P&O Ferries
With a history dating back to the 1960s, P&O Ferries is now one of the most recognised operators of short crossings over to France. You can benefit from great value day trip offers and enjoy a range of facilities on board its fleet of cruise ferries.
Skip to: Routes | Timetables | Onboard Facilities
P&O Ferries Routes to France
Currently P&O Ferries operate on one route between the UK and France, which the Dover-Calais crossing. The journey takes just 1.5 hours on average and P&O offer 3 different ticket types for the crossing:
- Standard: Flexible travel within +/- 4 hours of the sailing time. Non-refundable and any amendments will incur a fee.
- Standard Flexi: Flexible travel within +/- 4 hours of the sailing time. Refundable and you’ll only pay the difference in ticket price for any amendments.
- Fully Flexi: Fully flexible so you can enjoy a departure time that suits you on the day (subject to availability). Refundable and amendments only charged for if you add any extras or change the vehicle type.
P&O Ferries Timetables and Schedule
P&O Ferries has an extensive timetable with up to 15 sailings per day on the Dover to Calais route. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure if you’re travelling with a vehicle and 90-120 minutes before departure for foot passengers and those travelling with pets.
On sailings from Dover the schedule usually starts just before 7am and ends by 11pm. Sailings run earlier on the return from Calais, with departures starting at around 1.30am and running through to 9pm.
🇬🇧 Dover > 🇫🇷 Calais
Up to 15 sailings daily
The P&O Ferries Fleet and Onboard Facilities
P&O Ferries has a fleet of 4 ships operating on the Dover-Calais route. These include the P&O Pioneer, P&O Liberte, Spirit of Britain and Spirit of France.
P&O Pioneer and Liberte
The P&O Pioneer and Liberte are the latest and most eco-friendly ferries of the fleet with hybrid diesel-electric power plants. They were first launched in 2022/2023 and have numerous facilities including a diverse food court catering to all dietary requirements, spacious lounges and a World Duty Free store.
Spirit of Britain and Spirit of France
Sister ships the Spirit of Britain and Spirit of France first set sail on the route between Dover and Calais in 2011. Both are capable of reaching speeds of 22 knots and have the capacity to carry up to 1,750 passengers each, as well as in excess of 1,000 cars. The Club lounge is the perfect place to relax on both ships, featuring outside decks and plenty of comfortable seating to enjoy the sea views from.
Taking Pets Onboard with P&O Ferries
You can take your pet on P&O Ferries from £15 each way. All pets need to remain within your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, unless you’ve added Pet Lounge access to your booking (applicable for dogs only). The Pet Lounge includes an exercise area, refreshments and space for a dog bed.
Prior to departure there are two pet exercise areas at the Dover Ferry Terminal, which are located between berths 2 and 3 and outside the main passenger services building. Calais ferry port also has several dog zones near the boarding lines and services points.
Common questions on P&O Ferries
Check-in usually closes 45 to 60 minutes before the departure time so it’s best to arrive at least an hour prior to the scheduled departure. Foot passengers and any people travelling with pets should arrive at least 90 minutes before the departure time.
Subject to availability it’s often possible to get on an earlier P&O Ferry if you arrive well in advance of your scheduled booking.
Due to the number of sailings on the route you should be able to get on a later ferry if you arrive after check-in has closed. However, if you haven’t booked a flexible ticket you may be charged an amendment fee by P&O Ferries.
The P&O Ferries customer services team can be reached on 01304 448888. The call centre is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 5pm on the weekend.
Book with P&O Ferries
- 15 sailings daily from Dover to Calais
- 1.5 hour journey time