Harbour Calais Information

Ferry Calais

A traditional ferry crossing

There is no other place than the British Channel where England and France are so close together. The distance between Calais in the north of France and Dover in the south of England is only 34 kilometers. The strait between these two places is regularly used by the ferry Dover Calais.

The shipping company P&O Ferries alone shuttles 35 times a day between France and England. The crossing lasts about 75 minutes. Especially on weekends, on public holidays and during holiday time there is a run at the modern ferry station which is located outside Calais’ city center. In addition the ferry company SeaFrance operates also the route Calais Dover.

In the past many Britons came by ferry to France due to the favorable exchange rate between the British Pound and the Euro. They were able to make real bargains considering alcoholic drinks and cigarettes as well as food and clothing.

Although the ferry harbor is not nearby the city center and its shops, there is a shuttle service until 8 p.m. As an alternative to the large ferries there are the smaller Sea Buses: they transport travelers within 30 minutes from shore to shore.

From Calais to the Bay of Dover

Even the other way round the ferry to Dover is heavily frequented. Above all tourists from France, Germany and the Benelux countries use the service to spend their holidays in Great Britain.

Discover Calais

The city with its estimated 75,000 inhabitants is well-prepared to the business with the travelers. Every year about 30 million people stop off here. Besides the modern shopping centres on the outskirts there exists also a historic city centre with only a few buildings that survived the war.  The centre is located along the shore and adjoins a broad sandy beach.

Calais-Dover-Calais

Back to harbour view