- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Major contemporary gallery on the seafront inspired by J. M. W. Turner. Essential for modern art, sea views, and Margate's creative revival.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
1 h 30 m
Average duration
1 h 33 m
Ferries per day
3
Distance
57 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Calais to Margate is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Calais to Margate will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 3 ferries that leave Calais for Margate on Thu, Jul 30, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 30 the direct ferries cover the 57 km distance in an average of 1 h 33 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 1 h 30 m .
On Thu, Jul 30 the slowest ferries will take 1 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Calais to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 1h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $26, and a train costs an average of $208.
Distance: 30 nautical miles (57 km)
Most popular Ferry | Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $212 Average price | $44 Average price | $2 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 4h 54m Average total duration 4h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration 7h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Calais to Margate:
A ferry is $14 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Calais to Margate costing on average $44 (€44).
A ferry is $182 (€182) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Calais to Margate costing on average $212 (€212).
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 24m.
Bus takes on average 7h 18m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 1h40 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 1h40 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sat |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Thu |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 12:59AM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
The table below shows live departures for Calais to Margate ferries for today, Wednesday, July 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFDS Seaways | 4:00 PM Port of Dunkirk | 2h00 | 5:00 PM Port of Dover | 0 transfersDirect | |
DFDS Seaways | 6:00 PM Port of Dunkirk | 2h00 | 7:00 PM Port of Dover | 0 transfersDirect | |
P&O Ferries | 7:00 PM DFDS Calais Ferry Terminal | 1h30 | 7:30 PM Port of Dover | 0 transfersDirect | |
DFDS Seaways | 8:00 PM Port of Dunkirk | 2h00 | 9:00 PM Port of Dover | 0 transfersDirect | |
DFDS Seaways | 11:59 PM Port of Dunkirk | 2h00 | 12:59 AM Port of Dover | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 AM Calais | 1h30 | 7:30 AM Margate | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Calais | 1h30 | 8:30 AM Margate | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.



Ferries from Calais to Margate run on average 24 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $26 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 24 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest ferry covers the 30 nautical miles (57 km) distance in 1h 30m. There are 38 sailings per week. Ferries from Calais to Margate are available to foot passengers.

Distance 30 nautical miles (57 km) |
Average sailing duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€26) |
Ferries per day 24 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 38 |
Fastest ferry 1h 30m |
First ferry 12:15 AM |
Last ferry 11:55 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
Major contemporary gallery on the seafront inspired by J. M. W. Turner. Essential for modern art, sea views, and Margate's creative revival.
Intriguing underground passage decorated with shell mosaics. Part museum, part mystery, and one of Margate's best-known heritage sites.
Small local museum telling Margate's social and seaside history through photographs, objects, and changing volunteer-led displays.
Margate's sandy main beach beside the old harbour. Ideal for classic seaside views, sunsets, and easy access to the old town.
Characterful historic quarter with narrow lanes, independent shops, and galleries. The best area for wandering and finding local charm.
Revived harbour promenade with sea views, public art, and space to stroll. Especially lively during events and summer evenings.
Fresh Pacific and North Sea oysters are a classic Kent coast treat, prized in nearby Whitstable and commonly enjoyed in Margate for their briny local character.
Beer-battered local fish with chips is a staple seaside meal in Margate, tied to the town’s harbour culture and traditional British coastal dining.
This Kent cheese is a soft washed-rind cow’s milk cheese from the region, often served on local menus and valued for its rich, pungent flavour.
A popular old-town restaurant known for modern British cooking, seasonal plates and a relaxed bistro atmosphere near the seafront.
A well-regarded seafood restaurant with refined sharing plates, natural wine and a stylish dining room close to Margate’s harbour.
A respected coffee roastery and cafe serving specialty coffee, brunch and pastries in a bright, contemporary space.
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Rooms and dining cost less than London, but summer stays and tourist areas can raise hotel, cafe, and local transport prices.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Calais to Margate by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Calais to Margate ferries use the Port of Calais to Port of Dover port pair. Use this guide to compare Calais and Margate ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Port of Calais is 1 km from Calais city centre. Public transport options include:
Port of Calais has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Au Vieux Fourneau (0.7km), Le Channel (0.8km), L'Hovercraft (0.9km)
Free WiFi. ATMs are available in the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Port of Calais.
Available at Port of Calais: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Port of Calais.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need