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Dover to Calais from $35: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Dover, United Kingdom
to
Calais, France

How to Get from Dover to Calais: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$35 - Car ferryBest price
43.2 kmDistance
1h 35m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Dover to Calais with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
1h 
Estimated price
$0-0
Recommended
Company
P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries
Drive
Average Duration
1h  35m
Estimated price
$35-50
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 43.2 km
Duration: 1h 35m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
South Eastern Trains service, Eurostar, SNCF
Train
Average Duration
5h  13m
Estimated price
$168-459

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Ferry $31 $31 $31 $31 $32 $32 $31
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Dover to Calais

The journey from Dover to Calais offers a striking contrast, from Dover's stunning white cliffs and historic landmarks to Calais's vibrant culture and French charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Calais

Calais boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with distinct character and charm.

Centre Ville
• Home to stunning historical architecture.
• Vibrant cafes and shopping options available.
Saint-Pierre
• Known for its artistic vibe and murals.
• Offers a variety of local markets.
Les Dunes
• Features beautiful sandy beaches and nature walks.
• Perfect for relaxation and seaside activities.

Best Times To Visit Calais's Attractions

Timing your visits to Calais's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Les Six Bourgeois
Visit early mornings to enjoy quieter moments with the iconic statue.
Calais Lighthouse
Weekday afternoons offer fewer crowds and a peaceful climb.
University of Calais
Spring months showcase beautiful gardens in full bloom, ideal for leisurely strolls.

Calais Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Calais experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers, making it accessible throughout the year. Visiting during late spring or early autumn often brings pleasant weather, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Calais

For an unforgettable dining experience in Calais, try the mussels served with fries at 'Le Channel,' where the cozy brasserie atmosphere complements the flavors of fresh local seafood. This culinary treat contrasts with Dover's traditional fish and chips by embracing French culinary flair and highlighting regional ingredients.

Dover - Calais operators

Explore transport companies operating between Dover and Calais, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+44 345 322 7021
Website
https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/

Train from Dover Priory to London St Pancras Intl

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
50-75
Contact phone
+44 343 218 6186
Website
https://www.eurostar.com/rw-en

Train from London St Pancras Intl to Lille Europe

Average Duration
1h 24m
Estimated price
95-340
Contact phone
+33 1 84 94 36 35
Website
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Train from Lille Europe to Calais Ville

Average Duration
43m
Estimated price
20-45
all-pages.transport_car ferry
Contact phone
01304 448866
Website
https://www.poferries.com

all-pages.transport_car ferry from Port of Dover to Calais

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
35-75
Contact phone
+353 818 300 400
Website
https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/Travel-to-Ireland

all-pages.transport_car ferry from Port of Dover to Calais

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
35-50
all-pages.transport_car train
Website
https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/

all-pages.transport_car train from Folkestone to Calais-Fréthun

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
0-0

Dover to Calais: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Dover and Calais offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

Useful tips for car travellers
• Before you set off, make sure to refuel in Dover, as gas stations along the route may have prices ranging from £1.50 to £1.70 per liter; regular petrol is usually more expensive in Calais.
• Upon arriving in Calais, be aware of the discounted parking options in the city center; daily rates typically range from €5 to €15 depending on the location, but check for any restricted traffic zones like the pedestrian area around the Place d'Armes.
• Familiarize yourself with French driving laws, such as maintaining a speed limit of 50 km/h in urban areas and having reflective vests in your car; using navigation tools like Google Maps is advisable to avoid detours and ensure a smooth transition through the Eurotunnel.
🚆 Traveling from Dover to Calais by train requires multiple transfers, with services departing from Dover Priory and arriving at Calais Ville via London St Pancras Intl and Lille Europe. 🎫 The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes. The Dover to Calais train services are operated by South Eastern Trains Service for departure and SNCF for arrival at Calais Ville station. 💰 The prices of train tickets between Dover and Calais can vary, with fares ranging from £133 to £363. Plan your trip in advance to secure the best rates for your journey across the English Channel to France.
Departure Point
Dover Priory station
Arrival Point
Calais Ville station
Useful tips for train travellers
Catering services on trains from Dover to Calais are typically provided by Eurostar and their partners. You'll find a café bar offering light snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. It's advisable to check their menu in advance through the Eurostar website to plan your dining options accordingly.
For this journey, Eurostar offers three seating classes: Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier. Standard is budget-friendly, while Standard Premier offers more spacious seating and complimentary light meals. If you're looking for a premium experience, Business Premier includes exclusive lounge access, fine dining options, and more comfortable seating.
There are two main operators for this route: Eurostar (eurostar.com) and Southeastern (southeasternrailway.co.uk). Be sure to compare schedules and prices on their websites, as they may offer different travel times and options to suit your needs.
🚌 The journey from Dover to Calais by bus takes approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes covering a distance of 54.7 km. 🚏 The first leg of the trip involves taking a bus towards Paris which lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The bus then departs from Paris to London via the Dover route, eventually arriving in Calais.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to arrive at the Dover terminal early, especially during peak travel times, as security checks can take longer than expected; consider using the FlixBus link for real-time schedules: global.flixbus.com
• While on the bus, ensure you keep your passport and any travel documents easily accessible, as you will need them for both the ferry crossing and customs upon arrival in Calais.
• Upon arriving at Calais, navigate the Calais terminal by first locating the signs for 'Sortie' (Exit) which lead you to the local transport options; the terminal is well-signposted, and you can catch local buses or taxis easily—further information can be found here: ville-calaise.fr