Checked offer from Dover to Calais (France): Ferry, about 3h 30min, from €121. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): DFDS; main departure point: Dover Port.
One option to get from Dover to Calais (France)
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 5, 2026 for a departure on November 26, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DFDS | Ferry | Dover Port | €121 | 1 |
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Practical tips
Ferry fares move with the day, the hour and how early you book. Reserve online as soon as your dates are fixed rather than paying more at the port on the day of travel.
The crossing leaves from the port of Dover. Do not confuse it with London stations such as Victoria, St Pancras or King's Cross: check your e-ticket for the exact check-in point before you travel.
Bank holidays, school holidays and summer weekends sell out first. If your dates are flexible, travel midweek or outside peak hours for more choice and a calmer check-in.
If you have an onward train or coach from Calais, or arrive in Dover by coach or train from London, leave a generous buffer so a delay never makes you miss the last connection of the day.
Have your passport and e-ticket ready before you reach the port. Border checks are part of the journey, so keeping everything easy to find helps you get through smoothly and board without stress.
The journey experience
Dover to Calais is the classic short sea crossing between England and France, and for independent travellers it comes down to one clear choice: the ferry. There is no guesswork about which station to use in London for this leg, because you head straight to the port of Dover, then step off in Calais ready to carry on into France, Belgium or beyond. The comparison table on this page shows the ferry's duration and price range at a glance.
The crossing is a proper ferry experience, with large vessels that offer indoor seating, cafés, shops and open decks where you can watch the White Cliffs fade behind you. It suits foot passengers, cyclists and travellers with luggage alike, and it is far more relaxed than an airport transfer: no long security queues, no baggage weighing, just a straightforward check-in and boarding. Well-known operators such as P&O Ferries and DFDS are associated with the Dover–Calais corridor.
Your best move is to book online ahead of time, because ferry fares vary with the day, the hour and how early you reserve. Departures on bank holidays, school holidays and summer weekends fill up fast, so avoid leaving it to the last minute. Choose a sailing with a comfortable buffer before any onward train or coach, and keep your e-ticket and passport handy. Booking online gives you instant confirmation and peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions — Dover → Calais (France)
Ferry fares for Dover to Calais start from €121, and a typical fare goes up to around €122. Prices can change depending on the day, the time of the sailing and how early you book, so reserving online in advance is the safest way to secure a good fare, especially in busy periods.
The ferry crossing from Dover to Calais takes about 3 h 30 to 4 h 10 according to the verified data for this route. Remember to add time for check-in, border controls and boarding at the port, so plan to arrive well before your scheduled sailing.
The ferry is the transport option available for this route, and it works well for independent travellers: you board at Dover and arrive directly in Calais, with seating, food and open decks on board. It is comfortable, straightforward and suits foot passengers carrying luggage.
The ferry to Calais leaves from the port of Dover, on the south-east coast of England. It is not in London, so do not head to a London station or airport terminal. Check your e-ticket for the exact check-in instructions before you set off.
From London you can reach Dover by train or coach, then continue to the port. From Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton, first travel into London or onto a connecting service, and leave a generous buffer so you reach the port comfortably before check-in closes.
Why visit Calais (France)?
- ✓ Admire Rodin's Burghers of Calais in front of the Gothic-Flemish town hall and climb its belfry for views over the port
- ✓ Visit the Cité internationale de la dentelle et de la mode, the museum of Calais' world-famous machine-made lace
- ✓ Ride the Dragon de Calais, a giant mechanical creature that carries visitors along the seafront
- ✓ Hike the cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez on the Opal Coast, with views of the English white cliffs on clear days
- ✓ Stroll the wide sandy beach, then climb the 271 steps of the Calais lighthouse for a panorama of the Channel
When to visit Calais (France)?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
June to September — mild temperatures, long days and the best conditions for beaches and cliff walks, though the wind stays.
What to do in Calais (France)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Calais (France)?
Calais works best as a half-day to one-day stop. Allow 3-4 hours for the Place d'Armes, the Burghers of Calais statue by Rodin, the lace museum (Cité internationale de la dentelle) and the seafront beach. With a full day, add Cap Blanc-Nez (20 minutes by car) for chalk cliffs and sweeping Channel views. Arrive by 10am if you're coming from the ferry or tunnel, and book restaurants ahead on weekends.
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