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
There is no direct ferry on this route. To reach your destination, these are the crossings we recommend instead.
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.
Who sails the alternatives
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.
Map with suggested Dover – Belgium ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Dover to Belgium, with crossing times, fares and the ports they sail from. Tap a route for details, tap a port for its sailings, or zoom in for more.
Onboard experience
The Dover ships are built for turnaround rather than lingering: drive on, find the lounge, and the French coast is in view within the hour. We have crossed with all three operators and the practical differences are small; let price and departure time decide, and treat the crossing as a coffee break between two drives.
Photos from the journey
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.
Compare & book
Pick your route to see live times and prices.
Compare prices →
We send you to the ferry operator or price comparison
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.
Frequently asked questions
How can I travel from Calais to Belgium?
Simply drive: the Belgian border is around 45 minutes from Calais on the toll-free A16/E40 motorway. Without a car, trains run from Calais via Lille into Belgium.
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.