Dover Ferry Port
The Port of Dover is unofficially known as the gateway to Europe due to its proximity to France. With crossings taking as little as 90 minutes, it’s the perfect port for a quick day trip to France or for longer breaks on the continent.
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Dover Ferry Routes
Two routes are operated to France from Dover, one to Calais and second to Dunkirk.
Dover Ferry to Calais
Three operators offer sailings on the Dover to Calais route – P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries. Each have a fleet of at least 3 ships and offer up to 15 crossings per day, with an average crossing time of between 90 minutes to 110 minutes. You can often benefit from cheaper prices on the route due to the competition between operators and tickets can be had from as a little as £39 for a day trip.
ℹ️ Find out more on ferries to Calais from Dover
Dover Ferry to Dunkirk
Just one operator (DFDS) runs sailings on the lest popular Dover to Dunkirk route. The journey time is slighty longer at 120 minutes, although it may be a more convenient option if you’re planning a trip to Belgium. Prices start from just over £80 each way for a car and up to 4 people.
ℹ️ Find out more on ferries to Dunkirk from Dover
Facilities at the Port of Dover
The Port of Dover has a Passenger Services building which is located on the west side of the Port. Facilities of this building include a currency exchange, public toilets, vending machines, food outlets and a cash point. You’ll also benefit from free Wi-Fi access.
For all foot passengers there is a designated Passenger Terminal which features Costa Coffee kiosks, a Port Reception and public toilets.
Pets are also well catered for with two pet exercise areas within the Ferry Terminal. These can be found between berths 2 – 3 and just outside the main Passenger Services building.
While there are no parking facilities in the port, there’s a multi-storey car park with 24 hour security close to Dover ferry terminal.
Book a ferry from Dover to Dunkirk from £84
Getting to Dover
Located just off the A20, Dover ferry terminal is aapproximately 70 miles from London and can be easily accessed by both rail and road networks. The Port address is Dover Ferry Terminal, Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT16 1JA
🚗 By car: The M20 motorway will offer the most direct route for most travellers, where it then merges into the A20 in Folkestone. After joining the A20 continue until you reach the Eastern Docks roundabout. Take the first left and you’ll arrive at the terminal.
🚈 By train: The closest train station to the ferry terminal is Dover Priory, which is around a 25 minute walk. Direct services are available from London Victoria, St Pancras and Charing Cross with average journey times of 1.5 to 2 hours.
Book a day trip from Dover to Calais from £43
Book a ferry to Calais with DFDS from £99
Book a same-day return to Calais from £38
Common questions on Dover Ferry Port
For crossings from Dover to both Calais and Dunkirk check-in opens 2 hours before the sailing time and closes between 45 minutes and 60 minutes before the departure time (depending on operator).
The ferry from Dover to Calais usually takes 90 minutes, although some crossings allow up to 110 minutes.
The crossing usually takes 2 hours.
You’ll find a multi-storey car park close to the Dover ferry terminal. There’s 24 hour security in operation at this car park. Aditional parking is also available further away from the port and you’ll be able to jump on a free shuttle bus to/from the terminal.
P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries allow foot passengers on the Dover to Calais crossing, however foot passengers are not permitted on any routes from Dover operated by DFDS.
DOVER FERRIES FROM
£43*
- 35+ sailings daily from Dover to Calais
- 1.5 hour journey time
*Price for day trip from Dover to Calais