Calais, 1rst Continental port for travellers
Adding ferries companies (P.O Ferries, DFDS) and Eurotunnel, that are yearly more than 20 millions of passengers travelling via Calais, the main spot to cross between the European Continent and Great Britain.
Ferries have provided regular trips to/from the ports of Calais and Dover since the start of the 19th century and the packet boat era.
Calais – Dover Crossing
Three car ferry companies provide the crossing: P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways and Irish Ferries. Ferries transport vehicles and passengers on the 90 minute trip day and night.
Travel as a pedestrian with P&O Ferries.
The Balad'in (mini-bus) takes you free of charge from the city center to the ferry terminal.
To consult the crossings: P&O Ferries
The departure point on the French coast is the Calais car ferry terminal to the north of the city. The terminal is linked to the motorway network (A16 and A26) and near the city centre (5 minutes by car). Departures on the English coast are from Dover via the main roads in the South of England and London
CUSTOMS PROCEDURES:
The Customs Authorities in France and Great Britain (UK Border Agency) carry out pre-embarkation checks in both countries. The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union : since October 1, 2021, the PASSPORT IS MANDATORY to get there.
Advice can also be obtained from companies offering travel services to the UK.
Do you want to travel to Great Britain with an animal? This requires making some arrangements. The shipping companies will be able to explain the procedures to you. The Tourist Office provides you with a list of veterinarians and dog boarding establishments.
Traveling to Great Britain is also an opportunity to benefit from the duty free shop.
You can also benefit from tax refunds on your purchases in town center shops.
Tax refund terminals:
VAT recovery terminals for your purchases in France are available on the premises of the French Customs.