Ferry from Dover to Paris
For most travellers heading to Paris, Dover is the natural starting point. The crossing to Calais takes around 90 minutes, and from there it’s a straightforward drive of roughly three hours down the A26 motorway. It’s the quickest and most frequent way across, with sailings throughout the day, so you rarely wait long for the next one.
Routes
Our experience
We have sailed Dover–Calais with every operator on the route. P&O Ferries stood out for us: competitive fares, modern ships and plenty of clean, comfortable space inside and out on deck. For most travellers heading to France, it’s usually the quickest and best-value way across.
Ferry services from Dover to Paris
P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries sail Dover to Calais; from there it’s a short drive on to Paris.
From Calais to Paris
After arriving in Calais, Paris is a straightforward drive of around three hours down the A26 motorway. The roads are good and well signed, though note that Paris itself is a low-emission zone, so you’ll need a Crit’Air sticker to drive into the city.
Still weighing up your options?
We have crossed the Channel to France more times than we can count, on most of the routes and with most of the operators. Tell us where you are starting and we will point you to the smartest way across.
Compare & book →