Ferry Calais to Dover

When travelling by ferry from Calais to Dover, 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.

Calais - Dover ferries

Note: the number of daily crossings usually increases during the high season.

The conventional ferries serving the Calais - Dover route are equipped with a range of modern amenities for a comfortable and relaxed trip across the 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
• A selection of restaurants, cafés, and bars, serving drinks, snacks and meals (including vegetarian and child-friendly options)
• Play areas and a treasure hunt app to keep children entertained
• Shops selling duty-free goods, such as cosmetics, perfume, sweets, and alcohol
• Car decks for the transportation of vehicles
• Free Wi-Fi hotspot, to stay connected during the trip

On ferries operated by Irish Ferries, such as Isle Of Inishmore and Oscar Wilde, you will also find dedicated pet-areas, where you can enjoy the trip with your pet.

For more details and information, have a look at our guide regarding the on-board services of ferries connecting Calais and Dover.

Cabins and accommodation

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

For a more comfortable journey, you can usually book a seat in the business lounge. Depending on the ferry company, these tickets may also include priority boarding, as well as complimentary drinks and snacks. Tickets for the business lounge generally start at around €130.

Luggage

Each ferry company serving the Calais - Dover route has its own luggage policy:

• When travelling with DFDS, you can bring up to 50 kg of luggage with you on board. Note that there are no luggage carts.
• On Irish Ferries, you can bring 1 piece of small hand luggage and as many check-in bags as you want. Keep in mind, though, that checked-in items must weigh under 22 kg.

Can I travel with my pet?

Yes, pets are generally allowed on ferries serving the Calais - Dover route, provided you include them in your reservation and purchase the necessary ticket when booking your tickets. Typically, your pet can stay in your vehicle for the trip. It is recommended to leave some food and water in your vehicle, and leave a window slightly open.

Alternatively, on Irish Ferries vessels, you can also book a space in a Pet Den. These dedicated in-door lounges include seating for you and your pet, as well as access to an outdoor walkway. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in a carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead.

Dogs will need to receive tapeworm treatment at least 24 hr before reaching Dover, and you will also need to sign a declaration to confirm that you do not intend to sell your pet in the UK.

Remember to bring your pet’s travel and health documents, including microchip identification, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, as well as the tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Important: certain dog breeds are not permitted to travel, as they are banned in the UK. These include XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers (including American Pit Bull Terriers), Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Calais to Dover:

• As one of the busiest ports in the world, it is important to arrive at Calais at least 1.5 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure, to ensure a smooth boarding.
• 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.
• If you are headed to the UK for a short trip, have a look at the Dover - Calais ferry schedules to plan your return to France.
• From England, you can also travel to the Dutch ports of Amsterdam and Hoek van Holland. For more details, check out our detailed guide on UK - Netherlands ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Calais to Dover

Ferries to Dover leave from the Port of Calais ferry terminal (Car Ferry Terminal / Gare Maritime Est). The terminal is on the waterfront just east of the city centre, roughly 2-3 km away, so you can reach it from downtown Calais in about 5-10 min by car or taxi, or around 25-30 min on foot.

If you are driving from town, you can easily reach the port via the A16 motorway. When you reach the port, you’ll find well-signposted lanes leading you to the check-in booths and dedicated marshalling lanes for cars, motorhomes and lorries.

At the ferry terminal, there are also cafés and restaurants, toilets, seating areas, and duty-free shops, which are handy if you want to pick up a few last-minute essentials for the trip.

How to get to the port of Calais

You can easily reach the Port of Calais by car, whether you’re coming from the city centre or the wider Hauts-de-France region. The port is right off the A16/E40 motorway (exit 47), with signs for “Car Ferry / Port de Calais” guiding you to the terminal area. There is short-term parking near the terminal, with long-stay options mainly found in the city.

If you’re arriving by train, the Calais Ville station is a 5-10 min drive away. You can also hop on the free shuttle bus that connects the station, city centre and ferry terminal, with multiple departures every hour. There are also taxis and regular buses that run to the port from various parts of Calais.

The nearest airport is the Calais-Dunkerque Airport, which is in Marck, about 7 km north-east of Calais. The car ride from the airport to the port of Calais takes around 15-20 min, depending on traffic.

Where does the ferry arrive in Dover?

Ferries from Calais arrive at the Eastern Docks in Dover, the town’s main ferry port. The terminal is just off the A20, so it’s easy to continue your journey towards London, Kent or the Midlands as soon as you drive out of the port area.

At the ferry terminal, you will find plenty of traveller amenities, including cafés and restaurants, shops, restrooms and seating areas with free Wi-Fi access.

If you’re heading into town, the Dover Priory railway station is about a 5-min drive or a 20-25 min walk from the port. Trains run regularly to London St Pancras, London Victoria and Canterbury, making onward travel very simple.