Madrid to Calais

Just twenty miles from Dover is the French port of Calais and the Dover Calais ferry route allows you to choose from a host of departures every day. So you can practically leave and come back whenever you want. To get the lowest rates, you must book in advance.

With a crossing time of around one and a half hours, the Dover to Calais ferry is the easiest, most convenient and cheapest way to get from the south of England to the north of France. Because England and France have fantastic motorway systems, once you reach Calais you can easily explore other French regions and maybe even Holland, Belgium and Germany at your leisure.

The Channel Ferry Route – Dover to Calais departs from the East Docks in Dover. The piers have convenient connections to bus, rail, and road transportation.

Remember that you must arrive early to be able to check in. Cars and vans must register half an hour before departure, for passengers on foot it is three quarters of an hour.

How to get to the port of Dover

How to get there: Set your satnav to CT16 1JA:

The official address for Dover Docks is:
Travel Centre, Eastern Docks, Dover
Kent CT16 1JA

If you are traveling by car, the Dover Ferry Terminal is about a mile from downtown Dover. You can easily get there from the M20 and from the M2.

On the approaches to Dover, just be sure to keep an eye out for signs for ‘Dover Ferry Terminal’; are clearly marked. Once you enter the port of Dover, look for the signs related to vehicles and reservations and simply join the appropriate queue.

If you wish to leave your car at the Dover Ferry Port, there are many short and long term car parks available at the Dover Harbor entrance. Charges may vary, so try to check before you get there.

If you want to travel by train, the nearest mainline railway station is Dover Priory Station, which is approximately three kilometers from the port of Dover. Travel time from London is around two hours and you can take trains from London Victoria and Charing Cross mainline stations.

There is a frequent bus service that runs from the train station to the port and is very reasonably priced.

If you are traveling by coach, there is a frequent and convenient service for both arrivals and departures operated by National Express. If you take the bus from London Victoria, it will take around two and a half hours to reach the port of Dover.

Canal crossing for the whole family
Whether you’re a family looking to keep the kids entertained, or a couple looking to enjoy a relaxing break, you’ll find that a day trip to France offers something for everyone.

A canal cruise from Dover to Calais is the perfect way to enjoy a cheap day trip to France. Whether you’re planning a quick booze cruise to stock up on all those grocery and booze deals, or you’re in the process of renovating a property, Calais is the perfect place to save money. With several large hypermarkets and DIY stores, you’ll find many items at prices significantly cheaper than in the UK.

Around Calais
If you fancy going a little further afield, the Nord-Pas de Calais region has a lot to offer. Recommended places to visit include:

Boulogne-sur-Mer
Why not try Northern France’s most popular tourist attraction, Nausicaä, France’s national sea discovery center in Boulogne-sur-Mer, about a 45-minute drive from Calais? We recommend a stroll through the architectural beauty of Boulogne’s ancient walls, before sampling the local cuisine in one of the city’s great cafes or restaurants.

The Touquet
Less than an hour’s drive from Calais, Le Touquet’s miles of golden sandy beaches are best visited during the summer months, with virtually every outdoor activity imaginable catered for. The more adventurous can experience the thrill of sailing on a sand yacht on one of the longest beaches in northern France, while the city’s bespoke boutiques and gastronomic cuisine make it ideal for couples looking to unwind. ‘!

St Omer
The Flemish town of Saint-Omer stands on a hill on the edge of the marshes of the River Aa, less than 30 miles from Calais. A weekly market is held on the large town square on Saturday mornings, selling fresh local produce from farms in the marshes. A branch of the river runs through the lower part of the town and a boat ride is an ideal way to see the 13th century abbey, the houses and the remarkable open countryside.