Ferry to Dover

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Dover in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Dover connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Dunkirk - Dover, Calais - Dover.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Dover are provided by leading carriers like DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Dover feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Dover.

Dover is currently served by 4 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry operators including DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries.

Dover is exceptionally well-connected to the rest of the UK via the M20 and A2/M2 motorways, making it easily accessible by car from London in approximately 2 hours. Train services run regularly from London St Pancras and Victoria stations, with journey times of about 1-1.5 hours. For international travelers, Gatwick Airport is the closest major airport, located roughly 80 miles away. The ferry terminal itself is clearly signposted throughout the town, with ample long and short-term parking facilities available nearby. Local buses connect Dover Priory train station to the ferry terminal for passengers arriving by rail.

Perched on England's southeastern coast, Dover stands as a historic maritime gateway between Britain and continental Europe. The iconic white chalk cliffs create a dramatic backdrop to one of the UK's busiest ferry ports. This charming coastal town blends rich history with natural beauty, offering visitors a genuine taste of British heritage before or after their channel crossing.

Dover enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with summer temperatures averaging 18-22°C (64-72°F) and winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The peak tourist season runs from June through August, offering the warmest weather for exploring Dover Castle and the famous cliffs. Spring (April-May) provides a pleasant alternative with fewer crowds and blooming countryside. Ferry services operate year-round but increase in frequency during summer months. Autumn visits (September-October) offer particular charm with golden colors across the landscape and still-mild temperatures perfect for coastal walks.

Dover serves as an ideal jumping-off point for exploring Europe by sea. Regular ferry services connect Dover to Calais, France in just 90 minutes, opening up the entire European continent. Dunkirk is another popular French destination, reachable in about 2 hours by ferry. From these continental ports, travelers can easily access cities like Bruges, Belgium (1 hour from Calais) or continue onward to Amsterdam, Paris, and beyond. The Dover-Calais route is particularly scenic, offering spectacular views of the white cliffs as you depart and the approaching French coastline as you near your destination.

Dover Castle stands as the town's crown jewel, with its impressive medieval fortifications and secret wartime tunnels offering a journey through British history. The breathtaking White Cliffs provide stunning coastal walks with panoramic views across the English Channel. Maritime enthusiasts will appreciate the Roman Painted House and Dover Museum, home to the world's oldest known seagoing vessel. For culinary adventures, sample fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants, where Dover sole is a local specialty. The charming town center, with its mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture, makes for a pleasant stroll before or after your ferry journey.

Dover Harbor has been in operation since the Bronze Age, making it one of the world's oldest continuously used natural harbors. The iconic White Cliffs contain countless fossils of sea creatures, with some dating back over 80 million years. During WWII, Dover was nicknamed 'Hellfire Corner' due to its strategic importance and frequent bombardment. The narrowest part of the English Channel is just 21 miles wide at the Dover Strait, which has inspired numerous cross-channel swimming attempts since Captain Matthew Webb first succeeded in 1875.