Time to read: 6 minutes
The Dover to Calais ferry is one of the best ways to get from the UK to mainland Europe. In this article we detail the best Dover to Calais ferry price, sail times and all you need to know about making the trip.
There are up to 40 ferries every day. Prices start from as little as £30 ($35) for a foot passenger Dover to Calais and £73 ($87) for a car and driver. Click here to book your ticket with Direct Ferries.
I have taken the ferry from Dover to Calais more times than I can count from childhood holidays to France, to just a few months ago when I set off on my current trip.
Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
You might also like my other ferry travel articles:
How Long is the Ferry from Dover to Calais?
The journey from Dover to Calais takes just 90 minutes.
There are three companies that operate ferries on the Dover-Calais route; P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries.
- P & O Ferries has 11 sailings every day
- DFDS has 15 sailings per day
- Irish Ferries has 14 sailings per day
Can I Travel from Dover to Calais as a Foot Passenger?
P&O operates three Dover to Calais foot passenger services each day at 09:55, 13:40 and 17:25. Tickets can only be booked online as they are not for sale at the port in Dover.
Neither DFDS nor Irish Ferries have a foot passenger service.
Book today with Direct Ferries
Why take the Dover Calais Ferry?
- Enjoy a leisurely trip without the stress of flying
- Cheap – tickets from just £30.00
- Amazing views of the White Cliffs of Dover
- Discover the beauty of northern France
- Arrive right in the centre of Calais
There are many reasons to visit Calais with its gorgeous beaches being one of the highlights. Enjoying a cup of coffee and a cake in one of the many cafes and patisseries is also a real treat and one of the first things I do when visiting France.
Calais is also a good jumping-off point for exploring the beautiful coastline of Normandy and Brittany or heading inland to Paris which is less than two hours by train or three by car.
Book today with Direct Ferries
Dover to Calais Ferry Price
The cost of a ticket for the Dover Calais ferry starts at €30.00 for a foot passenger. This includes lounge seating on the upper deck.
| Ticket Type | Price in GBP |
| P&O Foot Passenger | £30.00 |
| P&O Small Car | £81.00 |
| DFDS Small Car | £87.00 |
| Irish Ferries Small Car | £78.00 |
Book today with Direct Ferries
How to buy tickets for the Dover to Calais Ferry
Passengers travelling with a vehicle can purchase tickets online or at the port in Dover. However, as the route sells out quickly it’s always best to book well in advance, especially in summer.
Foot passengers must book online in advance as tickets are not available at the Dover ferry port.
As this is a very popular route it’s best to book in advance and this can be done online through companies like Direct Ferries.
Prices start from as little as £30.00 one-way for a foot passenger. Prices increase in summer and around holiday periods.
You can use the widget below to search for your ferry or book here with Direct Ferries.
Facilities on Board
- Sun decks
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Snack bar
- Children’s play area
- Conference room
- Duty-free shopping
- Wifi is available for an extra charge
Food on Board
There is a large cafeteria on board selling classic dishes such as fish and chips (this is what I had and it was not bad at all), English breakfasts and the like. There is also a cafe selling sandwiches, paninis, hot and cold drinks plus a range of beers and wines for those not driving.
Book today with Direct Ferries
How to get to the Dover Ferry Terminal
The port town of Dover is the UK’s main gateway to the continent and lies 76 miles (122 km) southeast of London. If going by car take the A2 and M2. The journey time is under two hours.
There are trains to Dover Priory from London Victoria, St Pancras and Charing Cross. The journey time is two hours. It’s a 15-minute walk from Priory station to the Dover ferry terminal.
The ferries depart from Dover’s main ferry terminal which is within walking distance of the town centre. The port operates 24 hours a day and the ticket office is open
Port Address: Port of Dover, Marine Parade, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BU
Telephone: +44 (0)1304 240400
Website: doverport.co.uk
Foot Passenger Dover to Calais
Dover to Calais foot passengers are able to use the following P&O ferries from Monday to Saturday:
| Dover to Calais | Calais to Dover |
| 09:55 | 10:35 |
| 13:40 | 15:50 |
| 17:25 | 18:50 |
Foot passengers must go to the Passenger Handling Building at Dover Port. There is a ticket desk, a small Costa Coffee kiosk and public toilets, but not a lot else in terms of facilities.
Check-in for foot passengers closes 90 minutes before departure so be sure to get there in plenty of time. You must first clear customs before checking in.
There is a shuttle bus from the passenger terminal to the boat and this leaves exactly 90 minutes before the ferry is due to set sail.
Arrival in Calais
Foot passengers will disembark 30 minutes after the ship reaches port (vehicles will leave first). There is a free shuttle bus called the Balad’in that transports foot passengers from the ferry terminal to Calais city centre every 11 to 22 minutes Monday to Saturday.
Address: Port Calais, Calais, 62100, France
Things to See and Do in Calais
Calais is a fascinating destination with a long history, a picturesque old town and mile upon mile of golden, sandy beaches.
The bustling centre is filled with cafes, restaurants, patisseries and hypermarkets selling cheap wine and beer.
Travelling to Calais on a “booze cruise” is something of a right of passage for any self-respecting Englishperson and this is something I’ve done many times (usually in time for Christmas and other large celebrations).
Here are some of the top things to do in the city:
- Explore the charming town centre
- See the famous Town Hall (Hotel de Ville)
- See Les Bourgeois de Calais
- Stock up at the Calais wine superstore
- See the Le Phare Lighthouse
- Visit the Musee des Beax-Arts Calais
If the city has left you with many deep memories, you can also add your own creativity to turn them into custom badge pins to record them. Not only can you give it to your family and friends as a gift, but it is also a unique souvenir.
Check out this excellent guide on things to do in Calais if you plan on spending much time there.
Looking for a place to stay in Calais? Check out our top recommendations:
Budget: Hotel de la Plage
Mid-range: Calaidonia Suite
Apartment: Le Familial
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dover to Calais Ferry
The Dover to Calais ferry is a lot cheaper than the Eurotunnel. Eurotunnel price starts at £45.00 whereas the ferry costs from as little as £30.00.
As the Dover to Calais ferry time is only 90 minutes, a cabin is not necessary on this trip.
The crossing from Dover to Calais in 90 minutes.
It costs from £30 for a foot passenger and from £78 for a small car.
Don’t Delay, Book Today!
Taking the Dover to Calais ferry is definitely the most fun way to reach the continent from England. It’s also one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to travel between France and England and offers fantastic views of the White Cliffs of Dover.
I’ll always opt to take the ferry over flying, and will certainly be using this service again when I return to England. So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket now with Direct Ferries!
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲
Excellent article