Calais Ferries

Unlock your adventure to France at the incredible port of Calais! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Calais boasts an impressive 4 ferry routes operated by 3 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Calais, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Calais offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Dover - Calais, Dunkirk - Calais. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Calais. You'll find companies like DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Calais.

Calais is exceptionally well-connected to the European transport network. The city sits directly on the A16/E402 motorway, making it easily accessible by car from Paris (3 hours) and Belgium (1 hour from Dunkirk). Train travelers can reach Calais via the high-speed TGV network, with direct connections from Paris taking just 1.5 hours. While Calais doesn't have its own airport, nearby options include Lille Airport (110 km away) and Paris airports with good rail connections. The ferry terminal itself is well-served by local buses, and ample parking facilities are available if you're arriving by car, with both short-term and long-term options near the port.

Perched on France's northernmost coast, Calais stands as the historic maritime gateway between Britain and continental Europe. This bustling port city blends French charm with a distinctly international atmosphere, shaped by centuries of cross-Channel connections. With its strategic location just 21 miles from England across the Strait of Dover, Calais welcomes travelers to experience its unique maritime heritage, impressive fortifications, and the beginning of their French adventure.

Calais enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round, though it can be windy due to its coastal position. Summer months (June-August) offer the most pleasant weather with temperatures averaging 18-22°C, making this the peak season for visitors crossing the Channel. Spring (April-May) brings blooming landscapes and fewer crowds, while autumn (September-October) offers mild weather and beautiful coastal scenery. Ferry services operate year-round with multiple daily crossings, though winter schedules may be slightly reduced. For a perfect balance of good weather and manageable crowds, consider visiting in May or September when you'll experience comfortable conditions without the summer rush.

From Calais, the most popular ferry route crosses the English Channel to Dover, with journey times of approximately 90 minutes offering spectacular views of the famous White Cliffs. Beyond this classic crossing, Calais serves as an excellent starting point for exploring northern France, with Boulogne-sur-Mer just 30 minutes away by car or train, offering its impressive aquarium and historic walled city. The beautiful beaches of the Opal Coast stretch in both directions from Calais, while Dunkirk with its significant WWII history lies just 45 minutes east. For those planning a longer journey, Calais provides a convenient jumping-off point for exploring Belgium, the Netherlands, and beyond.

Calais rewards visitors with a blend of historical sites and cultural attractions worth exploring before or after your ferry journey. The iconic Town Hall with its distinctive belfry offers panoramic views for those willing to climb its 75-meter tower. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss Rodin's famous 'Burghers of Calais' sculpture commemorating a pivotal moment in the city's history. For a deeper dive into maritime heritage, the Museum of Fine Arts and Lace showcases the city's renowned lacemaking tradition alongside impressive artworks. Culinary explorers will delight in the fresh seafood served at harbor-side restaurants, where specialties include moules-frites (mussels with fries) and locally caught fish. The charming Place d'Armes square in the town center provides a perfect spot to sample French café culture.

Calais was actually part of England for over 200 years (1347-1558), making it England's last continental possession. The city's famous lace-making industry was established by English settlers who smuggled looms across the Channel in the 19th century. During WWII, Calais played a crucial role in Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk, with many troops departing from its port. The Channel Tunnel terminal near Calais houses the world's longest underwater section of any tunnel, running 37.9 km beneath the seabed.