Ferries from the UK to Calais
Calais is the UK’s busiest ferry destination and can be reached from several parts of the country. Dover is by far the fastest and most popular departure port, but travellers from southern England may also consider nearby alternatives depending on where they begin their journey.
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 the UK to Calais
Direct ferries to Calais operate from Dover with P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries. Together they offer up to 50 sailings per day, making it one of the busiest ferry routes in Europe.
Map with suggested the UK – Calais ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from England to Calais, with crossing times, fares and the ports they sail from. Tap a route for details, tap a port for its sailings, or zoom in for more.
Onboard experience
The Dover–Calais crossing takes around 90 minutes. Despite the short sailing, all operators offer cafés, restaurants, lounges, shops and outdoor decks. P&O Ferries operates the newest ships on the route, while DFDS and Irish Ferries mainly use older vessels that have been refurbished over the years.
Which UK departure port is best?
Dover is usually the best choice for travellers from London, the South East and much of central England thanks to its short crossing and frequent departures. Travellers from the South West may compare the drive to Dover with longer ferry routes from Portsmouth or Poole, depending on their final destination in France.
For most travellers, Dover is the best departure port for Calais. If you are starting further west, you may also want to compare nearby route guides before booking:
- Dover to Calais ferry – fastest and most frequent route
- London to Calais ferry – best route from the capital
By car
If you’re travelling by car, Dover is usually the quickest and most flexible option thanks to its high sailing frequency. However, the best departure port also depends on where you start your journey in the UK and where you’re heading in France. Compare the available routes before booking.
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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.