Ferry from Dover to Belgium
The shortest ferry crossing between England and France can be found at Dover. The distance between Dover and Calais is just over 26 miles, and on a clear day you can actually see the French coast from England. We have tried all the ferry companies on this crossing (you can see us depart in the photo above) and we found P&O the best value for money.
Routes
Our experience
This is the only cross-Channel route we haven’t personally sailed, so we can’t offer a first-hand opinion.
Our experience
We’ve sailed with every ferry operator on the Dover–Calais route ourselves. We were particularly impressed by P&O Ferries thanks to its competitive fares, modern ships, clean facilities, spacious outdoor decks, and overall comfort. For most travellers heading to Belgium, this is often the fastest and most affordable option.
Ferry services from Dover to Belgium
On some days, as many as 30 ferries sail between Dover and Calais, operated by P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries. DFDS also operates at least 10 daily sailings between Dover and Dunkirk.
- Dover to Calais takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by ferry, followed by approximately 41 minutes of driving to the Belgian border.
- Dover to Dunkirk takes around 2 hours by ferry, followed by approximately 31 minutes of driving to the Belgian border.
Route information
One advantage of arriving in Dunkirk is that traffic can reportedly be a little quieter during the peak summer season. In most cases, however, Calais remains the faster option. Dunkirk tends to become particularly attractive when ferry fares are lower than those on the Calais route.
From the arrival port to your destination
| Belgian Destination | Drive from Calais | Drive from Dunkirk |
|---|---|---|
| Bruges | ~1 hour | ~45 minutes |
| Ghent | ~1 hour 15 minutes | ~1 hour |
| Antwerp | ~1 hour 30 minutes | ~1 hour 15 minutes |
By car
Dover can be very busy during holiday periods due to border checks and heavy traffic congestion. If you’re travelling to Belgium, it’s worth keeping this in mind and checking for updates from the ferry operators before you travel.
By campervan
Expect to pay between £80 and £250 one way for a campervan or motorhome on the Dover–Calais route. Prices depend on the season, departure time, vehicle length and how far in advance you book. Smaller campervans travelling outside school holidays can often be found for under £100, while larger motorhomes during peak summer periods may cost considerably more.
Still weighing up your options?
We have sailed nearly every one of these crossings ourselves, and the photos on this site are our own. Tell us where you are starting and we will point you to the smartest way across.
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