Travelling by ferry to Dover

Need to get to Dover by ferry? Looking for information and ferry tickets to Dover? Vivanoda helps you find the best deals on ferries to Dover from all 3 ports including Calais and Dunkerque. There are a total of 2 ferry routes operated by DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries and Norfolk Line.

The Norfolk Line, P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries and DFDS Seaways lines to Dover have a frequency of around 51 crossings a day.

The longest crossing is around 2 hours on the Dunkerque - Dover route (47 mi away) and the fastest on the Calais - Dover route (26 mi away) with a duration of 1 hours 30 min.

Statistics of Dover ferry port

Countries
France
United Kingdom
Number of crossings
51 crossings a day
Number of ports
3
Number of ferry connections
2
Number of ferry companies
4
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Popular ferry routes to Dover

Here are the fastest and longest popular ferry routes to Dover and those with the highest frequency of crossings.

Tips for cheaper and better ferry travel to Dover

You will make the right choice by choosing the ferry to Dover. This means of transport has undeniable advantages: comfortable, relaxing, economical... Here are some tips to save money on your ferry crossing to Dover and travel in the best conditions:

Fight seasickness to enjoy the crossing
Bad weather or your sensitivity to the movements of the boat can make your crossing a very bad time. Getting some fresh air on deck, looking at the horizon, taking a cabin to lie down...
Arrive at Dover port at least 1 hour before departure.
In Calais or Dunkerque, check in at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Check the timetable with Norfolk Line, P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries and DFDS Seaways.
Avoid peak periods
During busy periods, DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries or Norfolk Line prices can triple or more. And on board, this can also change the comfort of your cruise.

All crossings to Dover ferry port

What better way to start your trip to Dover than with a ferry crossing? DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries and Norfolk Line ferries to Dover offer a comfortable and affordable alternative for travellers who want to avoid the long queues and tedious boarding procedures at airports. Moreover, you can take your car or motorbike on board, allowing you to explore Dover and its surroundings in complete freedom as soon as you arrive.

With a wide choice of ferry companies and routes from Calais or Dunkerque to Dover, use our fare comparison platform to find the best deals on ferries to Dover for your budget and preferences. All you have to do is search!

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Where is the ferry terminal in Dover?

Dover Ferry Terminal
Dover Ferry Terminal is located 1.1 mi from Dover city centre.
Map

FAQs about ferries to Dover

To travel to Dover by ferry, you can depart from 3 ports in 1 countries: Calais and Dunkerque.

Ferry services to Dover are operated by 4 ferry companies: DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries and Norfolk Line

Ferry timetables to Dover can vary significantly depending on the time of year and ferry company (DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries or Norfolk Line). We strongly recommend you search for timetables on Vivanoda.

It depends on the route you want to take. The shortest crossing on the Calais - Dover route takes 1 hours 30 min, while the longest crossing from Dunkerque - Dover takes almost 2 hours.

The price of a ferry to Dover varies greatly, depending on whether you travel by car, on foot or by bike and the time of year. Vivanoda helps you find the best deals from DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries and Norfolk Line to Dover.

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Ferry to Dover: Travel Guide

When to take the ferry to Dover?

The best time to travel to the UK is generally in summer, from June to August. During this period, temperatures average between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, providing pleasant conditions in which to explore the many tourist sites and enjoy the country's magnificent landscapes. The days are also longer, which means more time to explore the bustling cities of London, Edinburgh and Belfast, as well as the magnificent national parks, coastlines and castles.

However, even in summer, it's important to be prepared for sudden showers and unexpected temperature changes. It is advisable to bring waterproof clothing to deal with any unforeseen weather conditions.

Discover the country from Dover port

Ports served
The UK has several major ports served by ferry companies. The main ferry ports in the UK are Portsmouth, Plymouth, Poole, Southampton, Dover, Newhaven, Harwich and Liverpool. You can find ferry crossings from these ports to various destinations in Europe, including France, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and many more.

Ferry companies
There are several ferry companies serving British ports. The best known are Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, Stena Line and Corsica Linea. Each of these companies offers different fares and timetables, so it's important to compare before booking your ferry journey.

Discover the region from Dover

One of the most popular ports for ferry travel to England is Calais, located in northern France. From there, you can easily reach Dover, in the south of England, in just 90 minutes. Dover is known for its famous white cliffs, as well as its bustling port which offers a multitude of opportunities for travellers.

Another popular port for ferry travel to England is Plymouth, located in the southwest of England. Plymouth offers a variety of tourist attractions, including the Plymouth Hoe, a beautiful waterfront with stunning ocean views. You can also visit the National Marine Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe, or the Royal Navy Museum.

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