Dover to Calais Ferry

The Dover Calais ferry route connects England with France and is currently operated by 2 ferry companies. The DFDS Seaways service runs up to 15 times per day with a sailing duration of around 1 hour 30 minutes while the P&O Ferries service runs up to 23 times per day with a duration from 1 hr 30 min.

So that’s a combined 38 cross Channel sailings on offer per day on the Dover Calais route between England and France. Compare now and get the best fare at the time that you want to travel.

Dover to Calais is the fastest ferry crossing from England to France with a distance of approximately 30 miles between the English and French port. The close proximity makes Dover to Calais a great day trip ferry route for people to visit France.

Foot passengers across the country can take a direct train from London to Dover, with the fastest journey via the southeastern high speed train in just over 1 hour. In Calais, regular trains travel from Calais Ville to popular French destinations such as Lille, or the capital city, Paris, for a longer stay. Calais is situated north west of France close to Normandy and very close to the border with Belgium. Brussels is just a few hours drive from Calais for those who want to cross the border and visit one of Europe's most influential capital cities.

Foot passengers and Cars on Ferries


P&O customers can travel as a foot passenger from Dover to Calais between 9am and 7pm on selected sailings. Irish Ferries and DFDS do not currently permit foot passengers to travel on their ships. Traveling with a vehicle is permitted on all ferry companies that service this route.

Save up 50% on high street prices from your favorite brands with Duty Free on ships operating the Dover Calais route. Facilities found on ships operating this route include foreign currency exchange and a selection of bars, restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy during the trip.

Dover - Calais Ferry Operators

  • Irish Ferries
    • 14 Sailings Daily 1 hr 30 min
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  • DFDS Seaways
    • 14 Sailings Daily 1 hr 30 min
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  • P&O Ferries
    • 17 Sailings Daily 1 hr 30 min
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Dover Calais Average Prices

Prices shown represent the average one way price paid by our customers. The most common booking on the Dover Calais route is a car and 2 passengers.

Dover Guide

The English town and port of Dover is located in the county of Kent in the south east of England. The town lies on the English Channel coast at its narrowest point between England and France. This narrow stretch of the English Channel is called the Strait of Dover. In and around the town there are many things for visitors to see and do. In memory of the spot where Bleriot landed following the first cross channel flight in 1909, the Bleriot Memorial is an outline of the aircraft flown set into the ground. Also, and overlooking the town, is Dover Castle which is the largest castle in England. It was founded in the 12th century and has been described as the "Key to England" due to its defensive significance throughout its history.

The Port of Dover is the world's busiest passenger port, with 16 million travellers, 2.1 million lorries, 2.8 million cars and motorcycles and 86,000 coaches passing through it each year. It is the main port of departure for travellers from the UK to France and beyond into mainland Europe. Services are operated by P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways to Calais and Dunkirk.

Calais Guide

The French city of Calais is located in the Nord-Pas de Calais department of north west France and is the closest port in France to England. The Strait of Dover, which lies across the English Channel on the UK mainland, is around 32 km from Calais and on a clear day the famous White Cliffs of Dover can be seen from Calais as can the Calais coast from the cliffs. Calais has been an important maritime hub for commerce and tourism between France and England for many years and the town itself is divided into two parts. The old town, Calais-Nord, is located on a man made island that is surrounded by canals and harbours. The modern town, St-Pierre, is located to the south of the old town. The city is moving away from just being home to the busy port and is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination in itself. It has a long and rich cultural heritage, a number of museums and a lively nightlife. A popular attraction in the city are its Belfries which are siege towers that were built to protect the city from marauders, and are today declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ferries to England depart Calais on average every 30 minutes, with a crossing time to Dover of around 75 minutes.