Customer services: Dover - Calais route

Everything you need to know when sailing to Calais (France) with DFDS Seaways.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Dover Calais route start operating?
The first sailing Calais to Dover service is on 17th Feb at 12:15.
What is the check-in process at Calais?
Passengers will first pass through port security, then DFDS Seaways check-in and will then need to pass through UK Border Agency checks. Our check-in Calais will be similar to Dunkerque.
How long is the crossing between Dover and Calais?
The crossing is approximately 1 hr 30 min.
Is there a DFDS desk at Calais port?
There will be a DFDS Seaways “tourist office” which only deals with passengers. This is situated after passengers have gone through the check-in process and is therefore only available to vehicles travelling with DFDS Seaways. However, in addition to this there will also be an office in the travel centre.
Can I take my shotgun, rifle or weapon with me in the car?
Yes, provided you are fully licensed and can fulfil all the legal requirements. You must declare this at the time of booking by phoning our call centre at least 24 hours before you intend to travel: Call centre: 0871 574 7223, or Call centre (outside UK): +44 (0) 208 127 8303. You can take ammunition, but this must be kept to a minimum and wherever possible, stored separately from any weapon, e.g. in another compartment. The weapons(s) must remain inside the vehicle and wherever practicable, the bolt, magazine or other vital operating part should be separated from the gun and either carried on the person, secured or hidden in the vehicle, or kept in a locked container, ideally secured to the vehicle. Any weapon must also be obscured from view, under a cover or inside a container. Once onboard, the ships loading officer will be discretely aware of you and will ask you to surrender your car keys for the duration of the crossing. The vehicle must remain locked and alarmed, if fitted. On arrival, the keys will be given back to you.

Once you have informed us of all the details, we must pass the information to other interested parties. All vehicles are subject to searching at both ports and this will avoid any misunderstanding. However, you should still discretely confirm to the check in operator that you are carrying such. Even if your gun is only for display, the requirements are exactly the same.