- Must visit
Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode
Major Calais museum in a converted lace factory, covering the city’s lace-making heritage and fashion links with working looms and temporary exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Margate to Calais
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
1 h 30 m
Average duration
1 h 33 m
Ferries per day
3
Distance
57 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Margate to Calais is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Margate to Calais will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Fast ferries
Of the 3 ferries that leave Margate for Calais on Sun, Jun 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 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 Sun, Jun 21 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.
11:35 PM1h40Margate1:15 AMCalais$361One-way0 transfers
4:40 PM1h30Margate6:10 PMCalais$381One-way0 transfers- 2:30 AM1h30Margate4:00 AMCalais$641One-way0 transfers
- 4:40 PM1h30Margate6:10 PMCalais$381One-way0 transfers
- 2:30 AM1h30Margate4:00 AMCalais$641One-way0 transfers
- 11:35 PM1h40Margate1:15 AMCalais$361One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare ferry and train for Margate to Calais
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Margate to Calais among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $36. 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 $36, and a train costs an average of $264.
Distance: 30 nautical miles (57 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $268 Average price | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 9h 3m Average total duration 8h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Margate to Calais is a ferry with an average price of $44 (€36).
This is compared to other travel options from Margate to Calais:
A ferry is $224 (€182) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Margate to Calais costing on average $268 (€218).
The fastest way to travel from Margate to Calais is by ferry with an average journey time of 1h 45m.
Other travel options to Calais take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 33m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Margate and Calais including taking a ferry and train.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Margate to Calais among Omio's users.
Margate to Calais Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Tue |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 1h40 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 1h40 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Sun |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 1h40 | Sailing Days Mon, Thu |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Fri |
Operator Norfolk Line | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 1h40 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 1h30 | Sailing Days Sat, Sun |
Live departures
Margate to Calais ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Margate to Calais ferries for today, Sunday, June 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:40 PM Margate | 1h30 | 5:10 PM Calais | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:40 PM Margate | 1h30 | 6:10 PM Calais | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:30 PM Margate | 1h40 | 10:10 PM Calais | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:50 PM Margate | 1h30 | 11:20 PM Calais | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, June 15 | |||||
| 2:30 AM Margate | 1h30 | 4:00 AM Calais | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Margate to Calais by ferry or train
Compare ferry and train 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.
Mon
Jun 15
Jun 15
Tue
Jun 16
Jun 16
Wed
Jun 17
Jun 17
Thu
Jun 18
Jun 18
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Jun 21
Jun 21
Why should you book Margate to Calais ferries with Omio?
P&O Ferries as well as DFDS offer ferries services from Margate to Calais.
Omio is the only official third party seller for P&O Ferries tickets.
Why book with Omio vs P&O Ferries?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for P&O Ferries, but also compare tickets for the likes of DFDS to find the best option for your trip from Margate to Calais.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare P&O Ferries with all available travel options, which are ferry and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Margate to Calais.
Offers and deals from Margate to Calais
Discover the offers available on trains covering the route from Margate to Calais and choose the solutions that best suit your needs. Below, you will find a selection of the most popular offers proposed by DFDS, P&O Ferries
Up to 50% off
Up to 50% off DFDS from Denmark to Norway
Book your DFDS ferries between Denmark and Norway in advance and get up to 50% off the cabin and vehicle fares on a wide selection of sailings between Copenhagen and Oslo until the 25th of September 2024.
Early Bird
Early bird tickets for Western France
Early bird deals for sailings to France with DFDS! Newhaver to Dieppe route bookings are open until January 2025 and you can get one-way tickets from £49* for two passengers and a standard car, when travelling between the 4th of January and the 30th of April 2024 or between the 1st of October and the 15th of December 2024. Travel with your tourist or camper van for the same price as with a car. You can also add a trailer or a caravan to your car for free!
Exclusive offers
Short break to France from £99 return
Discover the English Channel from just £99.
On the popular Dover - Calais and Dover - Dunkirk routes, when sailing until the 5th of January 2025:
• 3-day return tickets are from just £99 by booking by the 2nd of January 2025 (23h59)
• and 5-day return tickets are from £129 by booking by the 31st of December 2024 (23h59)
Up to 25% off
Northern Ireland with P&O Ferries: 25% off short stay
Northern Ireland trips with P&O Ferries just got cheaper for return passengers with 25% off your 28 hour return ticket on the Cairnryan - Larne route, when sailing until the 31st of December 2024. Valid until further notice.
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Margate to Calais
United Kingdom
France
Ferries from Margate to Calais run on average 28 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) if you book in advance.
There are 28 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest ferry covers the 30 nautical miles (57 km) distance in 1h 30m. There are 121 sailings per week. Ferries from Margate to Calais are available to foot passengers.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 30 nautical miles (57 km) |
Average sailing duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Ferries per day 28 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 121 |
Fastest ferry 1h 30m |
First ferry 12:10 AM |
Last ferry 11:55 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Ferry operators: P&O Ferries, DFDS from Margate to CalaisYou can travel by ferry between Margate to Calais with P&O Ferries, DFDS for as low as $36 (€29). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
P&O Ferries
About
P&O Ferries is a British shipping company, established in 2002 through mergers and acquisitions within P&O, and owned by Dubai-based DP World since 2019. It operates passenger and freight ferry services across the English Channel, North Sea, and Irish Sea. Key routes include Dover to Calais, Hull to Rotterdam, and Cairnryan to Larne. P&O Ferries offers a range of onboard facilities such as restaurants, bars, entertainment, and duty-free shopping. They also provide various ticket options and deals, including short breaks and offers for families.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€30)
P&O Ferries frequency
11 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars available onboard
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair access available on most ships. Accessible cabins available on some routes. Assistance available for boarding and disembarking.
Pets
Dogs and cats allowed in pet-friendly cabins or kennels. Must be kept on leash in designated areas.
Cabin reservation
Available on most routes, must be booked in advance
Car on board
DFDS
About
DFDS is a Danish shipping and logistics company that operates a fleet of ferries that provide transportation services for passengers and cargo across several routes in Europe. The company was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some of the routes operated by DFDS include crossings between Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Norway, the UK, and Holland.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€24)
DFDS frequency
20 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be carried for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafes, and bars available with various dining options
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible facilities available on most ships. Assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility. Please inform at time of booking.
Pets
Small pets allowed in pet-friendly cabins or kennels. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled in public areas.
Cabin reservation
Various cabin types available from standard to deluxe suites
Car on board
Complete guide to Calais
Things to do in Calais
Discover the best of Calais — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Calais trip today.
- Recommended
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Calais
City fine arts museum with works linked to Rodin, local history, and changing exhibitions near the Town Hall and central park.
- Recommended
Musée Mémoire 39-45
Private World War II museum in a German naval bunker, presenting military objects, uniforms, vehicles, and Calais wartime history.
- Must visit
Calais Beach
Long sandy seafront popular for walks, sunsets, and contemporary photo spots, with broad views across the Channel on clear days.
- Must visit
Dragon de Calais
Seafront area known for the giant mechanical dragon ride and modern promenade atmosphere, highly popular with families and on social media.
- Recommended
Place d'Armes
Historic central square in the old town, lined with civic buildings and useful as a base for exploring older Calais on foot.
- Gluten-free
Moules-Frites
Mussels cooked with white wine, cream, or shallots and served with fries. A classic Northern French and Channel coast specialty widely eaten in Calais.
Welsh
A hearty regional dish of toasted bread covered with melted cheddar cheese, beer, and mustard, often topped with ham and egg. Popular across Hauts-de-France.
- Gluten-free
Potjevleesch
A traditional Flemish meat terrine made from several white meats set in jelly and usually served cold with fries. It is strongly associated with French Flanders near Calais.
La Buissonnière
Reliable traditional French restaurant known for regional cuisine and a warm, intimate setting suited to a relaxed meal.
Au Côte d'Argent
Well-known Calais seafood restaurant with a classic brasserie feel, noted for fish, shellfish, and regional coastal dishes.
Le Channel
Established restaurant in Calais appreciated for refined French cooking, seafood, and a more polished dining atmosphere.
Euro
Prices are generally moderate for France. Casual dining is reasonable, while tourist areas and ferry routes can cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for kebabs, bakeries, or simple cafés.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- EUR 50-90 per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 2.50-4 for an espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Locals may round up or leave EUR 1-5 for good service. Tipping is modest in cafés and taxis, not obligatory.
NOMAD Car
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.00 EUR
- Day pass
- 4.00 EUR
To the city center
Port Of Calais, Calais -> Calais Ville Station, Calais
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Buy tickets via the local operator or sales points before boarding when possible. Check current fares and network updates on the official SITAC website.
- Card payment availability can vary by bus and sales point, so carry a bank card and a small backup payment option. Validate your ticket when boarding.
FAQs: Ferry from Margate to Calais
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Margate to Calais 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 Calais, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Margate to Calais can start from as little as $36 (€29) when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Margate to Calais is $44 (€36) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Margate to Calais is 1h 30m to travel the 35 miles (57 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Margate to Calais leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Margate to Calais leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 28 direct ferries a day from Margate to Calais with P&O Ferries, DFDS. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Margate to Calais with DFDS
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Margate to Calais is possible with DFDS.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Margate to Calais is possible with with DFDS. We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot but please check specific times for each route. If you need book your travel to the departure port check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Margate to Calais, you can count on P&O Ferries, DFDS for the best way to get you to Calais. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Margate and Calais and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A day trip to Calais from Margate is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Margate to Calais is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Margate and Calais including taking a ferry and train.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Calais are:
- Calais Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the city and coastline
- The Burghers of Calais, a famous bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin located in front of the town hall
- Calais Town Hall, an impressive Flemish Renaissance-style building with a distinctive belfry
- Calais Beach, a sandy beach ideal for relaxation and water activities
- Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, a museum dedicated to the history of lace-making and fashion in Calais.
The best things to do in Calais include:
- Musée des Beaux-Arts, explore a collection of fine arts including paintings and sculptures
- Parc Richelieu, enjoy a leisurely stroll in this beautiful park with lush greenery
- Les Baraques Military Cemetery, visit this serene and historic military cemetery
- Calais Dragon, experience the impressive mechanical dragon that roams the city
- Local Market, explore the vibrant market and taste regional delicacies.
Calais is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Margate to Calais among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
France uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small vendors, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Calais, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially near busy areas like the ferry terminal and train station. There have been reports of scams involving unofficial transportation offers and overpriced services. It's advisable to use licensed transport providers and avoid accepting rides from strangers. Additionally, travelers should stay clear of migrant camps on the outskirts, as these areas can be unpredictable and unsafe. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings reduces the risk of incidents.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular ferry ports
Popular ports from Margate to Calais
Margate
Calais
Amenities at port
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
A16, Exit 43Wifi
- Free WiFi
Dining
- Au Vieux Fourneau (0.7km)
- Le Channel (0.8km)
- L'Hovercraft (0.9km)
Taxis
- Main companies are Taxi Calaisien and Taxi Radio Calais.
WC
- Free
Public transit options for Port of Calais
- Bus Line 1, Stop: Gare Maritime
More options for your journey from Margate to Calais
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