Folkestone - Calais
Ferries to France
Folkestone - Calais
Ferries to France
On the Folkestone Calais route, fares generally fall between $119* and $1170*. On average, a Folkestone Calais ferry ticket costs around $648*, with the lowest Folkestone Calais fares starting at $119*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $635*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Folkestone Calais sailings usually begin with a departure from Folkestone at approximately 00:05, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 23:57.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Folkestone to Calais a popular choice for a day trip. If you can, bringing a vehicle lets you venture further afield once you arrive, on your own schedule.
Yes, LeShuttle operates car-friendly sailings between Folkestone and Calais. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Folkestone to Calais crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Bicycles currently aren't accepted on any of the ferries running between Folkestone and Calais.
No, foot passengers currently aren't permitted on sailings between Folkestone and Calais.
Good news for pet owners — LeShuttle allows pets on board sailings between Folkestone and Calais. Traveling with a pet on this route costs an average of $549.
Figures reflect fares searched over the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last updated August 26.
When you bring a pet on board, you'll typically need to have the following ready:
This varies by operator — on some ferries, pets must stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing, while others provide dedicated pet zones, pet-friendly cabins, or lounge areas. Check our Deal Finder to compare the pet arrangements on offer and choose the crossing that suits you and your pet best.
A few things are worth knowing before you travel with a guide or assistance dog. We'd suggest letting our customer service team know, or flagging it with the ferry operator when you book, that you'll be travelling with an assistance animal.
Bring along any relevant certification and paperwork too, since you may need to show it at boarding or at some point during the crossing.
Even on sailings where pets generally aren't permitted, different rules often apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs. Get in touch with our customer service team to confirm the specific policy for your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for general guidance.
Overnight sailings on the Folkestone to Calais route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Folkestone to Calais crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Folkestone to Calais ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Folkestone - Calais Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average Price with Car | $635 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $197 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $620 | |
| Folkestone - Calais Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | France |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | LeShuttle |
| Average Price | $648 |
| Average Pet Price | $549 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 38 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 259 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 35 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 35 m |
| First Ferry | 00:05 |
| Last Ferry | 23:57 |
| Distance | 45 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
The town of Folkestone is located on the south east coast of England in the county of Kent. Located around 70 miles to the south east of London, Folkestone has a small port and is easily accessible by god road and rail links. A major landmark in the town is The Leas, which are cliffs that are located above the town's beach. Also in the town, visitors will find a Mertello Tower which is a small defensive fort that was built in the 19th century and stands on the cliffs above Copt Point. The tower was principally constructed as part of England's defences against Napoleon but has since had several other uses. It has been Coast Guard lookout, a family home, a golf clubhouse and a World War II mine control post. Today, the tower is a visitor centre. Located just outside of the town is the southern end of the Kent Down Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is a haven for walking, cycling, horse riding and nature watching.
The small harbour at Folkestone is mainly used by fishing and pleasure boats with cross channel ferries having stopped using the port in 2000. The English end of the Channel Tunnel is located at nearby Cheriton.
The French city of Calais is located in the Nord-Pas de Calais department of north west France and is the closest port in France to England. The Strait of Dover, which lies across the English Channel on the UK mainland, is around 32 km from Calais and on a clear day the famous White Cliffs of Dover can be seen from Calais as can the Calais coast from the cliffs. Calais has been an important maritime hub for commerce and tourism between France and England for many years and the town itself is divided into two parts. The old town, Calais-Nord, is located on a man made island that is surrounded by canals and harbours. The modern town, St-Pierre, is located to the south of the old town. The city is moving away from just being home to the busy port and is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination in itself. It has a long and rich cultural heritage, a number of museums and a lively nightlife. A popular attraction in the city are its Belfries which are siege towers that were built to protect the city from marauders, and are today declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ferries to England depart Calais on average every 30 minutes, with a crossing time to Dover of around 75 minutes.
