©Nohcab How to get to England from Calais?
For adventurers looking for a double break, our British friends are just 30 km across the sea! By ferry, car, or train, it is easy to combine a visit to Calais with a trip to the United Kingdom. Channel Tunnel and shipping companies, more than 20 million travelers pass through the Calais site each year, a hub for connections between the Continent and Great Britain.
Ferry crossing Calais ‹› Dover
Three car ferry companies operate this crossing: P&O Ferries, DFDS et Irish Ferries, with up to 50 crossings per day. The ships take on vehicles and passengers day and night for a crossing of 1h30.
It is possible to take the ferry as a foot passenger with the P&O Ferries company or with a bicycle, a service provided by the DFDS and P&O Ferries companies.
Boarding on the French side is at new car ferry terminal at the port of Calais, north of the city. The terminal is connected to the motorway network (A16 and A26) and close to the city centre (10 minutes by car).
The Balad'in is a free shuttle that connects Calais city centre (Calais train station) to the port of Calais, providing a transport service for pedestrian passengers.
Boarding on the English side takes place at Dover, on the main routes serving the south of England and London.
Crossing schedules
©Nohcab Passport and ETA required!
The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union and therefore passport is required to get there. Travelers from the European Union, including French citizens, will need to obtain a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom, unless they have a visa, settled status, or pre-settled status. An ETA is required for all travelers, including children and infants. It costs £10. Applications are made directly on the official British government website. The British authorities have announced a response time of up to 72 hours. It is strongly recommended to complete this process several days before departure.
The complete notice from the French governmentThe Channel Tunnel
Since 1994, Eurotunnel shuttles have been crossing the Channel Tunnel. This rail train takes vehicles and passengers day and night for a short 35-minute journey. Boarding on the French side is at Coquelles, to the west of the Calais conurbation. The terminal is easily accessible from the A16 motorway or the centre of Calais (7 minutes by car). Boarding on the English side is at Folkestone, along the M20 motorway which crosses Kent to go to London.
Le Shuttle, the cross-Channel shuttles
©getlink Make change
Have you decided to go to Great Britain or are you returning from there for a stay in Calais?
Remember to exchange money before your trip. If you haven't had time, don't panic, you can also exchange money on board the ferries by going to the counters.
In Calais:
Currency exchange office — 69 rue Royale
Currency exchange — Car Ferry Terminal
In Coquelles:
Currency exchange office — Eurotunnel Terminal
Bringing food
Since the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, customs regulations have been applied to entry into the UK. Both private and business travelers should be vigilant before transporting food. Certain products are prohibited, even in small quantities, in personal baggage or parcels.
Among the foodstuffs prohibited These include meats, cold cuts, dairy products (including cheese and butter), as well as certain fresh fruits and vegetables. These bans are intended to protect animal and plant health.
Other products remain authorized, on limited quantities, particularly for infant milk and products for medical use. Chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, alcohol and pasta remain permitted, provided they are processed or do not present an identified health risk.
These rules aim to prevent the introduction of animal and plant diseases into the UK. Please note that checks may take place at the border, particularly on personal vehicles and undeclared goods.
See the official British note
©Nohcab