Ferries Dover

When travelling by ferry to Dover from Calais or Dunkirk, you can take advantage of the regular discounts offered to specific traveller categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, you can generally expect lower ferry ticket prices for children under 16, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old typically travel for free.

There are 2 routes connecting the English port of Dover to France, which operate all year round.

Calais - Dover

The Calais - Dover route operates year-round with up to 30 daily crossings. The journey takes around 1.5 hr, and ticket prices start from € 31.39 for foot passengers and about € 100 for a passenger with a car. The crossings with DFDS and Irish Ferries are for travellers with a vehicle only, while P&O Ferries accepts both foot passengers and vehicles.

Dunkirk - Dover

There are around 10 daily crossings throughout the year on the Dunkirk - Dover route. The journey with DFDS takes about 2 hr, while ticket prices start from € 79 with a car.

There are currently 2 main ferry companies that serve routes to Dover:

• DFDS ferries connect Dover with Calais and Dunkirk.
• Irish Ferries operates on the Dunkirk - Dover route.
• P&O Ferries serves the route from Calais to Dover.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Dover?

• On DFDS ferries, you are allowed as many bags as you can carry on board yourself.
• When travelling with Irish Ferries, you may bring as much personal luggage as you can fit in your vehicle.
• With P&O Ferries, you can bring as many pieces of luggage as you can carry onboard yourself.

The ferry trip to Dover can take from 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr 30 min, depending on the route, operator and vessel. Here are indicative travel times for each route:

• Calais - Dover: the ferry trip typically takes 1 hr 30 min to 1 hr 40 min, depending on the vessel and operator.
• Dunkirk - Dover: the crossing typically takes about 2 hr to 2 hr 30 min, depending on the crossing.

Which is the fastest route to Dover?

The fastest ferry connection to Dover is from Calais, with a journey time of about 1 hr 30 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Dover?

The cheapest ferry tickets to Dover are available on the Calais - Dover route, with prices typically starting at around € 31.39 for foot passenger.

Which port of departure should I choose?

The best port of departure for Dover depends on how fast you want your trip to be and on the frequency of routes available:

• Calais offers the fastest travel time (about 1.5 hr) and more frequent crossings, on average 30 each day.
• Dunkirk offers fewer daily crossings than Calais and a slightly longer travel time (about 2 hr), but it is typically less crowded with faster border controls and shorter queues.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning and booking your ferry trip on the France - Dover routes, keep these factors in mind:

• Frequency of crossings and seasonality: all routes to Dover offer daily crossings year-round. The number of crossings per day may increase during peak months.
• Type of vessels: all routes to Dover - France are served by conventional ferries.
• Trip duration: ferry crossings to Dover are typically short, ranging from 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr, depending on the route and company.
• Luggage and pets: check luggage limits and pet policies in advance, as rules may vary by operator.
• Foot passenger tickets: please note that you can only travel as foot passenger with P&O Ferries from Calais; the crossings to Dover with DFDS and Irish Ferries are vehicle-only and foot passengers are not permitted.

The conventional ferries serving routes to Dover have car decks for transporting vehicles, such as cars, motorbikes, bicycles, campervans and motorhomes. Keep in mind though, that DFDS and Irish Ferries only accept passengers travelling with a vehicle, while P&O Ferries accept both foot passsengers and vehicles.

When traveling with a vehicle by ferry to Dover, make sure you carry your driving licence, vehicle registration, and insurance documents.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Dover?

The cost of vehicle transportation to Dover depends on the route, ferry company, and type of vehicle. More specifically:

• Calais - Dover: around €100 for a car, about €65 for a motorbike, €150 with a caravan or motorhome, and €25 for a bicycle.
• Dunkirk - Dover: about €105 for a car, about €60 for a motorcycle and roughly €150 for a caravan,  and €25 for a bicycle.

Can I take my caravan on the ferry to Dover?

Yes, the ferries to Dover have car decks that accommodate larger vehicles, including caravans and motorhomes.

The conventional ferries serving routes to Dover are equipped with a range of modern amenities for a comfortable and relaxed trip across the English Channel. On most ferries, you will usually find:

• Standard air-conditioned lounges and premium lounges, with complementary drinks and snacks
• Spacious seating on outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Restaurants, cafés, and bars, serving drinks, snacks and meals (including vegetarian and child-friendly options)
• Family-friendly entertainment, including play areas and a treasure hunt app
• Shops selling duty-free goods, such as cosmetics, perfume, sweets, and alcohol
• Free Wi-Fi hotspot, to stay connected during the trip

Tip: For more details and information, check out our guide on the on-board services of ferries connecting Calais and Dover.

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Due to the short length of the trip, no cabins are available on ferries to Dover. Standard deck/lounge seating is included in the ticket price.

What type of seats can you book?

Each operates serving the outes to Dover offers the following seating options:

• DFDS: you can book a deck-lounge seat.
• Irish Ferries: you can choose between a deck-lounge or a business seat in the Club Class lounge.
• P&O Ferries: you can book standard deck/lounge seats and upgrade your tickets to the Club Lounge.

Note: you can also book a non-refundable ticket in all categories at a lower price than their refundable counterparts.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries have a business class lounge on their ferries, such as the Oscar Wilde and Spirit of France. These lounges are in an exclusive area on board and feature comfortable seating and sea views, Wi-Fi, and complimentary drinks and snacks.

Are the ferries accessible?

Yes, the ferries to Dover operated by DFDS, Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries have adapted amenities and facilities for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. On most ferries, you will find:

• Wheelchair-accessible toilets and wide corridors
• Lift access between decks
• Assistance for boarding and disembarking when requested in advance
• Guide dog and assistance dog support (with appropriate documentation)

Please note that while pets generally travel in secure vehicle areas during the short crossings to Dover, service and guide dogs are allowed on board.

Important: contact your ferry company at least 48 hr before departure to arrange specialised assistance and ensure a smooth crossing.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Dover?

Pets are allowed on routes to Dover, provided you include them in your booking. Keep in mind that each operator has its own pet policy.

Where do pets stay on ferries to Dover?

The pet accommodation options depend on the operator

• DFDS: your pet stays inside your vehicle.
• Irish Ferries: you can keep your pet in your vehicle or in the prebooked Pet Den, available on Oscar Wilde and Isle of Inishmore.
• P&O Ferries: you can either keep your pet inside your vehicle, or alongside you in the Pet Lounge for dogs.

If you leave your pet in your vehicle, make sure you leave them with enough pet supplies and, ideally, a window slightly open.

What pet documents do I need on ferries to Dover?

You must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification, and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip).  Dogs will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before arriving in the UK.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, the ferries to Dover offer Wi-Fi onboard so that you can stay connected during the short crossing.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, you can normally find TVs on the lounges on board ferries to Dover, as well as restaurants, bars, and duty-free stores. You can also expect play areas and a treasure hunt app to keep children entertained.

Do I need a visa or passport to go to Dover?

When travelling by ferry from France (Calais or Dunkirk) to Dover (UK), you will need to carry a valid passport, as national ID cards aren’t accepted for UK entry. Depending on your nationality, you may also require a visa or UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

If you are bringing a vehicle with you, you will also need 

• A valid driving licence
• Your vehicle registration documents
• Proof of motor insurance valid for international travel (e.g., Green Card, if applicable)

As this is an international crossing, passport control and customs checks take place before boarding and/or upon arrival. Always check official government sources for the most up-to-date entry requirements.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Dover on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Dover as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates.
2. Add passengers, pets, and vehicles.
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices.
4. Complete your booking securely online.

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper lets you manage your booking, check for updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

When travelling by ferry to Dover, you should arrive at your port of departure with your vehicle at least 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr before departure to allow time for check-in, security, and passport control procedures. Arriving earlier is highly advisable, especially during peak travel periods (summer months, holidays, and weekends).

Once you arrive at the terminal, follow the signs for your ferry operator and present your booking reference and travel documents at check-in (if required). Vehicles are directed to waiting lanes before boarding, which usually begins around 45 min to 1 hr before departure, depending on the operator and port traffic.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

With DFDS, Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries, you can book your tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

We recommend checking your confirmation email carefully for operator-specific instructions and arriving at the port with your travel documents ready.

Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when traveling by ferry to Dover:

• Calais is one of the busiest ports in the world. When traveling from the French port to Dover, you should be there at least 1.5 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure, to ensure a smooth boarding.
• The port of Dunkirk is typically less crowded than Calais, but it can still get very busy, especially during peak season, weekends, or holidays. So it is advisable to arrive there at least 1.5 hr in advance for a smooth boarding process.
• Keep in mind that there is a 1-hr time difference between France and the UK.
• If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.

Best time to book

Ferries to Dover operate year-round, but ticket demand varies seasonally. More specifically:

High season

We recommend booking your tickets at least 1 to 2 months in advance. Demand for tickets to Dover is at its highest from June to September.

Spring & autumn

If you are planning on traveling to Dover from April to May or in October, booking your ferry tickets 3 to 4 weeks in advance is usually sufficient.

Winter

Availability is generally good during the winter months, and you can often book a few weeks or even days in advance. However, holiday periods (Christmas and Easter) still see increased demand.

Arrival at the port

As Dover routes are international, it is important to arrive at the port earlier than your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in, passport control, and boarding.

Specifically, passengers with vehicles, as these routes are vehicle-only, need to arrive at the port at least 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr before departure.

Boarding typically begins around 45 min to 1 hr before departure.

Set on the narrowest stretch of the English Channel, Dover is England’s historic gateway to continental Europe and a town rich in natural beauty and centuries-old heritage. Famed for its spectacular white chalk cliffs that define the coastline and iconic Dover Castle overlooking the harbour, the town blends dramatic landscapes with intriguing wartime secrets and welcoming local culture.

Find more information on this vibrant seaside town, make sure to check out our Dover travel guide.

The port of Dover is the busiest passenger ferry and cruise liner terminal in Britain and a major port for freight.

Are there traveller amenities at the port of Dover?

Traveler amenities at the port of Dover include:

• Check-in and ticket offices
• Waiting areas
• Cafés and small shops

How to get to Dover port

• By car: follow the M20 and A20 via Folkestone, or the M2 and A2 via Canterbury, then signs for Eastern Docks.
• By train and taxi: the nearest railway station is Dover Priory, about 2 km from the ferry terminal. High-speed trains from London St Pancras take just over 1 hr, followed by a short bus or taxi ride.
• By local bus: route 66 links Dover Priory with Eastern Docks in around 30 min.
• From Gatwick Airport: allow approximately 1.5-2 hr by car, depending on traffic, for the roughly 130 km journey.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Dover, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.