How early should I get to Calais ferry?

P&O Ferries advise that if you travelling by car, to arrive at the port 30 minutes before the ferry is due to leave. If you are making the trip by foot, they advise travellers to arrive 45 minutes before.



For the Calais-to-Dover ferry crossing in 2026, your arrival time depends on your travel mode and the season. If you are traveling by car, you should arrive at the Port of Calais at least 90 to 120 minutes before your scheduled departure. This allows time for both the French exit checks and the British Border Force entry checks, which occur before you board. During peak "High Season" (July, August, and Christmas), the port authorities recommend arriving a full 3 hours early due to the high volume of traffic and potential security screenings. For foot passengers, a 60-minute arrival is generally sufficient, as the check-in process is much faster. It is important to note that most ferry operators (like P&O, DFDS, or Irish Ferries) strictly close check-in 45 to 60 minutes before the ship sails; if you arrive after this cut-off, your ticket may be forfeited. Always keep your passport and booking reference ready, as the multi-stage security process in Calais can be unpredictable, especially if there are "Post-Brexit" industrial actions or heavy freight congestion.

People Also Ask

Are ferries usually on time? Yes! Please note that the schedules indicate departure times. We recommend that you arrive at the terminal at least five minutes prior to the scheduled departure in order to board.

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If you are running late and are likely to miss your ferry, we suggest proceeding to the port to see if the ferry company will allow you to change the ticket to a different day or departure time. Keep in mind that if you do miss your ferry, the tickets are non-refundable.

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The passport control is usually fairly fast. But you may be called in by Customs to have your vehicle inspected and this can take about 10-20 minutes. It happens to us about 1 in 3 times when we take the ferry to France.

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If early boarding and access to overhead space is particularly important to a traveler, and the cost of priority boarding is not prohibitive, it may be worth paying extra. However, if the benefits are minimal or if the additional cost is not feasible, it may not be worth it.

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Anyone who refuses a screening or inspection will not be allowed on board a ferry.

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Travelers can take most food items on the ferry to France as long as they are for personal consumption and do not exceed the allowed quantities. However, it is important to check the latest food import regulations to ensure that the items you plan to bring are allowed.

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Passport stamping
  • show proof of where you intend to stay, for example, a hotel booking or proof of address if visiting your own property.
  • show proof of insurance for your trip – check FCDO's travel insurance guidance.
  • show a return or onward ticket.
  • prove that you have enough money for your whole stay.


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No, you can't stay in your car during the ferry crossing between Dover and Calais. Once the vessel disembarks, you are not allowed to stay in the car parking deck for safety reasons. However, you can return to your car a few minutes before reaching the port of Calais, following the instructions of the crew.

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Some ferry companies allow you to board by simply showing your booking confirmation email, which includes your personal details and your reservation code. You can either show the email on your device (phone, tablet) or print it out and bring it with you.

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What types of security procedures should a traveler expect? By entering the Ferry property, people agree to searches of their baggage,vehicle, person or property and to provide a photo ID upon request.

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