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
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 £33
Day return. Three competing operators.
📏
27 Miles
Shortest sea route to mainland Europe.
Everything You Need to Know
46 comprehensive guides covering operators, pricing, travel types, destinations, and essential tips. Complete Dover to Calais expertise.
🚢 Ferry Operators
Complete guides to P&O Ferries, DFDS, and Irish Ferries. Compare prices, frequencies, ships, onboard facilities, and booking strategies.
✈️ Travel Types
Foot passengers, motorhomes, motorcycles, cyclists, families, pets. Find your perfect way to travel Dover to Calais.
📍 Destinations & Shopping
From London, Canterbury, Folkestone to Calais. Plus Bruges, Lille, Paris, and the famous Calais shopping runs.
Featured Destination Guides
Where to go once you arrive in France
Why 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.
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Competitive Prices
Three operators compete. Day returns from £33. Regular promotions. 15% early booking discounts available.
🚗
Gateway to Europe
Paris 3 hours, Brussels 2 hours, Bruges 90 mins. Perfect start for European road trips and city breaks.
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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
Three operators compete on Dover to Calais. Find the right one for you.
| Operator | Daily Sailings | Crossing Time | From | Foot Pass. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P&O Ferries | 11 | 90 mins | £45 | ✅ Yes |
| DFDS | Up to 30 | 100 mins | £89 | ❌ No |
| Irish Ferries | 10-14 | 90 mins | £33* | ❌ No |
*Promotional offer January 2026. Prices subject to availability. All include car + passengers. Only P&O accepts foot passengers on Dover-Calais route.
Ready to Book Your Dover to Calais Ferry?
Compare all three operators and secure the best price for your crossing. Up to 45 sailings daily, prices from £33.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Dover to Calais ferry crossing?
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?
Prices start from £33 with Irish Ferries (promotional offer), £45 with P&O Ferries, and £89 with DFDS. Short breaks (3-5 days) cost £118-£149. Book 8-12 weeks ahead for best prices and 15% early booking discounts. 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 →
How many ferries cross from Dover to Calais each day?
Up to 45 ferries cross daily across three operators. DFDS operates up to 30 sailings, P&O Ferries has 11 crossings, and Irish Ferries 10-14 per day. This makes Dover to Calais the world’s busiest ferry route with exceptional frequency. View timetables →
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 Journey Today
The Dover to Calais ferry is your gateway to continental Europe. With up to 45 daily sailings, competitive prices, and endless European destinations, your adventure starts here.
46 comprehensive guides • 140,000+ words • 2026 pricing verified