Your Complete Dover to Calais Ferry Guide
The UK’s busiest Channel crossing. Three operators, up to 45 daily sailings, 90-minute crossing to continental Europe.
46 comprehensive guides • Expert advice • Current 2026 pricing
Expert Ferry Guide
Comprehensive Dover to Calais Information
The Dover to Calais ferry route is the world’s busiest cross-Channel service, carrying millions of passengers annually. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about crossing the Channel via this historic route.
Whether you’re planning a Calais shopping trip, a European road trip, visiting family in France, or exploring destinations like Bruges, Paris, and beyond, this guide provides detailed, fact-checked information on all three ferry operators, current pricing, booking strategies, and travel tips to help you make the most of your journey.
Dover to Calais Ferry Quick Facts
⏱️
90 Minutes
Shortest Channel crossing. Quick hop to France.
⛴️
Up to 45 Sailings Daily
Exceptional frequency. Ultimate flexibility.
💷
From £44
Day return promotional. Three competing operators.
📏
27 Miles
Shortest sea route to mainland Europe.
Written By Tim
Over 20 Years, 3 Children, Countless Crossings
Hi, I’m Tim. For over 20 years our family have been travelling to France via the cross channel routes. What started as a chaotic first crossing with three young children has become an annual tradition we treasure.
I created this site because I wish it had existed 20 years ago – one place with everything you need to know about travelling to France via the Dover to Calais Ferry, written by someone who’s actually done it many times with kids.
Everything You Need to Know
46 comprehensive guides covering ferry operators, pricing, travel types, destinations, and essential tips. Complete Dover to Calais expertise.
🚢 Ferry Information
Complete ferry guide: timetables, prices, booking strategies, port guides, onboard facilities, and essential tips. Everything from check-in to arrival.
✈️ Travel Types
Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend break, or extended holiday – with vehicle, as a foot passenger, or with pets. Find the perfect travel style for you.
📍 Destinations & Routes
Complete guides for every route from London, Canterbury, Folkestone. Plus European destinations: Calais shopping, Bruges, Lille, Paris, and beyond.
Featured Destination Guides
Where to go once you arrive in France
Why Choose Dover to Calais?
Real advantages of the world’s busiest ferry route
⏱️
Shortest Crossing
Just 90 minutes across 27 miles. Quick hop to France. Ideal for day trips or those prone to seasickness.
⛴️
Exceptional Frequency
Up to 45 sailings daily. Departures every hour or more frequent. Ultimate flexibility for your schedule.
💰
Competitive Prices
Three operators compete. Promotional day returns from £44. Standard fares from £79-£89. 15% early booking discounts available.
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Gateway to Europe
Paris 3 hours, Brussels 2 hours, Bruges 90 mins. Perfect start for European road trips and city breaks.
🚶
Foot Passengers Welcome
P&O accepts foot passengers. No car needed. Train from London 75 mins to Dover. Budget-friendly travel.
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Pet-Friendly Options
All operators accept pets. P&O Pet Lounge £12, Irish Ferries Pet Den £15. Take your furry friends to France.
Ferry Operator Comparison – January 2026
Three operators compete on Dover to Calais. Compare promotional offers and standard fares.
| Operator | Promotional | Standard | Sailings | Time | Foot Pass. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Ferries | £44 return | From £54 each way | 10-14 | 90 mins | ❌ No |
| P&O Ferries | £45 day trip | From £79 return | 11-15 | 90 mins | ✅ Yes |
| DFDS | 15% off with early booking | From £89 one way | Up to 30 | 100 mins | ❌ No |
*January 2026 Prices. All include car + passengers. Promotional offers: Irish Ferries £44 day return (book 24 hrs advance), P&O £45 day trip (until 26 March 2026), DFDS 15% early booking (book by 18 Jan 2026). Prices subject to availability.
Ready to Start Planning?
Everything you need is here. Ferry guides, destination recommendations, booking strategies. All fact-checked and current for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Dover to Calais ferry take?
The crossing takes 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes) with P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries, or 100 minutes (1 hour 40 minutes) with DFDS. This is the shortest ferry crossing between Britain and mainland Europe.
How much does the Dover to Calais ferry cost?
Promotional Offers (January 2026): Irish Ferries £44 day return, P&O Ferries £45 day trip (until 26 March), DFDS 15% early booking discount. Standard Fares: Irish Ferries from £54 each way, P&O from £79 return, DFDS from £89 one way. Short breaks (3-5 days) cost £118-£149. Book 8-12 weeks ahead for best prices. Complete pricing guide →
Can you walk on the Dover to Calais ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes, but ONLY with P&O Ferries. P&O is the only operator on the Dover-Calais route that accepts foot passengers. DFDS and Irish Ferries require all passengers to travel with a vehicle. Foot passenger guide →
Is Dover to Calais worth it compared to Eurostar?
The Dover to Calais ferry offers exceptional value with three competing operators keeping prices low. Promotional day returns start from £44 (Irish Ferries) or £45 (P&O), with standard fares from £79-£89. Perfect if you have a vehicle, need flexibility (up to 45 sailings daily), or want to avoid Eurostar’s premium pricing. The short 90-minute crossing makes it ideal for day trips or quick European getaways. Compare your options →
Can I take my dog on the Dover to Calais ferry?
Yes, all three operators accept pets. P&O offers a Pet Lounge (£12 each way) where dogs can travel in comfort. Irish Ferries has a Pet Den (£15 each way). DFDS requires pets to remain in vehicles. All pets need valid Animal Health Certificates, microchips, and rabies vaccinations. Complete pet travel guide →
Start Your European Adventure
The Dover to Calais ferry is your gateway to continental Europe. With up to 45 daily sailings, competitive prices from £44, and endless European destinations, your journey starts here.
46 comprehensive guides • 140,000+ words • No fluff