Dover to Calais ferry

Ferry Operators for Dover to Calais

	Operator	Frequency	Duration
DFDS		14 ferries a day	1 hour 30 minutes	More
P&O Ferries	P&O Ferries	13 ferries a day	1 hour 30 minutes	More
Irish Ferries	Irish Ferries	14 ferries a day	1 hour 30 minutes	More

Ferries from Dover to Calais

The Dover-Calais ferry route is one of the busiest in the world. There are more than 40 sailings on offer along this route every day. Still, it is advisable to make your booking early as that will guarantee you space on the ferry. Some reasons which have made this route popular are the fact that it is very cheap, and the ferries are available on an hourly basis.

The ferry route from Dover to Calais is a vital and historically significant connection between the United Kingdom and France, traversing the narrowest part of the English Channel. This passage offers a convenient and popular mode of transportation for both passengers and cargo, facilitating travel and trade between the two countries. The journey, spanning approximately 90 minutes, allows travelers to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline while aboard these ferries operated by various reputable companies. Dover, with its iconic White Cliffs, serves as the departure point, while Calais welcomes passengers to its charming port town, rich in culture and heritage. The regularity, efficiency, and convenience of this ferry service make it a favored choice for those seeking a seamless cross-channel experience.

Schedules for ferries from Dover to Calais

Every day, there are around 40 crossings from Dover to Calais. DFDS offers 25 sailings, and P&O Ferries offers 12 sailings and Irish Ferries around 15 sailings. Ferries from all 3 services take one and a half hours to complete the journeys. The earliest ferry to leave Dover sets off at about 12:45 a.m., but this can change depending on the season. The last trip is usually scheduled for just before midnight. Again, this can vary depending on the time of year. With about 40 crossings, you should be able to get a ferry at least once every hour. Dover is a crucial gateway to Europe. With tens of millions of travelers every year, the place gets quite busy. Although there are ferries available at all times of the day and night, it is necessary to book your trip earlier.

Timetables DFDS Seaways Dover - Calais

Timetables P&O Ferries Dover - Calais

Timetables Irish Ferries Dover - Calais

Ferry Calais to Dover - Overview

DFDS Seaways, a European shipping giant, boasts over 150 years of ferry and freight expertise. Recognised for its dependability and sustainability, the company links the UK, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe. Its contemporary fleet guarantees passengers' comfort and swift cargo management. Through innovation and environmentally conscious methods, DFDS remains a premier option for smooth European transit.

• DFDS Sailings per Day: 14 sailings per day or more


• Traveling as a foot passenger: Not possible

DFDS Seaways Ships:

• Calais Seaways: Vessel capacity of up to 2000 voyagers and 600 vehicles, reaches speeds of 21 knots, shopping venues, onboard food and drink, comfortable seating areas for relaxation, extensive outside decks, children's play area, games arcade onboard, free Wi-Fi facilities for passengers.


• Malo Seaways: Passenger capacity up to 400 passengers, kid’s play area, shop and café with a bar and sea view, onboard cabins, reserved seating, self-service restaurant, snack bar, café, shopping area, designated kids' area with a soft play zone, onboard arcade area with various video and racing games for older children and teenagers, full mobility access with elevator access to all decks for passengers with mobility needs.


• D Class: D Class cabins and reserved seating options, family-friendly self-service restaurant offering affordable meals, bistro with full table service and an excellent menu, fast food options, lounge bar, wide TV screens for news and sports updates, Costa Coffee, Bistro Bar on deck 7 for a more ambient atmosphere, onboard shopping, information desk, bureau de change, ATM, facilities catering to families, D Class vessels equipped to accommodate disabled passengers.


• Seven Sister: Choice of 50 en-suite cabins, free standard seating options, relaxed self-service restaurant, panoramic bar, onboard shopping, brightly-colored play-zone for younger children to enjoy, video games and cartoons to entertain older children, specially adapted cabin available for passengers with reduced mobility.


• Pearl Seaways: Wide variety of cabin options available with range from top-tier Commodore Deluxe to budget-friendly standard cabins, All-you-can-eat buffet, steakhouse, cafés, bars, tax-free shopping, live bands and various entertainment options during the overnight sail on selected routes, Kidz’ club for children's entertainment managed by professional entertainers, elevators providing full access to all areas, wheelchair-accessible cabins can be pre-booked, assistance required due to a step to the elevator when embarking and disembarking the ship.


• Princess Seaways: Range from value-for-money cabins to luxurious ones, restaurants include 7 Seas Buffet, Blue Riband à la carte restaurant and Explorer's Steakhouse, café, various bars, onboard shopping, onboard cinema, casino, ‘Kidz' Club for children's entertainment, games room with video games and a cinema for older children, wheelchair-friendly with elevators to most decks, specially adapted disabled cabins available upon request, including sea view and inside options.


• Côte d'Albâtre: Choice of 50 cabins, all of which are en-suite, high quality sleeper seats set over 2 lounges (1 private and 1 in an open area) and recline fully to turn into 2.1m long horizontal beds, free standard type seats, onboard food and drink in self-service restaurant with children’s menu and vegetarian options, onboard shopping, areas for children with play-zones, video games and cartoons, cabin adapted for passengers with reduced mobility.


• C Class: Self-service restaurant offering vegetarian and children's options, cafes and bars, onboard shopping, dedicated soft play area for children, arcade area with various video and racing games for older kids, lift access parking, passenger lifts for free movement between decks, wheelchair-accessible public toilet facilities.


• King Seaways: Cabin options range from value-for-money cabins to extra special accommodations, restaurants offering diverse dining experiences - 7 Seas Buffet, Blue Riband restaurant, Explorer's Steakhouse, cafés and various bars - Sports Bar and Neptune Sky Bar, onboard shopping, onboard cinema, casino, 'Kidz' Club: Safe and enjoyable play area for children and games room with video games and a cinema for older children, wheelchair-friendly with elevators to most decks, specially adapted disabled cabins available upon request.


• Crown Seaways: Wide variety of cabin options available, range of restaurants all-you-can-eat buffet, tasty steakhouse, cafés and bars, onboard shopping, live bands and various onboard entertainment during the overnight sail on selected routes, Kidz’ Club for children's, elevators providing full access to all areas of the ship.


• Norman Voyager: Variety of 4 berth inside and outside cabins available to suit different budgets and requirements, cabins for passengers with disabilities, spacious Seaside and Horizon Lounges featuring comfortable reclining seats, onboard food and drink in Le Bistro du Norman and Shamrock Pub. onboard shopping, WiFi.

P&O Ferries

P&O Ferries, a prominent British shipping company with over 180 years of history, manages vital ferry routes linking the UK with Europe. Their contemporary fleet caters to passengers and freight, providing comfortable travel facilities and effective cargo services. Well-known for its reliability, P&O Ferries continues to be a pivotal facilitator of smooth travel and trade throughout Europe.

• P&O Ferries Sailings per Day: around 13 sailings per day


• Traveling as a foot passenger: Possible

P&O Ferries Ships:

• European Causeway: Onboard food and drink - Fables restaurant, Poets Bar and Costa Coffee, onboard shopping, dedicated space for children for coloring and playing.


• European Endeavour: Comfortable en-suite 2 & 4 bed cabins, inside cabins or cabins with a sea view, reclining seats provided with pillows and blankets, meals included in the price of the journey - complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit juice available throughout the sailing, onboard shopping, bureau de change, no elevators to the main passenger areas - access is by a staircase, potential unsuitability for individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, or young children due to limited accessibility.


• European Highlander: Fables restaurant offering delicious food options, Poets Bar and Costa Coffee, onboard shopping, dedicated space for children for coloring and playing.


• Norbank: Comfortable en-suite 2 bed cabins available, Meals included in the price of the journey - complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit juice available throughout the crossing, Bureau de Change, no elevators to the main passenger areas - access is by a staircase, potential unsuitability for individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, or young children due to limited accessibility.


• Norbay: Comfortable en-suite 2 bed cabins available, Meals included in the price of the journey - complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit juice available throughout the crossing, Bureau de Change, no elevators to the main passenger areas - access is by a staircase, potential unsuitability for individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, or young children due to limited accessibility.


• P&O Liberté: Onboard food and drink, onboard shopping.


• Pride of Bruges: Variety of cabin options - En-suite cabins, Premier cabins and Club cabins, wide variety of restaurants - Four Seasons carvery, Mayfair's Langan's Brasserie, Costa Coffee and bars, onboard Shopping, Sunset Show Bar, cinema, casino, main lounge offering dancing, bingo, quizzes, and live music, commission-free bureau de change and ATM, play areas, supervised painting, drawing sessions, video game technology, free children's entertainers onboard during summer holidays, mobility-impaired vehicle passengers located near entrances on car decks for elevator access, elevators for full accessibility, specially adapted cabins with wider doorways available.


• Pride of Burgundy: Due to short journeys, no passenger cabin options are available, reserved seating can be booked, Club Class Lounge seating can be pre-booked for a touch of luxury, quick bites, bar options, and coffee shop, onboard shopping, commission-free foreign exchange at the bureau de change, ATM, dedicated kids play area for children to enjoy and burn energy, onboard video arcade suitable for both young and older children, specially adapted for travelers with restricted mobility, shopping, dining, and seating areas are wheelchair-friendly, staff available on the vehicle deck to assist passengers with special requirements if requested in advance.


• Pride of Hull: Standard cabins: 2 or 4 berth bunk beds, inside or outside with a sea view. Premier cabins: 2 or 5 berth inside or outside with a sea view. Club cabins: Sea view, more spacious, with extra amenities like TV, telephone, tea/coffee facilities. Cabins are en-suite with a shower room and WC, including towels and bed linen. Coffee shop, Four Seasons with carvery and buffet-style dining, Langan's Brasserie with a first-class menu, bars including the Sky Lounge with scenic views, onboard shopping, cinemas, live cabaret shows, and a casino, bureau de change with commission-free services and ATM, varied activities for children, including play areas, video spots, and supervised creative activities, free children's entertainers during summer holidays and modern video game technology available. Pride of Hull is accessible for passengers with limited mobility or in wheelchairs, vehicle passengers with mobility impairments located near entrances on car decks for elevator access.


• Pride of Rotterdam: Standard cabins: 2 or 4 berth bunk beds, inside or outside with a sea view. Premier cabins: 2 or 5 berth inside or outside with a sea view. Club cabins: Sea view, more spacious, with extra amenities like TV, telephone, tea/coffee facilities. Cabins are en-suite with a shower room and WC, including towels and bed linen. Coffee shop, Four Seasons with carvery and buffet-style dining, Langan's Brasserie with a first-class menu, bars including the Sky Lounge with scenic views, onboard shopping, cinemas, live cabaret shows, and a casino, bureau de change with commission-free services and ATM, varied activities for children, including play areas, video spots, and supervised creative activities, free children's entertainers during summer holidays and modern video game technology available. Pride of Hull is accessible for passengers with limited mobility or in wheelchairs, vehicle passengers with mobility impairments located near entrances on car decks for elevator access.


• Spirit of Britain: No cabins available, seating is offered in the Club Class Lounge. Pre-book for a luxurious experience, including complimentary amenities like champagne, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and newspapers served by friendly staff. Food Court, Brasserie, onboard coffee shops including Costa Coffee, bars, during summer months, an alfresco bar is available. Onboard shopping, free WiFi, a commission-free bureau de change, ATM, various onboard activities for children, including play areas and quieter spaces for video watching, during summer holidays, children's entertainers and supervised activities are provided, allowing parents some leisure time.


• Spirit of France: Choice of bars and restaurants, food court, The Brasserie with high-quality food and wine, onboard coffee shops including Costa Coffee, bar, family lounge, onboard shopping, onboard activities for children include play areas and quieter spots for watching videos, during summer holidays, children's entertainers and supervised painting or drawing sessions provided, allowing parents leisure time. Staff available to meet and assist customers with wheelchairs on the vehicle deck upon request. All shopping, dining, and seating areas onboard Spirit of France are wheelchair friendly.

Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries is a significant maritime company that connects Ireland, the UK, and France. They offer dependable passenger and freight services using contemporary vessels, guaranteeing seamless travel and trade between these nations. Renowned for prioritising customer satisfaction, Irish Ferries plays a vital role in enabling crucial connections across these regions.

• Irish Ferries Sailings per Day: around 14 sailings per day


• Traveling as a foot passenger: Not possible

Irish Ferries Ships:

• Dublic Swift: 500 passengers, onboard amenities mentioned in the text: restaurant, bar/lounge area, free WiFi, en suite cabins for a comfortable night’s sleep.


• Epsilon: 500 passengers, onboard amenities mentioned in the text: restaurant, bar/lounge area, free WiFi, en suite cabins for a comfortable night’s sleep.


• Oscar Wild: Bright, airy cabins, stylish lounges, wide choice of entertainment, various dining options, great levels of comfort, luxurious ship sailing between Ireland and the U.K., impressive amenities from the moment you step on board.


• Isle of Innisfree: Well-equipped and modern car ferry, possible upgrade to the luxurious Club Class Lounge, wide range of bars, brasseries and cafes, onboard shopping, play area for kids with films, games, and toys.


• W. B. Yeats: Multiple lounges, entertainment options, free Wi-Fi access for all passengers, cinema facility, designated children’s area, fantastic outer deck space, diverse cabin options catering to different traveler needs and budgets.


• Isle of Inishee: Onboard cabins, reserved seating, wide range selection of freshly made food including hot and cold beverages from Cafe Lafayette or Boylans Brasserie, duty free onboard shopping, designated smoking areas, currently cannot accept wheelchair passengers.


• Isle of Inishmo: Air conditioned, en-suite cabins, onboard food and drink in the exclusive Kilronan Motorist's Club lounge, films and games in the children’s play area, onboard Shopping, possible upgrade to the luxurious Club Class lounge.


• Ulysses: Largest car ferry in the World - capacity for 1342 cars and 2000 passengers. Onboard facilities include restaurants, cinemas, TV lounges, video and electronic games, children's play area, two large lounge bars, shop, club class lounge.

How to find cheap ferries from Dover to Calais

To find affordable ferry options from Dover to Calais, consider a few strategies. Firstly, booking in advance can often result in lower fares, so plan your trip ahead of time. Comparison websites and travel platforms frequently offer deals and discounts on ferry tickets. It's beneficial to compare prices of different ferry operators on Omio and choose the right and cheap ticket for ferry Dover - Calais. On average, you can expect to pay  under $60 for ferries from Dover to Calais . This price can fluctuate significantly. On the best days, you can cross the route for less than half of that, but this will only be possible if there is very low human traffic. It is advisable to book your ferry on weekdays since weekends usually get busy and more expensive. Traveling between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. will also help you save since there are more cheap spaces available during these hours. If you can't sail overnight, you should consider booking a ferry in the afternoon.  

How long is the ferry journey from Dover to Calais?

Calais is the closest port of France to England. A ferry from Dover to Calais will take roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the journey. If you have never taken a ferry on this route, you should make a point of arriving very early. This way, you will have enough time to understand the processes and directions. It is possible to purchase your ticket at the port, but remember that this can be very expensive. Depending on the ticket type you buy, you may also be able to board a different ferry if you miss yours.

What do you need to know before traveling by ferry from Dover to Calais?

Departure port: Dover is the busiest passenger port in the world. Every year, it receives 16 million visitors, close to 5 million vehicles, and tens of thousands of coaches. Being ideally located on the English Channel coast, this port serves as the main gateway from England to major cities of Europe. You can use the M20 to get to Dover Port from towns to the west, such as London. The distance from London to Dover is about 70 miles (112 km), and the journey should take about an hour. The facilities at the port include currency services, vending machines, free WiFi, massage chairs, and game rooms.

Port of arrival: Calais is the fourth-largest port in France and the busiest for passenger travel. More than 10 million passengers go through the port every year. It is located on the northern tip of France and offers easy access to France and other countries in Europe. The motorway network of Europe connects Calais with other big cities, so you should have an easy time accessing other major European cities by car. Between around 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., you can use the bus service to travel to the city center of Calais from the port. In the city center, you will find Calais Ville, which is the train station in the city. With the trains, you can also access major cities in Europe.

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