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England → France 🇫🇷

Dover to Calais Ferry

The UK's busiest ferry route — about 90 minutes from Dover Eastern Docks to Calais. Run by P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries, with up to 50 sailings a day combined.

1h 30 crossing 23 / day from £75 car + 2
Crossing time
1h 30
Operators
P&O Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries
Sailings
23 / day
From
£75
Route type
Short crossing
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The crossing

The Dover to Calais ferry

Dover to Calais is the busiest ferry route in the world and the default crossing for British drivers heading to France and beyond. At just 21 miles, the Strait of Dover is the narrowest point of the English Channel, and the modern ships of P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries cover it in about 90 minutes. Between them they run up to 50 sailings a day, so you rarely wait long, and a flexible ticket lets you hop on an earlier boat if you arrive ahead of time. Dover's Eastern Docks sit right off the A20 and M20, and Calais drops you straight onto the A16 and A26 autoroutes for Paris, Belgium, the Alps and the south. It is the cheapest way to cross with a car, with frequent departures around the clock.

What it connects

Ports & operators on this route

Good to know

Dover to Calais ferry — common questions

How long is the Dover to Calais ferry?

About 90 minutes from Dover Eastern Docks to Calais. With check-in and disembarkation, allow around two and a half hours port to port.

Which companies sail Dover to Calais?

P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries all run the route, with up to 50 combined sailings a day.

Is the Dover-Calais ferry cheaper than the Eurotunnel?

Usually, especially off-peak. The ferry is often £30 to £60 cheaper for a car, though Le Shuttle is quicker at about 35 minutes.

Can foot passengers use Dover-Calais?

No. The route carries vehicles and their passengers only; foot passengers should consider the train or a coach package.

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