Dover to Calais Ferry

Dover to Calais Ferry Time

First ferry: departs Dover at 00:15.
Last ferry: departs Dover at around 23:59.

Bear in mind that the Dover Calais ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Dover to Calais ferry timetable before you book. 

How to get from Dover to Calais

If you're wondering how to get to Calais from UK, you can easily take a ferry from Dover. With 31 daily sailings, there's plenty of options available. 

How long is the ferry from Dover to Calais?

The Dover to Calais ferry duration depends on whether you’re travelling on a fast ferry or a conventional ferry. The Dover to Calais ferry crossing usually takes around 1 hour 32 minutes on average.

Average Dover Calais ferry time: 1 hour 32 minutes 
Fastest Dover to Calais crossing time: 1 hour 25 minutes  
Longest Dover to Calais ferry time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Ferry operator schedules from Dover to Calais

Dover Calais ferries are provided by 3 ferry companies; P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways & Irish Ferries. There are a combined total of 31 daily and 211 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways & Irish Ferries Dover Calais timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months. 

Ferry frequency: all year round 

P&O Ferries: 11 daily sailings and 74 weekly sailings 

DFDS Seaways: 11 daily sailings and 76 weekly sailings 

Irish Ferries: 9 daily sailings and 62 weekly sailings 

How far is it from Dover to Calais?

The distance between Dover to Calais is approximately 37.8 miles (60.8km) or 33 nautical miles.

Can I travel from Dover to Calais with a car?

Yes, you can get the ferry to Calais with a car. 

Car operators: P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways & Irish Ferries 
Calais Dover car ferry prices: usually between £108 and £256
Cheapest car price: £40

Can I travel as a foot passenger to Calais from Dover?

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the ferry to Calais from Dover.

Dover Calais foot passenger ferries: P&O Ferries 
Dover to Calais foot passenger prices: usually between £33 and £155
Cheapest foot passenger ferry to Calais: £18

Can I take my camper on the Dover Calais ferry?

Yes, you can take your camper on ferries from Dover to Calais. See below for approximate prices.  

Camper prices: usually between £138 and £335
Cheapest camper price: £86

Can you take your pet with you on the Dover to Calais ferry?

Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the Dover to Calais ferry.

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Dover to Calais?

Pets are allowed on Dover to Calais ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.

Pet-friendly operators: 
P&O Ferries
DFDS Seaways
Irish Ferries

What will I need when travelling with my pet?  

You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board the Dover to Calais boat.

• Health documents showing your pet’s vaccinations
• Everything your pet needs for a safe and comfortable journey such as water, food and a lead

Where will my pet stay during the ferry crossing?  

P&O Ferries:

• All pets must stay in your vehicle during the ferry crossing, although dogs are also allowed in the pet lounge which costs £12 each way
• There is an exercise area on the outside deck
   

DFDS Seaways:

• Pets must remain in your vehicle for the duration of the ferry. However, you can visit them during the crossing
   

Irish Ferries:

• Pets must stay inside your vehicle during the crossing or in the new onboard pet den

Travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs

You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs for free on the Dover to Calais boat with P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways & Irish Ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.

Pet price

P&O Ferries: £15 per pet each way
DFDS Seaways: £15 per pet each way
Irish Ferries: free of charge

Everything you need to know about Dover to Calais ferry tickets

When is the best time to book ferries from Dover to Calais?  

We recommend to book your ferry from Dover to Calais in advance to get it at the cheapest price. Prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Calais Dover ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re travelling from Dover to Calais by boat in summer it’s always best to book in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts.  

Do you offer student discount on Dover to Calais ferry tickets?  

Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Dover Calais ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Dover to Calais ferry booking.

Onboard the Dover Calais ferry 

How long does it take to disembark the ferry from Dover to Calais?

It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.

How much luggage can I take on the ferry from Dover to Calais?

The amount of luggage you can take on the Dover to Calais ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.

P&O Ferries: no specific limit
DFDS Seaways: no specific limit
Irish Ferries: 2 suitcases per person each weighing no more than 22kg

What facilities are available on board ferries from Dover to Calais?

There are a wide range of facilities available on board the Dover to Calais ferry. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.

What accommodation and seating options are available?  

The accommodation and seating on the Dover to Calais boat differs depending on the ferry company. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.   

P&O Ferries: There are spacious lounges with seating, as well as an exclusive Club Lounge for extra comfort and sea views.

DFDS Seaways: A range of cabins are available on board for passengers including an all-inclusive Premium Lounge at an added cost.

Irish Ferries: Inside, outside and window cabins are available along with Club Class cabins which offer extra amenities.

Is there reduced mobility access on the Dover to Calais ferry?

Yes, the ferries from Dover to Calais are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate your requests.

P&O Ferries - Ferries are accessible for electric and manual wheelchair users. There are also changing place facilities on this route along with disabled toilets. 

DFDS Seaways - Accessible toilets and lifts are available on board.

Irish Ferries - Wheelchairs are available along with specially adapted public toilets and dedicated seating areas. 

Taking the ferry from Dover to Calais 

How early do I need to arrive at Dover port?  

We recommend arriving at Dover port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.

How and when will I get my Dover to Calais ferry ticket?

Your Dover to Calais tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.

When do I need to check in?  

The latest check-in time for your Dover to Calais ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.  

P&O Ferries: 60 minutes before departure for vehicles and motorcycles. 90 minutes before departure for foot passengers and those travelling with pets.

DFDS Seaways: usually 60 mins before departure.

Irish Ferries: 30 minutes before departure unless you're travelling with a coach. Coaches need to check in 1 hour before.

Is there parking at Dover port?  

Yes, parking is available at Dover port.

How to get to Dover port 

Dover port is easy to reach.

By car - take the M20 until you reach Folkestone. Continue on the A20 until you get to Eastern Docks roundabout. Once there, take the first left into the ferry terminal. 

Useful information on your arrival to Calais

Once you're arrived at Calais port, make sure you follow the instructions at the port on where to go. You should also be prepared for custom checks and have your passport ready to show.

If you’re travelling by car, speed limits are as follows:  

Main roads: 

Motorways: 130km/h or 80mph
Dual carriageways: 110km/h or 70mph
Main roads outside built-up areas: 80km/h or 50mph
Main roads within built-up areas: 50km/h or 30mph