The Port of Calais is France's busiest passenger ferry port and one of the most active in Europe. Located on the northern coast of France, just a short drive from the town centre, the port handles over 7 million passengers a year. It serves as the main gateway between France and the UK, with nearly 40 daily sailings to Dover operated by three companies, departing on average every 35 minutes around the clock. The port is well equipped for travellers arriving by car, motorhome, or bicycle. Foot passengers are also accepted, though only on selected operators and tickets must be booked online in advance.
Timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m | ||
Port of Dover | 1h 40m |
Location
Popular Ferry Routes
Ferry Operators
Calais Port facilities
The Calais ferry terminal is located at 285 Avenue du Mérite Maritime and covers 120 hectares across two cross-channel platforms. Before passing through border controls, passengers have access to a self-service restaurant. After controls, a duty-free shop and a coffee shop are available before boarding. Onboard facilities vary by vessel and operator but typically include bars and restaurants, children's areas, arcade machines, duty-free shops, club lounges, and pet lounges.
Border controls at Calais are juxtaposed, meaning both French exit checks and UK entry checks are completed before you board the ferry. This means you can disembark in Dover and continue your journey without stopping for further passport controls. Allow enough time for these controls when planning your arrival at the port.
The check-in process at Calais involves three stages: registration at your ferry company's ticket office at the port entrance, border controls, and boarding. For car passengers, registration takes place without leaving your vehicle.
Getting to Calais port
The ferry terminal is located at 285 Avenue du Mérite Maritime, Calais, and is easy to reach from the town centre by following signs for "Car Ferry." Cars, motorhomes, bicycles, and coaches are all accepted at the port.
By road: The port is accessible from the A16/A26 motorway. Follow signs for "Car Ferry" from the motorway or from Calais town centre.
By train: Calais Ville station is served by regional TER services, with connections to Lille and onward to Paris by TGV.
By shuttle: A free shuttle service called Baladin runs between Calais town centre, the railway station, and the ferry terminal. It operates daily except Sundays and French public holidays, from 8:00 to 19:00, with departures every 22 minutes in the morning and every 15 minutes in the afternoon.
On foot: Foot passengers are accepted at Calais, but only with P&O Ferries. Tickets must be booked exclusively online in advance. Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure, or 120 minutes during busy periods such as summer and Easter.