Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk Which is Better?
If you’re planning a trip across the Channel, deciding between the Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk ferry routes is an important part of your journey. Both crossings offer great options for getting from the UK to France, but which one is better? The answer depends on your needs, whether you’re prioritising speed, cost, or your final destination.
Here, we’ll compare the two routes, looking at journey time, price, destination access, and the onboard experience, to help you make an informed choice and start your trip to France the right way.
1. Journey Time: Calais is the Faster Option
For those who want to get to France as quickly as possible, the Dover to Calais route is the faster of the two. The crossing takes about 90 minutes, so it’s ideal if you’re in a rush or simply want to spend more time on the road rather than at sea.
The Dover to Dunkirk ferry takes a bit longer—around 2 hours—so while it’s still a relatively quick crossing, it’s better suited to those who are in no particular hurry or who might enjoy a bit more time to relax onboard.
Best for:
- Travellers on a tight schedule
- Families wanting to reduce time spent on the ferry
- Day-trippers looking to make the most of their time in France
2. Price: Dunkirk Offers Competitive Rates
When it comes to pricing, Dover to Dunkirk can often offer better value for money, especially for those booking close to the departure date or travelling with larger vehicles. DFDS operates this route exclusively and frequently offers special deals and discounts. While the Dover to Calais route has the advantage of being served by two operators—P&O Ferries and DFDS—the competition doesn’t always mean lower prices.
However, Calais does have more sailings, so if you’re flexible with your travel dates and times, you might be able to find a great deal on this route as well.
Best for:
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Large vehicles or those travelling with trailers and caravans
3. Destination: Calais for Convenience, Dunkirk for Quieter Roads
Where you’re headed in France, or beyond, can help you decide which ferry route is better. If you’re travelling to Paris, northern France, or even Belgium, the Dover to Calais route offers a more direct link to major motorways like the A16 and A26. Calais is the busier of the two ports, so you’ll have more connections and services right at your fingertips.
However, Dunkirk is about 30 minutes further east along the coast, making it a great option if you prefer to avoid the busier roads near Calais. For travellers heading towards Belgium or the Netherlands, Dunkirk offers easier access to quieter routes and can make for a more relaxed drive.
Best for:
- Calais: Direct routes to major cities in France and beyond
- Dunkirk: Quieter roads and easier access to Belgium and northern Europe
4. Onboard Experience: Both Routes Offer Modern Comforts
Both the Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk ferries are equipped with modern facilities to keep you comfortable and entertained during the crossing. Whether you’re travelling with P&O Ferries or DFDS, you can expect spacious lounges, cafes and restaurants, duty-free shopping, and children’s play areas.
One key difference, though, is that the Dunkirk route tends to be a bit quieter than Calais, as it sees fewer tourists and more freight traffic. This can be an advantage if you’re looking for a peaceful crossing. The Dover to Calais ferries are busier but offer more frequent crossings, meaning more flexibility in your travel plans.
Best for:
- Dunkirk for a quieter crossing
- Calais for more frequent sailings and flexibility
5. Frequency of Sailings: Calais Offers More Crossings
When it comes to ferry frequency, Dover to Calais is the clear winner. With crossings every hour throughout the day from both P&O Ferries and DFDS, there’s no shortage of options. This makes it easy to plan your trip around a schedule that works best for you, whether you’re travelling early in the morning or late in the evening.
The Dover to Dunkirk route has fewer daily crossings, all operated by DFDS. However, if you plan ahead, this route can still offer plenty of flexibility to fit your travel plans.
Best for:
- Calais for travellers who need more frequent sailings or flexibility
- Dunkirk for those who prefer to plan ahead with fixed departure times
Route Comparison
| Criteria | Dover to Calais Ferry | Dover to Dunkirk Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 90 minutes | 2 hours |
| Cost | £70 to £100 | £60 to £90 |
| Onboard Amenities | Cafés, shops, play areas | Cafés, shops, play areas |
| Vehicle Flexibility | Ideal for large vehicles | Ideal for large vehicles |
| Pet Policy | Pets stay in the car (kennels available) | Pets stay in the car (kennels available) |
| Frequency of Sailings | Hourly crossings | Fewer daily sailings |
| Traffic & Roads | Busier roads upon arrival | Quieter roads, easier access to Belgium/Netherlands |
| Best for | Fast crossings, frequent sailings | Budget-conscious travelers, quieter experience |
Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk (FAQs)
Q: Which ferry route is quicker, Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk?
A: The Dover to Calais route is quicker, with a crossing time of around 90 minutes, while the Dover to Dunkirk ferry takes about 2 hours.
Q: Which ferry route is cheaper, Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk?
A: The Dover to Dunkirk route can often offer better prices, especially for larger vehicles or last-minute bookings, but pricing can vary depending on the season and availability.
Q: Is Dunkirk a better option for travelling to Belgium or the Netherlands?
A: Yes, Dunkirk is closer to Belgium and offers quieter roads, making it a great option if you’re heading towards Belgium or the Netherlands.
Q: How frequent are the ferry sailings between Dover and Calais or Dunkirk?
A: Dover to Calais has more frequent sailings, with crossings available every hour, while Dover to Dunkirk has fewer daily sailings but is still convenient with regular departures.
Q: What facilities can I expect on the ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk?
A: Both routes offer modern facilities, including lounges, cafes, duty-free shopping, and children’s play areas. The Dunkirk route tends to be quieter, while Calais has more frequent crossings.
Conclusion: Which Route Should You Choose?
Choosing between Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk depends on your travel needs and preferences. Here’s a quick summary:
- Choose Dover to Calais if you want the fastest crossing, more frequent sailings, and direct access to major French motorways.
- Opt for Dover to Dunkirk if you prefer a quieter journey, better value for money, and quicker access to Belgium or northern Europe.
Both routes offer a comfortable, reliable way to start your journey to France or beyond, so whether you’re looking for speed, convenience, or a more peaceful trip, there’s a perfect ferry for you.
Latest Offers
If you want more information about either the Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk routes you can visit our relevant route pages Dover to Calais Ferry or Dover to Dunkirk Ferry.
If you’re ready to book then why not head on over to P&O Ferries, DFDS or Irish Ferries to book your Dover to Calais ferry and over to DFDS.
