Make sure you leave in plenty of time – check-in closes 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time for foot passengers and customers travelling with pets, and 60 minutes for all other categories of traffic. Need more flexibility to your booking?

For travelers using the Port of Dover for ferry crossings to France, the recommended arrival time is typically between 90 minutes and 2 hours before your scheduled departure. This window allows you to clear several layers of checkpoints: the port security check, the French border control (PAF), and finally the ferry operator’s check-in booth. During peak holiday seasons—such as the summer months or bank holiday weekends—it is wise to aim for the full 2-hour mark, as queues for passport control can become quite lengthy due to post-Brexit documentation requirements. Most ferry operators, like P&O Ferries or DFDS, have a strict "check-in closure" time, usually 45 to 60 minutes before sailing; if you arrive after this, you may be moved to a later sailing, which could involve an additional fee depending on your ticket type. Conversely, the port authorities often advise not to arrive more than 3 hours early, as this can contribute to congestion within the terminal area. Always check the Port of Dover’s official social media channels or website on the morning of your travel for real-time traffic updates on the A2 and M20 approach roads.