France
Calais to Dover Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Calais
Pas-de-Calais
Arrives
Dover
Kent
DFDSAt a glance
The Calais to Dover ferry takes about 1h 40m, with 11 sailings a day between 02:30 and 23:00. It is operated by DFDS. Fares start from £47.
- First sailing
- 02:30
- Last sailing
- 23:00
- Sailings / day
- 11
- Crossing
- 1h 40m
Calais to Dover ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02:30 | 04:10 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
| 06:05 | 07:45 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
| 07:35 | 09:15 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
| 09:05 | 10:45 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
| 11:20 | 13:00 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
| 12:50 | 14:30 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
| 14:20 | 16:00 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
| 16:35 | 18:15 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
| 18:05 | 19:45 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
| 19:35 | 21:15 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
| 23:00 | 00:40 | 1h 40m | DFDS | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Calais – Dover crossing
The French port of Calais and the English port of Dover sit on opposite sides of the Strait of Dover, a distance of approximately 21 nautical miles. This crossing is a primary transport link for freight and passenger traffic between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. Two operators, DFDS and P&O Ferries, manage the service.
Calais to Dover Sailing Schedule
The route operates every day with a high frequency of departures. The first sailing of the day is at 02:30, and the final departure is scheduled for 23:00. In total, there are 11 sailings listed in the current timetable. This intensive schedule supports the large volume of commercial and private vehicles that rely on this connection for cross-Channel transit.
The crossing duration is 1 hour and 40 minutes. Fares for the journey begin at £47, although the final price is subject to seasonal changes and the type of vehicle. From Dover, passengers also have the option of a separate ferry service to Dunkirk, another key port in northern France.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Cruise-ferry cabins
- Restaurants & entertainment
- Vehicle & freight decks
- Multiple cabin grades
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
What's the sailing frequency per day?
11 sailings a day on this route.
What time is the last sailing?
Sailings run from 02:30 to 23:00.
Which operator provides this service?
DFDS and P&O Ferries operate this route.
Do I need a passport for this crossing?
Yes — this is an international route between France and United Kingdom, so bring valid ID or a passport.
How long, roughly, is the crossing?
About 1h 40m under normal conditions.
What's the price for this crossing?
From £47, one-way.
Is a return sailing available?
Yes — see the return route for its schedule.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 1h 40m and several sailings a day (first 02:30, last 23:00), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Yes — DFDS carries vehicles on this route. Book your car space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific sailing for size limits.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with DFDS, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 12, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
£47
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Calais on the map
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