The Dover to Calais ferry is the most popular way to travel between the UK and mainland Europe by sea. Departing from the Port of Dover on the Kent coast, ferries cross the English Channel in around 90 to 100 minutes, arriving at the Port of Calais, a gateway to France, Belgium, and the wider European road network.
With up to 30 crossings a day and competitive fares per vehicle, it is a practical and well-established route for drivers and passengers alike.
Ferry Timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Calais | 1h 40m |
Route Map
Companies on This Route
Dover to Calais Ferry Route Overview
Sailings from Dover operate around the clock, with departures throughout the day and into the night. During busy periods such as school holidays and bank weekends, crossings can depart as frequently as every 30 minutes, making it easy to find a sailing that fits your schedule.
Fares on this route are priced per vehicle rather than per passenger, so you can fill your car without the cost going up. The crossing lasts around 90 to 100 minutes, and onboard you will find a café or restaurant, a shop, and free Wi-Fi. Specific facilities depend on the operator and vessel.
Calais is well positioned for onward travel into Europe. The A16 heads towards Belgium and the Netherlands, while the A26 takes you south towards Paris and beyond. France runs one hour ahead of the UK, so your clock goes forward on arrival. If you have hotel check-ins or connections booked, make sure your timings account for the difference.
Transfers to the Dover Ferry Harbour
The Port of Dover sits at Eastern Docks, reached directly from the A20 or via the M2 and A2 to the Eastern Docks roundabout, and it is also accessible from the M20. Drivers from London and the south east can join these roads for a straightforward approach to the terminal. Since this is a vehicle crossing, most travellers arrive by car, motorhome or motorcycle rather than by public transport.
Once at Calais, the DFDS terminal at Gare Maritime Est puts you close to the town and the main routes onward into France.
If Dover to Calais does not suit your travel plans, alternative Channel crossings include Dover to Dunkirk and Newhaven to Dieppe.