Dover to Calais Ferry FAQ’s
Our Dover to Calais Ferry FAQ’s section helps you to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the crossing.
Whether it’s about the location of the ports, how long the crossing takes or when you need to check-in, you’ll find the answers below.
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Where is Dover Ferry Port?
Dover ferry port is the busiest port in the UK with millions of foot passengers, cars and freight travelling each year. The port is located on the edge of Dover on the southeast coast of England. The address is Dover Ferry Port, Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT161JA.
Where is Calais Ferry Port?
Calais ferry port is located on the northeast coast of France in the region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The address is Car Ferry Terminal, 62100, Calais, France.
Who operates the Dover to Calais ferry crossing?
There are two companies operating the Dover to Calais ferry route. These are DFDS Seaways and P&O Ferries. P&O Ferries currently have 5 ferries operating on the route. These include the Pride of Burgundy, Pride of Canterbury, Pride of Kent, Spirit of Britain and finally the Spirit of France. DFDS currently have 3 ferries on the route including the Côte Des Dunes, Côte Des Flandres and Calais Seaways.
Dover to Calais is the most popular cross channel ferry services. the route offers the largest number of crossings per day to France provided by P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways. Over 9,168,000 passengers travelled on the route to France in 2018.
How many crossings are there per day?
DFDS Seaways currently offer up to 30 daily sailings between England and France whilst P&O Ferries offer around 23 sailings.
Departure times do vary depending upon the day of the the week, however sailings from Dover generally run between the hours of 00:45 and 23:15. Meanwhile sailing from Calais run between 00:30 and 23:35.
How far is it from Dover to Calais?
Dover to Calais is the shortest crossing as it is at the narrowest point between the two countries. The distance from Dover to Calais is approximately 26 miles.
How long is the crossing from Dover to Calais?
The crossing from Dover to Calais is the shortest available route between the UK and France and takes only 90 minutes.
How long before the ferry should I arrive?
Check-in opens approximately 90 minutes prior to departure and closes around 45 minutes prior to sailing. If you fail to arrive before the 45 minute mark you are likely to be refused permission to board the ferry. If you are travelling by foot then you must arrive at least 60 minutes prior to departure.
Can you take food and drink on the ferry?
You are allowed to take both food and drink on board the ferry to consume. However, alcohol is not allowed and may be seized.
Can I smoke on the ferry?
Smoking and vape devices are forbidden in public areas however they can be used on certain parts of the open deck areas of the ships.
If you’d like to find out more about the Dover to Calais ferry crossing Simply follow the link or use our fare search facility.
