FerryConnect

France → UK

Calais → Dover

The return leg of Europe’s busiest ferry corridor, from Calais back to Dover across the Strait of Dover. UK border checks are completed in Calais before boarding (juxtaposed controls), so you drive straight off onto the A20/M20 on arrival.

⏱ 1h 30m🚢 3 operators📅 Very frequent sailings around the clock; combined, operators offer dozens of departures a day🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Calais to Dover ferry at a glance

The ferry from Calais to Dover takes 1h 30m across the Strait of Dover, operated by P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: very frequent sailings around the clock; combined, operators offer dozens of departures a day.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel.

Travelling the other way? Dover to Calais ferry →

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Calais and Dover

📐 26 Nautical Miles
Calais⇄Dover
⏱ 1h 30m · 📐 26 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ Book direct with the operator

Ready to cross from Calais to Dover?

Check live availability, fares and sailing times with P&O Ferries.

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
P&O Ferries1h 30mP&O Pioneer, P&O Liberté, Spirit of Britain
DFDS1h 30mCôte des Dunes, Côte des Flandres
Irish Ferries1h 30mIsle of Inishmore

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

26 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Arrive at Dover Eastern Docks with direct access to the A20 and M20 towards London
  • Dover Priory station (about 1.5 miles) has High Speed trains to London St Pancras
  • Calais port connects directly to the A16 (Paris, Belgium) and A26 (Reims) motorways

Tips for the Calais to Dover Crossing

  • Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure; queues at the border booths can be longer at weekends and in school holidays.
  • Most tickets let you catch an earlier or later sailing on the day if space is available. Check your operator’s flexibility rules.
  • Duty-free is not available between France and the UK, but tax-paid shopping is on board.

Related Ferry Crossings

Return crossingDover → Calais1h 30mOnward from DoverDover → Dunkirk2h · DFDSNearby alternative crossingNewhaven → Dieppe4h · DFDSNearby alternative crossingHarwich → Hook of Holland6h 30m – 8h · Stena LineNearby alternative crossingPortsmouth → Caen (Ouistreham)6h – 7h (day) / overnight · Brittany FerriesNearby alternative crossingHull → Rotterdam (Europoort)11h – 12h (overnight) · P&O FerriesMore ferries in United KingdomOban → Craignure46m · Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
⚓ Port of Calais guide⚓ Port of Dover guide⛴ All ferries from Dover🌊 English Channel ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foot passengers take the ferry from Calais to Dover?
Yes, but only with P&O Ferries. DFDS and Irish Ferries carry passengers travelling with a vehicle only. P&O foot-passenger check-in closes 90 minutes before departure.
Where do I go through UK passport control?
UK Border Force checks happen in Calais before you board, alongside French exit checks, so allow extra time at the port during holiday peaks.
How long is the ferry from Calais to Dover?
The crossing typically takes 1h 30m. By operator: P&O Ferries about 1h 30m; DFDS about 1h 30m; Irish Ferries about 1h 30m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
Which ferry companies sail from Calais to Dover?
P&O Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries operate this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Calais to Dover ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Calais to Dover ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Calais from Dover by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 26 nautical miles (roughly 48 km).