Planning a quick French getaway without the need for a hotel stay? Whether you’re stocking up on wine, hitting the beach, or enjoying an al fresco lunch, day trips to France from Dover are easier than you might think.
Having taken multiple day trips to France over the years we’ve learnt how to make the most of a single day across the Channel. This guide will help you through everything you need to plan a smooth, affordable, and memorable adventure.
Why Take Day Trips to France from Dover?
- Fast crossings – Dover to Calais in 90 minutes, Dunkirk in 120 minutes and Eurotunnel just 35 minutes
- Flexible options – Drive your own car or go as a foot passenger
- Low cost – Especially during off-peak and midweek sailings
- Plenty to do – Seaside, shopping, markets, wine, food, and history
Quick Dover to France Day Trip Price Comparison
Day Trips to France Current Prices
| Ferry Company | Current Price | Book |
|---|---|---|
| P&O Ferries | £45 return | Book Now |
| DFDS Seaways | £45 return | Book Now |
| Irish Ferries | £44 return | Book Now |
| Eurotunnel | £59 each way (£118 return) | Book Now |
*Prices are based on typical low-season 2025. Subject to change — check live availability for your dates by clicking the link.
Ferry or Eurotunnel – Which is Better?
| Option | Ideal For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry (P&O, DFDS, Irish Ferries) | Families, foot passengers (on P&O only) | Relaxing, scenic, cheap duty-free shopping | Slower crossing, weather dependent |
| Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle) | Drivers only | Fast, weather-proof, pet-friendly | No foot passengers, slightly pricier |
Top Tip: If travelling by car, Eurotunnel is quicker. If you want to walk on, the ferry is your only option.
Best Time to Go: Summer vs. Winter Day Trips
While day trips from Dover to France are possible year-round, the experience can vary significantly depending on the season.
Summer (June to August)
- Pros: Long daylight hours mean more time to explore; ideal beach weather; lively market scenes.
- Cons: Higher ferry prices due to school holidays; roads and tourist spots can be crowded.
Winter (November to March)
- Pros: Lowest ferry fares; quieter towns and roads; great time for stocking up on wine or duty-free shopping.
- Cons: Fewer hours of daylight; some restaurants or tourist attractions may close or reduce hours.
Tip: For the best balance of affordability and pleasant weather, consider a weekday trip in April, May, September or October.
Cheap Day Trips to France by Car
Taking your car allows maximum freedom. Whether you want to explore inland villages, stock up on wine and beer, or just have a more comfortable journey, it’s a great option.
Benefits:
- Flexible itinerary and destinations
- Perfect for families and wine shopping
- Carry more luggage and return at your own pace
Duty-Free Shopping: What to Buy on a French Day Trip
One of the biggest perks of a day trip to France is the opportunity to stock up on great-value duty free items — especially alcohol, tobacco, chocolate and perfume.
What Can You Bring Back?
Since Brexit, duty-free allowances apply to UK travellers visiting France. As of 2025, here’s what you’re allowed to bring back into the UK per adult (18+):
| Item | Duty-Free Limit | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol (Wine) | 18 litres | 24 standard bottles |
| Beer | 42 litres | Three 14-litre crates |
| Spirits | 4 litres | Five 700ml bottles |
| Tobacco | 200 cigarettes | One carton |
| Perfume & Cosmetics | Up to £390 total value | Mix of items |
Best Places to Shop
- On the ferry: Great deals on spirits, cigarettes, and cosmetics
- Carrefour / Cité Europe (Calais): Large wine, beer, and chocolate selections
- Auchan (Dunkirk): Popular with locals, often cheaper than Cité Europe
Top Tip:
Bring a cool bag or crate for fragile goods like cheese, pâté, or wine. Most French supermarkets also offer bulk discounts when buying 6+ bottles of the same wine.
What You Can and Can’t Bring Back to the UK
Since the UK left the EU, there are strict restrictions on bringing animal products into the UK:
| Product | Allowed? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese (milk-based) | ❌ Not allowed | Most cheeses are banned unless fully plant-based |
| Milk, yoghurt, cream | ❌ Not allowed | All dairy products are restricted |
| Meat (inc. pâté, sausages) | ❌ Not allowed | Covers fresh, chilled, or processed meat |
| Bread, cakes, chocolate | ✅ Allowed | As long as they don’t contain meat or dairy filling |
What You Can Bring Back
✅ Plant-based snacks, drinks, wine, spirits, crisps, dry pasta, sauces, and tinned goods
❌ Cheese, milk, cream, yoghurt, sausages, pâté, and any meat-containing food
Tip: Even croissants or quiches with butter or ham filling may technically be restricted — if in doubt, eat it before you return!
Cheap Day Trips to France as a Foot Passenger
If you don’t want to drive, walking onto the ferry is an easy, budget-friendly way to explore Calais. Many solo travellers and couples choose this for its simplicity and cost.
Benefits of Travelling on Foot:
- Cheapest option for individuals or couples
- Less stress – no driving or navigation
- Still plenty to do on foot in Calais
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Expect
- 1. Book your ticket – Choose a return sailing time online via P&O. Be sure to select “foot passenger” option
- 2. Arrive at the port – Check in at least 60 minutes before departure. At Dover, foot passengers check in at a separate terminal building (not the car lanes)
- 3. Security & boarding – Bags are scanned, and passports are checked. You’ll be taken by shuttle bus to the ship and board via a walkway or small stair ramp
- 4. On board – Choose a seat in the lounge or grab food in the café. Enjoy sea views, free Wi-Fi, and the duty-free shop
- 5. Disembarkation in France – After docking, foot passengers disembark separately and are taken by bus to the ferry terminal building
- 6. Getting into town – Calais town centre is 30–40 mins walk or 10–15 mins by taxi or local shuttle (€5–€10)
- Less commercial, more laid-back
- Home to the Dunkirk 1940 Museum
- Beautiful promenade at Malo-les-Bains
- Passport – Mandatory for all UK citizens
- Driving licence – If taking your car
- Insurance & breakdown cover – Highly recommended
- Travel insurance – In case of delays or cancellations
- EHIC/GHIC – For medical treatment (not essential, but free)
- Not checking ferry return times properly
- Forgetting EU roaming charges (turn off data if needed)
- Assuming shops open late – many close 12–2 pm
- Not having euros for markets or small cafés
- Leaving passports at home!
- Book ferries early for the best deals
- Print boarding passes or use mobile apps
- Download offline maps (Wi-Fi/data can be patchy)
- Pack light for faster boarding and disembarkation
- Check weather in both Dover and your French destination
Estimated Foot Passenger Day Trip Costs for 2025
| Cost Item | Low Season (Nov–Mar) | High Season (Jun–Aug) |
|---|---|---|
| Return Ferry (foot passenger) | £20–£30 | £35–£50 |
| Shuttle/Taxi from Port | £5–£15 | £5–£15 |
| Local Public Transport | £5–£10 | £5–£10 |
Calais vs Dunkirk: Which Day Trip is Right for You?
Both Calais and Dunkirk are easily accessible from Dover and offer unique benefits for different types of travellers. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Calais | Dunkirk |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry Operators | P&O, Irish Ferries, DFDS | DFDS only |
| Crossing Time | 90 minutes | 2 hours |
| Best For | Shopping, quick visits, larger choice of ferries | Relaxed beach days, WW2 history, less crowded |
| Foot Passenger Accessibility | Better public transport links; walkable into town P&O only | No foot passengers on DFDS at this time |
| Supermarkets | Cité Europe, Carrefour | Auchan, local shops |
Day Trips from Dover to Dunkirk
Many travellers overlook Dunkirk in favour of Calais — but that’s a mistake. Dunkirk offers a quieter, more relaxed day out with a mix of beachside charm and World War II history.
Why Dunkirk?
Documents & Essentials
Don’t forget to pack the required travel documents as without them you’ll not be allowed to travel or may be fined when in France:
Common Mistakes on Day Trips
There are a number of things you need to make sure you don’t do when taking a day trip from Dover to France:
Our Personal Experience
We’ve taken a couple of day trips to France previously and have always enjoyed the change of pace and made use of duty free. Don’t forget that sometimes you’re better off travelling a little further afield to stock up on drink.
We found that supermarket prices can often be much lower that some of the wine supermarkets.
FAQ: Day Trips from Dover to France
Do I need a passport?
Yes – all travellers from the UK need a passport to enter France, even for a day.
Can I travel as a foot passenger?
Yes. Only P&O offer walk-on ferry tickets to Calais.
Do I need travel insurance?
It’s not mandatory, but it’s always recommended in case of disruption.
Is one day enough to enjoy France?
Absolutely. Early crossings and late returns mean you can shop, eat, and explore.
What’s better: Calais or Dunkirk?
Calais is busier and more commercial. Dunkirk is quieter and more relaxed with great seafood.
Do foot passengers need to go through security?
Yes. Just like airport travel, foot passengers go through a bag scan and passport check before boarding.
Can I bring food or drink on the ferry?
Yes, you can bring snacks, bottled water, or a packed lunch. Just remember, anything bought in France must comply with UK import rules.
Can I buy duty-free items as a foot passenger?
Absolutely. Duty-free shops onboard are available to all passengers regardless of how you travel. Don’t forget your allowance limits.
How do I get from the ferry terminal to town without a car?
Most ports offer shuttle buses or taxis. Calais is walkable in around 30–40 minutes if you enjoy walking.
Are there lockers or left luggage at the port?
Facilities vary. Dover has limited storage. It’s best to travel light and bring a backpack if you’re a foot passenger.
Final Tips Before You Go
Book your Day Trip to France
| Ferry Company | Current Price | Book |
|---|---|---|
| P&O Ferries | £45 return | Book Now |
| DFDS Seaways | £45 return | Book Now |
| Irish Ferries | £44 return | Book Now |
| Eurotunnel | £59 each way (£118 return) | Book Now |
*Prices are based on typical low-season 2025. Subject to change — check live availability for your dates by clicking the link.
Book Your Ferry Now
Need help booking your crossing? Use these guides to compare the best routes and get our top tips:
