of the security procedure.
- You receive a barcode receipt.
- You continue to cruise check-in while CPS parks the vehicle in the secure on-site car park.
- When you return, you collect your keys and are directed to your vehicle.
Dover cruise parking at a glance
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Who it is for | Cruise passengers only |
| Location | Dover Cruise Terminal, Western Docks, CT17 9DQ |
| Type | Official on-site valet parking |
| Operator | Cruise and Passenger Services (CPS) |
| Main advantage | You arrive at the cruise terminal and your car is parked for you |
Dover ferry parking
Can you park at Dover ferry port?
No. The Port of Dover states that there are no parking facilities in the port for ferry passengers. If you are taking a ferry to Calais, you need to use an independent parking company outside the port.
What this means in practice
- You should not expect official ferry long-stay parking inside the port.
- You need to pre-book an off-site parking provider near Dover.
- Check whether the provider includes a shuttle to the ferry terminal.
- Check opening hours carefully if your sailing is early in the morning or late at night.
- If you are travelling as a foot passenger, confirm your operator’s rules before you leave your car.
Recommended way to compare ferry parking near Dover
| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Distance from port | Shorter transfer usually means less hassle with luggage |
| Shuttle included | Important if you cannot walk or are travelling as a foot passenger |
| 24/7 access | Useful if your sailing times change or are outside daytime hours |
| Security | Look for monitored or patrolled compounds for overnight stays |
| Vehicle types accepted | Some sites may treat vans, caravans and trailers differently |
Example of an off-site ferry parking provider near Dover
One independent provider often used for Dover ferry parking is Relyon Parking. It is positioned outside the port area and offers shuttle transfers. Before booking, always check the latest rates, access times, reviews and terms directly with the provider. You can also check the official Port of Dover ferry facilities page for the current port parking position.
Dover foot passenger note
If you plan to park near Dover and continue as a foot passenger, check your ferry operator first. P&O Ferries accepts foot passengers on the Calais Dover route, while DFDS does not accept foot passengers on its Dover Calais route. You can read more in our foot passenger guide, compare operators on our comparison page, or go straight to the pages for P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries.
Parking at Calais
Where can you park in Calais?
The Port of Calais has free parking in front of the ferry terminal for drop-off and short-term parking. It does not offer medium or long-term parking for ferry travellers at the port itself.
That means Calais is workable for a short terminal stop, but not as an official long-stay parking location for a multi-day trip. If you are still planning your route, it also helps to check the Calais Dover schedule, the price guide, and the practical guide to Calais port.
Calais parking options
| Parking type | Available at the port? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Drop off parking | Yes | Quick terminal access |
| Short term parking | Yes | Meeting or dropping off passengers |
| Medium term parking | No | Use a private off-site option instead |
| Long term parking | No | Use a private off-site option instead |
Which port is easier for parking?
For short stays at the terminal, Calais is easier because the port has short-term parking and drop-off spaces. For longer stays, neither port gives you a simple official ferry parking solution inside the terminal area. Dover sends ferry travellers to off-site independent providers, and Calais does not offer official medium or long-term car parking at the port.
If you are comparing your options on the route, these pages may also help:
- Port of Dover guide
- Port of Calais guide
- With your car on Calais Dover
- Travel with a caravan
- Eurotunnel alternative
- Alternative routes
- Webcams and weather
- Driving in Europe
Quick answers
Can you park at Dover ferry port?
No. Ferry travellers need to use an independent off-site parking company.
Can you park at Dover Cruise Terminal?
Yes. Official on-site valet parking is available for cruise passengers through CPS.
Is there long-term parking at Calais ferry terminal?
No. The port does not offer medium or long-term car parking for ferry passengers.
Is there short-term parking at Calais port?
Yes. There is short-term parking and drop-off parking in front of the terminal.
Useful related pages
Calculate the cost of parking near Dover or Calais
Estimate how much parking near Dover or Calais could cost based on the number of days, your parking type, and a simple daily rate.
This is a guide only. Actual prices can vary by provider, season, security level, shuttle service and vehicle size.
