Ferry to Folkestone

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 Folkestone 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 Folkestone connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Calais - Folkestone.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Folkestone are provided by leading carriers like Eurotunnel.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Folkestone 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 Folkestone.

Folkestone is currently served by 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry operators including Eurotunnel.

Folkestone is exceptionally well-connected to the rest of the UK via the M20 motorway, making it easily accessible by car from London in approximately 90 minutes. High-speed trains from London St Pancras reach Folkestone in just 55 minutes, offering a convenient alternative to driving. The town sits just 12 miles from Dover and about 70 miles from London. Regular bus services connect the town center with the harbor area, and ample parking is available near the ferry terminal for those arriving by car. Consider using the Park and Ride facilities during peak summer months to avoid potential congestion in the harbor area.

Perched on the scenic Kent coastline, Folkestone blends historic charm with contemporary coastal living. This vibrant port town offers stunning views across the English Channel to France on clear days. As a key ferry connection point to the continent, Folkestone serves as both a gateway to Europe and a destination worth exploring in its own right, with its creative quarter, magnificent seafront, and rich maritime heritage.

Folkestone enjoys a mild maritime climate, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 15-23°C (59-73°F) and winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The prime time to visit is between May and September when the weather is warmest and outdoor attractions can be fully enjoyed. August brings the vibrant Folkestone Harbour Festival, celebrating the town's maritime heritage with food, music, and entertainment. June hosts the renowned Folkestone Book Festival, drawing literary enthusiasts from across the country. Consider visiting in May or September to enjoy pleasant weather with fewer crowds and more competitive accommodation rates.

Folkestone serves as an excellent starting point for European adventures via ferry connections. Cross the Channel to Calais in just 90 minutes, opening the door to northern France's charming villages and delectable cuisine. From Folkestone, you can also access routes to Dunkirk, approximately 2 hours away by sea, providing another gateway to explore the historic battlefields and Belgian border region. The nearby port of Dover, just 12 miles east, offers additional ferry routes to Boulogne and other French coastal towns. Folkestone's strategic position makes it ideal for travelers planning multi-destination European tours or weekend escapes to the continent.

Stroll along The Leas, a mile-long clifftop promenade offering spectacular sea views and beautifully maintained Edwardian gardens. Explore the Creative Quarter in the Old Town, where cobbled streets house artist studios, quirky boutiques, and independent cafés serving fresh local seafood. Don't miss the Folkestone Harbour Arm, a renovated pier featuring food stalls, bars, and live music events with panoramic views across the Channel. History enthusiasts should visit the Battle of Britain Memorial just outside town, commemorating the crucial aerial battle fought in Folkestone's skies. For nature lovers, the nearby Lower Leas Coastal Park offers winding paths through pine avenues, adventure playgrounds, and secluded picnic spots overlooking the sea.

Folkestone was home to H.G. Wells, who wrote many of his famous works while living at Sandgate, just west of the town. The town features the world's first submarine telegraph cable, laid in 1851, which connected England to France and revolutionized international communication. Folkestone hosts the Triennial, one of the UK's most ambitious public art projects, leaving permanent installations throughout the town from internationally acclaimed artists. The mysterious Folkestone Sea Monster, spotted numerous times since the 1940s, has become a beloved local legend, with some comparing it to a sea serpent or prehistoric creature.