Calais boasts a strategic position on the world’s busiest shipping lanes, which allows excellent cross channel links between Britain and Europe. A number of leading shipping companies provide transport between Calais and Dover each day, and vessels take a variety of formats from car ferries to catamarans.
More than 60 services bridge the narrow channel separating England and France each day. The classic P&O and Seafrance car ferries take 70 minutes to cross the Channel, while catamarans such as Hoverspeed complete the journey in a swift 45 minutes.
The ferry terminal in Calais features basic facilities to meet passenger needs. A bureau de change provides a useful currency exchange service and staff at the tourist information desk can answer queries. The ferry terminal has some shops and a café, however the ferry port’s town centre location means a wide range of amenities are just footsteps away.
The rapid hovercraft sailings operated by Hoverspeed Seacat provide more than ten crossings each day, while Seafrance cross to Dover constantly throughout the day. The Seafrance Rodin ferry is the fastest of the fleet, crossing the Channel in 1 hour, 10 minutes, while other vessels sail at a slightly slower rate taking 1 hour, 30 minutes.
P&O Ferries latest addition is the Pride of Canterbury, which can accommodate 2000 passengers and 650 cars. All vessels are well equipped with facilities for disabled passengers including toilets and ramps. However, passengers are advised to inform staff of any special needs when making their reservation.
Both Calais and Dover boast excellent road networks connecting the ports to the surrounding areas and main highways. Trains run from Calais to Paris, and a free bus from the ferry port shuffles passengers to the Calais-Ville railway station. Ferry passengers travelling on the route from Dover to Calais can look forward to embracing the picturesque harbour town of Calais on arrival at the port.
Tags: Britain, Calais Port, Dover, England, Europe, France, P&O ferries, Paris, SeaFrance
