DoverUnited Kingdom · Ferry Destinations

All About Dover

One of the busiest passenger ports in the world, Dover in the southeast of England is the historic entry point into the country from continental Europe. Lying on a strait that forms the closest link with France, Dover has played a major role in the trade and defense of the United Kingdom since it was made a cinque port sometime before the 1100s.

While often used by the national media as a byword for forgotten subpopulations in Britain, recent investment in the town has given rise to a high-speed rail link with London, a new retail area called St. James, and improvements to the beachfront promenade, making Dover as much a place to linger and enjoy a typical British seaside resort as somewhere for departures elsewhere.

If it’s ferry tickets to Dover you’re looking for, look no further than Ferryscanner. We have all the information you need to swiftly and easily arrange your departure or your arrival. Not only is it simple to search for specific sailing dates and times, but you can also purchase your ferry tickets to Dover at the same time.
 

Routes and Ferries to Dover

Facing out towards France, the main ferry routes that operate out of Dover are those that make the crossing to the north coast of the UK’s nearest continental neighbor. DFDS operates two different routes to France. Docking within 45 kilometers of one another, the most frequent crossing made by this ferry company is to Dunkirk. Close to the border with Belgium, the company sells ferry tickets to Dover and Dunkirk for up to 75 sailings per week, with an average voyage time of just one hour.

The second route between Dover and mainland France lands at Calais, just 30 minutes away. There are 66 sailings per week on this route, with the price of a ticket for an adult foot passenger starting at €21, but rising to €100 for the most popular crossings. As part of the English Channel’s roll-on roll-off network of ferries, passengers are also able to make the crossing with motorbikes and motor vehicles.

Even though the crossings are not long, passengers can still expect a comfortable voyage. Passengers are able to move about the vessel, through the internal and external decks, in order to take advantage of the various onboard facilities. These include shops, restaurants, children’s play areas, and some of the best views of the White Cliffs of Dover.

Dover is connected with the British motorway network via the A20 to Folkstone and then the M20 towards London’s orbital motorway, the M25. Trains to Dover run regionally from Ramsgate and Sandwich in Kent, as well as three mainline London railway stations. The high-speed rail services pull into London St. Pancras International.

The nearest airports to Dover are London Southend Airport, approximately 65 kilometers north in the county of Essex, and London Gatwick Airport, which is around 100 kilometers west. Both airports receive a huge array of flights from across the UK and Europe, including from budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet.
 

Port of Dover

The port of Dover is the world’s busiest passenger port, seeing some 12 million people (or more than one-sixth of the entire UK population) passing through it each year. Despite this, the entire port is very well organized. The eastern side of the port is primarily used by those with ferry tickets to Dover, while the western docks are mostly visited by cruise ships and small private vessels. In turn, the eastern dock is divided into seven separate wharves that are used by DFDS ferries. If you’re departing from Dover and are unfamiliar with the port, we recommend arriving a little earlier than advised on your ticket since its sheer size can be a little daunting. Foot passengers are welcomed at a dedicated terminal building and usually taken to the ferry by shuttle bus.
 

Best Beaches

The south coast of England in and around Dover has some exquisite beaches broadly equivalent to those on the opposite side of the English Channel in France. They range from broad sweeps of sand to those piled high with pebbles, popular tourist destinations, and secluded coves. Check out our picks of the best beaches in Dover below.

Samphire Hoe Beach

Samphire Hoe Beach and its surrounding nature reserve were created using the spoil from the creation of the Channel Tunnel. A couple of decades later and you’d never believe it. This small pebble beach is surrounded by the chirruping of birds and the gentle swish of grasses, making it a pleasant escape whatever the weather.

Deal Beach

In the nearby town of Deal, this beach is another dominated by large round pebbles. However, this does nothing to limit a great day out, whether you slip into the shallows or take a stroll along the historic pier.

Herne Bay

Perhaps the best-known of the beaches on our list, Herne Bay lies approximately 30 kilometers from Dover but is well worth the extra distance. Lined by brightly colored beach huts, this beach is a combination of sand and shingle. It also offers sheltered swims.

Tankerton Beach

This beach offers something for everyone. Lifeguard cover across the summer months makes Tankerton Beach particularly popular with families. At the same time, there’s a good range of nearby amenities, and an intriguing walk to The Street natural causeway when the tide permits.
 

Places to Visit

Dover’s coastal location and long history mean the town has an impressive range of places to visit, whatever your specific tastes.

White Cliffs of Dover

The first sight of the UK for those coming by ferry from France are the White Cliffs of Dover, which are undoubtedly one of Britain’s most iconic landscapes. After you’ve taken a stroll on the chalk downs that form them, be sure to check out the visitor center on Upper Road.

Dover Castle

The castle has stood guard over Dover since the eleventh century. Its Great Tower recalls the era of King Henry II, whose reign ended in 1189. Secret underground tunnels carved out during the Second World War bring the importance and history of the Castle right up to date.

Dover Museum

Not any ordinary town museum, Dover Museum in the town center features the world’s only Bronze Age boat, discovered in the early 1990s. Other exhibits focus on the town’s history as the ‘key to England’.
 

Transportation Around Dover

The town center is approximately 20 minutes from the ports of Dover on foot. Regular public buses run around the town and on to a variety of nearby towns at regular intervals. Tickets can be purchased on board from the driver. There’s also a very healthy taxi population in the town. They can be found at taxi ranks on major thoroughfares, or by calling to arrange for pick up either beforehand or at the time they’re needed.