Calais to Dover Ferry Crossings
The three ferry operators that run regular services between Calais and Dover are:
- DFDS Seaways
- Irish Ferries
- P&O Ferries
Where to Get Live Ferry Updates
Operator Travel Updates
- DFDS Seaways – Travel Updates
- Irish Ferries – Dover-Calais Sailing Updates
- P&O Ferries – Sailing Updates
Port Calais
For real-time departures, visit the Port of Calais, which gives you the latest conditions and traffic around the terminal.
Port of Dover
- Visit the Port of Dover for timetable information on ferry departures.
Live Marine Traffic & Ferry Tracker
Similar to Flight Radar tracking
MarineTraffic
FerryTracker.net
Displays the live locations of ferries and provides a convenient way to track delays across operators at a glance.
Le Shuttle (Eurotunnel) Real-Time Information
Le Shuttle operates vehicle-only trains through the Channel Tunnel (Chunnel), connecting Coquelles (near Calais) with Folkestone.
Where to Get Live Updates
Traffic Information in France and the UK
Planning to drive to or from Calais? Most connected navigation apps, such as Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze, have real-time traffic updates, making them the best choice (my personal favourite is Waze as it tells you where the speed cameras are and any reported hazards or police).
In addition to your navigation apps, here’s how to stay on top of road conditions on both sides of the Channel:
In France:
- Bison Futé: France’s official road traffic service, showing real-time congestion, incidents, and travel forecasts.
- Autoroutes.fr: Covers France’s major toll motorways, including toll calculators, live traffic, and rest stop details.
- ytadin: Real-time traffic in the Paris region.
In the UK:
- National Highways – Travel Updates: Covers motorways and major A roads, including the M20/A20, which leads to Dover.
- For local National Highways in Dover, follow National Highways: South East on Twitter
- The AA has great traffic information
Staying Aware Near Calais
There has been ongoing migrant activity around Calais (for years), especially near the port and Eurotunnel terminal. While this rarely affects passenger travel directly, drivers, particularly those in motorhomes, campervans, or larger vehicles, should take some basic precautions:
- Keep your vehicle locked and check it thoroughly before boarding.
- Avoid stopping in unlit or remote lay-bys near Calais, especially at night.
- Only use official check-in zones and car parks.
- Don’t allow anyone to approach or enter your vehicle outside of border or security checks.
- Report any suspicious activity to the French police or port security.
French authorities monitor ports and terminals, and most travellers experience no issues. These simple steps help ensure a safe and stress-free journey.
Final Tips
- Check live updates before you set off, and if you have a co-driver or passenger princess, they can check on the route.
- Allow extra time during weekends, holidays, or strikes.
- Enable travel alerts if your operator offers them.
- Use reputable rest stops and official parking areas.
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