View of the facade of the new ferry terminal at the Port of Calais and its passenger reception building. ©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
View of the main building of the ferry terminal of the port of Calais and its duty free. ©Nohcab

Customs formalities

Passport required!

French and British Customs (UK Border Agency) carry out checks on boarding in both countries. The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union, since October 1, 2021, and therefore a passport is required to travel there. Companies providing transport to England can also be good advice. 

Formalities to know

The 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
French entrance to the Channel Tunnel tracks and YZ's work on the facade. ©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