Calais to Dover ferry - Times and cheap DFDS ferry tickets

Ferry Companies for Calais - Dover

	Operator	Frequency	Duration
DFDS		14 ferries a day	1 hour 30 minutes	More
P&O Ferries	P&O Ferries	13 ferries a day	1 hour 30 minutes	More
Irish Ferries	Irish Ferries	14 ferries a day	1 hour 30 minutes	More

Explore Europe the Ferry Way – with Claire Martin

• Tired of airports and expensive flights? So was Claire Martin, a travel-loving YouTuber who found a better way to explore Europe — by ferry. From Devon to the Mediterranean, she journeyed across 8+ countries by sea, saving money and unlocking real adventure along the way. As Claire puts it, “Ferry is often the most direct route, and I love the feeling of sailing over the seas; it feels like a proper adventure!” Discover her budget-friendly routes, favourite experiences, and tips for sailing smarter with OMIO.
• Read more about traveling around Europe by ferry

Ferry from Calais to Dover

There are several daily ferries from Calais to Dover. Depending on the season, there can by over 40 ferry connections from Calais to Dover. to This is the shortest ferry crossing to the UK, with a distance of just over 20 miles (32 km). All journeys are provided by ferry company DFDS, P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries. Direct journey times are 90 minutes. Ferries from Calais to Dover provide a vital link between the UK and France across the English Channel. Operating between these two iconic ports, the ferry service offers an efficient and popular mode of transportation for both passengers and vehicles.

Of course, the duration of any ferry trip is dependent on weather and tide conditions. Passengers can take as much baggage as they like onboard DFDS ferries, so this is the ideal travel option for families with kids!

Ferry Timetables Calais to Dover

DFDS offers up to 40 ferries to Dover daily, however, their schedules are seasonal. Expect crossings to peak during holiday periods, and busy times of the day. Ferries are available 24/7, and night crossings can be less busy, particularly during peak holiday seasons. During winter months, DFDS provide approximately ten ferries each day of the week. Foot passengers, travellers with vans, cars, and caravans, and other forms of transport can cross with DFDS ferry services. Once ferries are underway there are plenty of onboard entertainments and dining options to amuse travellers of any age. Journey times are around 90 minutes, and there is so much to see and do that time really does fly. 

Timetables Ferry Calais - Dover

Ferry Calais to Dover - Overview

DFDS Seaways, a European shipping giant, boasts over 150 years of ferry and freight expertise. Recognised for its dependability and sustainability, the company links the UK, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe. Its contemporary fleet guarantees passengers' comfort and swift cargo management. Through innovation and environmentally conscious methods, DFDS remains a premier option for smooth European transit.

• DFDS Sailings per Day: 14 sailings per day or more


• Traveling as a foot passenger: Not possible

DFDS Seaways Ships:

• Calais Seaways: Vessel capacity of up to 2000 voyagers and 600 vehicles, reaches speeds of 21 knots, shopping venues, onboard food and drink, comfortable seating areas for relaxation, extensive outside decks, children's play area, games arcade onboard, free Wi-Fi facilities for passengers.


• Malo Seaways: Passenger capacity up to 400 passengers, kid’s play area, shop and café with a bar and sea view, onboard cabins, reserved seating, self-service restaurant, snack bar, café, shopping area, designated kids' area with a soft play zone, onboard arcade area with various video and racing games for older children and teenagers, full mobility access with elevator access to all decks for passengers with mobility needs.


• D Class: D Class cabins and reserved seating options, family-friendly self-service restaurant offering affordable meals, bistro with full table service and an excellent menu, fast food options, lounge bar, wide TV screens for news and sports updates, Costa Coffee, Bistro Bar on deck 7 for a more ambient atmosphere, onboard shopping, information desk, bureau de change, ATM, facilities catering to families, D Class vessels equipped to accommodate disabled passengers.


• Seven Sister: Choice of 50 en-suite cabins, free standard seating options, relaxed self-service restaurant, panoramic bar, onboard shopping, brightly-colored play-zone for younger children to enjoy, video games and cartoons to entertain older children, specially adapted cabin available for passengers with reduced mobility.


• Pearl Seaways: Wide variety of cabin options available with range from top-tier Commodore Deluxe to budget-friendly standard cabins, All-you-can-eat buffet, steakhouse, cafés, bars, tax-free shopping, live bands and various entertainment options during the overnight sail on selected routes, Kidz’ club for children's entertainment managed by professional entertainers, elevators providing full access to all areas, wheelchair-accessible cabins can be pre-booked, assistance required due to a step to the elevator when embarking and disembarking the ship.


• Princess Seaways: Range from value-for-money cabins to luxurious ones, restaurants include 7 Seas Buffet, Blue Riband à la carte restaurant and Explorer's Steakhouse, café, various bars, onboard shopping, onboard cinema, casino, ‘Kidz' Club for children's entertainment, games room with video games and a cinema for older children, wheelchair-friendly with elevators to most decks, specially adapted disabled cabins available upon request, including sea view and inside options.


• Côte d'Albâtre: Choice of 50 cabins, all of which are en-suite, high quality sleeper seats set over 2 lounges (1 private and 1 in an open area) and recline fully to turn into 2.1m long horizontal beds, free standard type seats, onboard food and drink in self-service restaurant with children’s menu and vegetarian options, onboard shopping, areas for children with play-zones, video games and cartoons, cabin adapted for passengers with reduced mobility.


• C Class: Self-service restaurant offering vegetarian and children's options, cafes and bars, onboard shopping, dedicated soft play area for children, arcade area with various video and racing games for older kids, lift access parking, passenger lifts for free movement between decks, wheelchair-accessible public toilet facilities.


• King Seaways: Cabin options range from value-for-money cabins to extra special accommodations, restaurants offering diverse dining experiences - 7 Seas Buffet, Blue Riband restaurant, Explorer's Steakhouse, cafés and various bars - Sports Bar and Neptune Sky Bar, onboard shopping, onboard cinema, casino, 'Kidz' Club: Safe and enjoyable play area for children and games room with video games and a cinema for older children, wheelchair-friendly with elevators to most decks, specially adapted disabled cabins available upon request.


• Crown Seaways: Wide variety of cabin options available, range of restaurants all-you-can-eat buffet, tasty steakhouse, cafés and bars, onboard shopping, live bands and various onboard entertainment during the overnight sail on selected routes, Kidz’ Club for children's, elevators providing full access to all areas of the ship.


• Norman Voyager: Variety of 4 berth inside and outside cabins available to suit different budgets and requirements, cabins for passengers with disabilities, spacious Seaside and Horizon Lounges featuring comfortable reclining seats, onboard food and drink in Le Bistro du Norman and Shamrock Pub. onboard shopping, WiFi.

P&O Ferries

P&O Ferries, a prominent British shipping company with over 180 years of history, manages vital ferry routes linking the UK with Europe. Their contemporary fleet caters to passengers and freight, providing comfortable travel facilities and effective cargo services. Well-known for its reliability, P&O Ferries continues to be a pivotal facilitator of smooth travel and trade throughout Europe.

• P&O Ferries Sailings per Day: around 13 sailings per day


• Traveling as a foot passenger: Possible

P&O Ferries Ships:

• European Causeway: Onboard food and drink - Fables restaurant, Poets Bar and Costa Coffee, onboard shopping, dedicated space for children for coloring and playing.


• European Endeavour: Comfortable en-suite 2 & 4 bed cabins, inside cabins or cabins with a sea view, reclining seats provided with pillows and blankets, meals included in the price of the journey - complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit juice available throughout the sailing, onboard shopping, bureau de change, no elevators to the main passenger areas - access is by a staircase, potential unsuitability for individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, or young children due to limited accessibility.


• European Highlander: Fables restaurant offering delicious food options, Poets Bar and Costa Coffee, onboard shopping, dedicated space for children for coloring and playing.


• Norbank: Comfortable en-suite 2 bed cabins available, Meals included in the price of the journey - complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit juice available throughout the crossing, Bureau de Change, no elevators to the main passenger areas - access is by a staircase, potential unsuitability for individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, or young children due to limited accessibility.


• Norbay: Comfortable en-suite 2 bed cabins available, Meals included in the price of the journey - complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit juice available throughout the crossing, Bureau de Change, no elevators to the main passenger areas - access is by a staircase, potential unsuitability for individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, or young children due to limited accessibility.


• P&O Liberté: Onboard food and drink, onboard shopping.


• Pride of Bruges: Variety of cabin options - En-suite cabins, Premier cabins and Club cabins, wide variety of restaurants - Four Seasons carvery, Mayfair's Langan's Brasserie, Costa Coffee and bars, onboard Shopping, Sunset Show Bar, cinema, casino, main lounge offering dancing, bingo, quizzes, and live music, commission-free bureau de change and ATM, play areas, supervised painting, drawing sessions, video game technology, free children's entertainers onboard during summer holidays, mobility-impaired vehicle passengers located near entrances on car decks for elevator access, elevators for full accessibility, specially adapted cabins with wider doorways available.


• Pride of Burgundy: Due to short journeys, no passenger cabin options are available, reserved seating can be booked, Club Class Lounge seating can be pre-booked for a touch of luxury, quick bites, bar options, and coffee shop, onboard shopping, commission-free foreign exchange at the bureau de change, ATM, dedicated kids play area for children to enjoy and burn energy, onboard video arcade suitable for both young and older children, specially adapted for travelers with restricted mobility, shopping, dining, and seating areas are wheelchair-friendly, staff available on the vehicle deck to assist passengers with special requirements if requested in advance.


• Pride of Hull: Standard cabins: 2 or 4 berth bunk beds, inside or outside with a sea view. Premier cabins: 2 or 5 berth inside or outside with a sea view. Club cabins: Sea view, more spacious, with extra amenities like TV, telephone, tea/coffee facilities. Cabins are en-suite with a shower room and WC, including towels and bed linen. Coffee shop, Four Seasons with carvery and buffet-style dining, Langan's Brasserie with a first-class menu, bars including the Sky Lounge with scenic views, onboard shopping, cinemas, live cabaret shows, and a casino, bureau de change with commission-free services and ATM, varied activities for children, including play areas, video spots, and supervised creative activities, free children's entertainers during summer holidays and modern video game technology available. Pride of Hull is accessible for passengers with limited mobility or in wheelchairs, vehicle passengers with mobility impairments located near entrances on car decks for elevator access.


• Pride of Rotterdam: Standard cabins: 2 or 4 berth bunk beds, inside or outside with a sea view. Premier cabins: 2 or 5 berth inside or outside with a sea view. Club cabins: Sea view, more spacious, with extra amenities like TV, telephone, tea/coffee facilities. Cabins are en-suite with a shower room and WC, including towels and bed linen. Coffee shop, Four Seasons with carvery and buffet-style dining, Langan's Brasserie with a first-class menu, bars including the Sky Lounge with scenic views, onboard shopping, cinemas, live cabaret shows, and a casino, bureau de change with commission-free services and ATM, varied activities for children, including play areas, video spots, and supervised creative activities, free children's entertainers during summer holidays and modern video game technology available. Pride of Hull is accessible for passengers with limited mobility or in wheelchairs, vehicle passengers with mobility impairments located near entrances on car decks for elevator access.


• Spirit of Britain: No cabins available, seating is offered in the Club Class Lounge. Pre-book for a luxurious experience, including complimentary amenities like champagne, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and newspapers served by friendly staff. Food Court, Brasserie, onboard coffee shops including Costa Coffee, bars, during summer months, an alfresco bar is available. Onboard shopping, free WiFi, a commission-free bureau de change, ATM, various onboard activities for children, including play areas and quieter spaces for video watching, during summer holidays, children's entertainers and supervised activities are provided, allowing parents some leisure time.


• Spirit of France: Choice of bars and restaurants, food court, The Brasserie with high-quality food and wine, onboard coffee shops including Costa Coffee, bar, family lounge, onboard shopping, onboard activities for children include play areas and quieter spots for watching videos, during summer holidays, children's entertainers and supervised painting or drawing sessions provided, allowing parents leisure time. Staff available to meet and assist customers with wheelchairs on the vehicle deck upon request. All shopping, dining, and seating areas onboard Spirit of France are wheelchair friendly.

Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries is a significant maritime company that connects Ireland, the UK, and France. They offer dependable passenger and freight services using contemporary vessels, guaranteeing seamless travel and trade between these nations. Renowned for prioritising customer satisfaction, Irish Ferries plays a vital role in enabling crucial connections across these regions.

• Irish Ferries Sailings per Day: around 14 sailings per day


• Traveling as a foot passenger: Not possible

Irish Ferries Ships:

• Dublic Swift: 500 passengers, onboard amenities mentioned in the text: restaurant, bar/lounge area, free WiFi, en suite cabins for a comfortable night’s sleep.


• Epsilon: 500 passengers, onboard amenities mentioned in the text: restaurant, bar/lounge area, free WiFi, en suite cabins for a comfortable night’s sleep.


• Oscar Wild: Bright, airy cabins, stylish lounges, wide choice of entertainment, various dining options, great levels of comfort, luxurious ship sailing between Ireland and the U.K., impressive amenities from the moment you step on board.


• Isle of Innisfree: Well-equipped and modern car ferry, possible upgrade to the luxurious Club Class Lounge, wide range of bars, brasseries and cafes, onboard shopping, play area for kids with films, games, and toys.


• W. B. Yeats: Multiple lounges, entertainment options, free Wi-Fi access for all passengers, cinema facility, designated children’s area, fantastic outer deck space, diverse cabin options catering to different traveler needs and budgets.


• Isle of Inishee: Onboard cabins, reserved seating, wide range selection of freshly made food including hot and cold beverages from Cafe Lafayette or Boylans Brasserie, duty free onboard shopping, designated smoking areas, currently cannot accept wheelchair passengers.


• Isle of Inishmo: Air conditioned, en-suite cabins, onboard food and drink in the exclusive Kilronan Motorist's Club lounge, films and games in the children’s play area, onboard Shopping, possible upgrade to the luxurious Club Class lounge.


• Ulysses: Largest car ferry in the World - capacity for 1342 cars and 2000 passengers. Onboard facilities include restaurants, cinemas, TV lounges, video and electronic games, children's play area, two large lounge bars, shop, club class lounge.

How to find cheap ferries from Calais to Dover?

 It's always advisable to book ferry crossings from Calais to Dover in advance using the Omio website or app. Advance booking ensures the cheapest ticket prices, and travellers can choose the time they want to cross. Flexi ferry tickets enable travel within a 72-hour window of any scheduled booking, which can be useful for passengers who know they are likely to experience long delays. The standard Economy ticket enables passengers to cross on the ferry before or after crossing booked. Multi-trip tickets are also available, and these can be used by family or friends. 

How long are ferries from Calais to Dover?

All DFDS crossings from Calais to Dover take roughly 90 minutes. Scheduled ferry crossings start just after 1:00 a.m, daily, and all ferries cross directly from the Port of Calais to the Port of Dover. Delays can be experienced when poor weather is forecast, and this can sometimes mean there are times ferry services are cancelled or delayed. Passengers experiencing journey delays can use the bar, restaurant, showers, and toilet facilities at Calais port. Free WiFi is also available at the port.

Passenger information before taking ferries from Calais to Dover

Departure port: The Calais ferry port is located approximately 20 minutes walk away from the main Calais railway station, with free Balad'in minibus services from the city centre. Check-in times are clearly indicated on tickets; arriving punctually is essential. Easy access to the port via the A26 and A16 motorways simplifies travel for drivers. Priority boarding on DFDS trips enhances the journey for car drivers. Valid photo ID is a must throughout ferry travel. DFDS ferries boast kids play areas and complimentary onboard WiFi. Onboard prices are in sterling, and Euros are accepted with applied exchange rates. Medical facilities and first aiders are available, but no qualified doctors. Passengers can opt for the VIP Lounge, offering complimentary drinks, snacks, and fruits on any crossing.

Arrival port: All DFDS ferries from Calais arrive at the Eastern Docks in Dover, which is one of the busiest ports in the UK. Cars can exit directly onto the A2 and then join the M20. Foot passengers will find Dover Priory railway station is just one mile away from the port and takes 20 minutes or so to walk. Cabs are available at the station, if needed. Dover town centre is just over one mile from the port. Buses to the town centre depart from Wellington Dock, and journeys take around ten minutes.  

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