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Dover to Calais Ferry

Dover–Calais is the world's busiest short-sea ferry route — 12 million passengers a year. 90-minute crossing on P&O Ferries or DFDS Seaways. Cheaper than Eurotunnel (35 min but pricier per vehicle). Popular with British holidaymakers driving to France + European road-trippers. Bring your car, dog, coach, motorhome. Post-Brexit border checks add 15-45 min each side.

Crossing time
1h 30m
Price range
GBP 45-140 with car · GBP 25-50 foot passenger
Cars
Allowed
Frequency
Every 45 min · 24h operation

Ferry operators on this route

P&O FerriesDFDS Seaways

Year-round · peak summer + Easter · book 2-4 weeks ahead

Best for

  • 1UK → France road trips with car
  • 2Bringing dog to Europe (post-Brexit needs pet passport prep)
  • 3Coaches + motorhomes
  • 4Cheap car crossing (vs Eurotunnel)

Booking + prices

Prices
GBP 45-140 with car · GBP 25-50 foot passenger
Vehicle allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
How to book

Direct Ferries covers both operators + Eurotunnel.

Hotels either side of the crossing

Find hotels in Dover

1.4M+ properties · Trip.com

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Find hotels in Calais

1.4M+ properties · Trip.com

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FAQs — Dover to Calais

Ferry or Eurotunnel — which is better?
Eurotunnel: 35 min crossing, no seasickness, but £15-30 more per vehicle. Ferry: 90 min crossing, cheaper, restaurant + duty-free onboard. Choose Eurotunnel for speed, ferry for cost + break.
Post-Brexit border checks — how long?
Currently 15-45 min each side (Dover UK exit + Calais France entry). EES + ETIAS rollout may extend this. Build buffer time into your schedule.

More ferry routes

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