What is the shortest ferry from England to France?

Dover to Calais is the fastest ferry to France. This route takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes operating up to 30 daily sailings. The next fastest ferry crossing to France is Dover to Dunkirk, which takes approximately 2 hrs with 24 daily sailings.



The shortest and most frequent ferry crossing from England to France in 2026 is the Dover to Calais route. This iconic journey across the Strait of Dover covers approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers) and typically takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours depending on the vessel and sea conditions. Major operators like P&O Ferries, DFDS, and Irish Ferries run up to 40 crossings per day. For travelers seeking the absolute fastest transit between the two countries, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (from Folkestone to Calais) remains the champion, transporting vehicles through the Channel Tunnel in just 35 minutes, though it is technically a rail shuttle rather than a ferry. Other relatively short alternatives include Dover to Dunkirk (2 hours) and Poole to Cherbourg, which Brittany Ferries operates in about 5 hours. The Dover-Calais route remains the primary artery for cross-channel travel due to its speed, competitive pricing, and the sheer volume of "Early Bird" deals available for those booking at least 60 days in advance.

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Dover ? Calais DFDS Seaways sail from Dover to Calais 10 times per day, which takes around 90 minutes and tickets are all open so you can travel on the first (and most convenient) ferry after you have arrived at the port.

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Generally speaking the ferry is usually slightly cheaper, but whichever option you choose, make sure to shop around for deals and book well ahead of time to get the best-value fares.

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Eurostar Train. This is perhaps the easiest way to get from London to Paris and is usually our recommended way to travel between the two cities. The Eurostar is fast and efficient, and direct from the heart of London to the heart of Paris.

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Paris to London by bus or car… The most affordable way to get from Paris to London is by bus, which costs between $17 and $35. It's a time commitment, though—the ride is over nine hours. FlixBus offers service from Gallieni station in Paris to Victoria Coach station in Westminster five times daily.

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Unless you book well in advance, the cost of traveling to Paris on the Eurostar is more expensive than flying.

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It's easy to get from London to Paris with FlixBus, with 8 direct buses per day. You can expect a minimum of 3 stops on your journey. It can take a minimum time of 8 hours 55 minutes. The average cost of bus travel between London and Paris is $35.99, which makes bus travel far cheaper than any other method.

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