Information about Dover to Calais ferry crossings

Above you can click to see the different timetables from all the ferry companies on this route and as well as some of the latest prices our customers have found.

P&O Ferries and DFDS operate this route and with AFerry, you can compare them together to find the price and sailing time you want. In addition, we also compare sailings to nearby Dunkirk and also include Eurotunnel in our search so you have the complete range of options to choose from.

Taking your ferry from Dover to Calais

Once you make your booking, you will receive a booking confirmation by email. All you need to travel is this confirmation and your passport or other valid travel ID. You don't have to get a ticket printed before you leave.

Travelling by car

When should I arrive and check in?
You'll need to check in at least 30 minutes before your departure. If you are late, you may be put on to the next ferry and there may be a charge for this.

Where should I go?
If departing from Dover, simply head straight up the departure ramp. You will then pass through French border controls. The French police may ask you for your passport or valid travel ID or may just wave you through.

After this you will head towards Check-in and Tickets. Very rarely at this stage some vehicles may be selected for security checks but this is a rarity. In front of you, you will see signs for your ferry company. Follow the signs and you'll arrive at a drive through booth. Simply present your passport or valid travel ID and have your booking confirmation number. Here the operator will tell you which lane to park in to await your ferry and will supply you with a hanger to place to hang on your rear-view mirror.

Head over to the parking area and find your lane number. Lanes are marked on the ground. If you need to go the toilet or arrive with a bit of time to spare there is a passenger service building. Here you'll find toilets, a shop and a fast-food outlet. There are also TVs showing departure times. When you see your ferry is ready to depart, please head back over to your vehicle.

A marshall will instruct you when and where to go and there will also be ship stewards on board the ferry. Boarding and disembarking are incredibly easy as no reversing is required. When leaving your car, make a note of your parking position and deck so you can find your car easily when departing.

Travelling by foot

When should I arrive and check in as a foot passenger?
You'll need to check in at least one hour before your departure. If you are late, you may be put on to the next ferry and there may be a charge for this.

Where should I go as a foot passenger?
When you arrive, you must check in at the Passenger Terminal building. You'll find the check-in desk is located at the rear of the building, on the right. Once you have checked in, you will wait in the until your sailing is announced. A transit bus will then take you to your ship. You'll be left opposite the passenger entrance for your ship. Note that the transit bus will pass through French border controls and you may be required to present your passport or other valid travel ID.

Travelling with your bicycle

How should I book?
Making a booking is easy. Just select 'Bicycle' under method of transport. Note that you can only book one bicycle and rider at a time.

When should I arrive and check in as a cyclist?
You'll need to check in at least 30 minutes before your departure. If you are late, you may be put on to the next ferry and there may be a charge for this.

Where should I go with my bicyle?
Just like travelling with a car, you can head straight up the departure gate. All the cycle routes are one way and wherever possible you'll see a painted red line for cyclist to follow.

First you will pass through French border controls. The French police may ask you to present your passport or valid travel ID or may just wave you through.

After this you will head towards Check-in and Tickets. Very occasionally at this stage some people may be pulled up for security checks but this is very seldom. You will then see signs for your ferry company. Follow the signs and you'll arrive at a booth. Present your passport or valid travel ID and have your booking confirmation number. The operator will tell you which lane to wait in. Lanes are marked on the ground. You're free to use the passenger service building if you have time.

I will be travelling with a group, what should I do?
If you are a group of cyclists, then you will have to cycle single file. If you are more than 30 people, you will have to contact your ferry company before you travel.

Is getting on to the ferry easy with my bicycle?
A marshall will instruct you when to enter the ferry. Don't enter before you are instructed. You can cycle up the ramp until the road area ends. You will have to dismount your bicycle to cross over the bridge on to the ferry as movements of the bridge can occur. On the ferry, a ship steward will direct you to a bike rack where you can leave your bicycle. You don't have to worry about security as no passengers are allowed in the parking area during the crossing. Make a note of where the bike rack is, the position and deck and the nearest stairwell so you can find it again easily later.

Travelling with children on bicycles
Adults cycling with children are responsible for the safety of the children with them. Children should also be old enough and confident enough cyclers to deal with the port environment. For safety, it is recommended that adults cycle in front and behind children.

What safety precautions should I take as a cyclist?

Taking the ferry is very safe but it pays to take a few precautions:

• Make sure your bicycle is fully road-worthy
• Wear high visibility clothing
• Make sure your bicycle has lights
• Wear a helmet in the port area
• All your baggage should be properly secured in back packs or bike panniers so not to adhere you as you cycle
• Be alert and show respect to foot passengers and others on foot getting to and from their vehicles

About Dover

Dover is the most popular port in England, and the gateway to France for many British tourists. Dover faces the narrowest part of the channel, and on a clear day you can see France from the ferry port. You can book ferries from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk with AFerry. With so many reasons to travel by ferry it is no surprise that Dover ferry routes are some of the most popular ways of travelling to or from the UK.

As the shortest channel crossing between England and France, Dover has been a popular port for people who wish to explore mainland Europe. The iconic chalk cliffs have become known as the White cliffs of Dover, and can be seen for miles across the channel. Dover prides itself in its transport services and tourism, and has 3 museums; the main Dover Museum, the Dover Transport Museum and the Roman Painted House.

About Calais

Tax is lower on cigarettes and alcohol in Calais, which means mean English tourists flock there for the 'booze cruises'. There are large warehouses around the town in which you can take advantage of these cheap prices, most famously Eurocity.