Calais Town Hall & belfry
See the city’s most recognisable landmark and the Rodin sculpture group The Burghers of Calais nearby.
Hauts-de-France · France
Calais Ferry &
Calais Ferry &
Destination Guide
Discover Calais beyond the ferry terminal, from landmark architecture and lace heritage to the beach and Opal Coast, then plan the short Channel crossing to Dover.
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Discover Calais
Channel-side heritage, a broad sandy beach and one of Europe’s busiest short-sea gateways
Calais is often treated as somewhere to drive through, yet the city has enough character to reward travellers who allow time before or after a ferry. Its landmark town hall and belfry dominate the skyline, while the centre reflects both French and Flemish influences shaped by centuries of cross-Channel history.
The city is particularly associated with lace making. The Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode occupies a former lace factory and explains the industrial craft that became one of Calais’ defining traditions.
On the seaward side, Calais Beach provides a long open stretch of sand beside the Channel. The waterfront has been transformed into a more visitor-friendly area and makes an easy contrast to the working ferry port nearby.
Calais also works as a gateway to the wider Côte d’Opale. The cliffs and viewpoints around Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez are within easy reach by road and can turn a ferry stop into the beginning of a coastal trip through northern France.
For ferry travellers the practical advantage is straightforward: Calais offers one of the shortest sea crossings between continental Europe and Great Britain, with a large purpose-built terminal designed around high-volume passenger and vehicle traffic.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Calais
Calais combines distinctive civic architecture and industrial heritage with a surprisingly spacious seafront and easy access to the Opal Coast.
Cité de la Dentelle
Discover the machinery, fashion and social history behind the lace industry that shaped modern Calais.
Calais Beach
Walk the broad sandy waterfront, watch Channel traffic and enjoy a less hurried side of the ferry city.
Dragon de Calais
See the large mechanical dragon on the seafront, part of the city’s imaginative waterfront regeneration.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
Visit the city art museum for collections that provide another perspective on Calais beyond its maritime role.
Cap Blanc-Nez
Drive west along the Opal Coast to chalk cliffs and viewpoints looking across the Channel towards England on clear days.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Calais
Browse coastal excursions, private tours and experiences around Calais, the Opal Coast and northern France.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Calais Ferry Terminal
Calais is built around the short Dover–Calais corridor. P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries operate passenger and vehicle services on the route, with exact departure patterns varying by date and operator.
The ferry terminal is a large road-oriented complex rather than a city-centre quay. Follow the signs for the operator shown on your booking and allow enough time for check-in, security and border formalities before departure.
Foot-passenger policies differ by ferry company and sailing. Travellers without a vehicle should confirm that their chosen operator accepts foot passengers and check the current terminal access arrangements before setting out.
Passenger terminalPort of Calais ferry terminal, eastern side of the city
Directions to the portOpen Calais Ferry Terminal in Google Maps
Main routeDirect passenger and vehicle ferries connect Calais with Dover
Vehicle travelThe port is designed for high-volume car, coach and freight traffic; follow operator check-in signs
Foot passengersAcceptance and terminal procedures vary by operator, so confirm before travel
Border formalitiesAllow time for passport, security and other checks required for the UK–France border
Plan your stay
Getting around Calais
Central Calais is easy to explore on foot, while rail and road connections make onward travel across northern France straightforward.
Walk central Calais
The town hall, main shopping streets and central museums are compact enough to combine on foot.
Use Calais rail connections
Calais Ville serves local and regional journeys, while Calais-Fréthun provides useful longer-distance connections.
Find Calais rail tickets here...Drive the Opal Coast
A car gives the greatest flexibility for Cap Blanc-Nez, Cap Gris-Nez, Boulogne-sur-Mer and coastal villages.
Stay in Calais
Find Calais Accommodation
Stay in central Calais or beside the seafront
The centre is convenient for restaurants and rail connections, while the beach area works well for a relaxed overnight stop before an early or after a late ferry.
Common planning questions
Calais ferry & destination FAQs
Where is Calais Ferry Terminal?
The passenger ferry terminal is in the Port of Calais on the eastern side of the city, reached by dedicated road approaches and operator signage.
Which ferries sail between Calais and Dover?
P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries operate the Dover–Calais corridor. The exact timetable depends on your travel date.
Can I travel as a foot passenger from Calais?
Foot-passenger availability differs by operator and sailing. Confirm acceptance and the current terminal procedure before booking onward transport.
What are the best things to do in Calais?
Highlights include the Town Hall and belfry, Cité de la Dentelle, Calais Beach, the waterfront and a trip along the Opal Coast to Cap Blanc-Nez.
Can I take a car on the Calais ferry?
Yes. Dover–Calais is a major vehicle-ferry route and carries cars and other correctly booked vehicles subject to operator rules and availability.
Is Calais ferry port close to the city centre?
The port is close geographically but operates as a large separate terminal complex. Walking access is not as simple as at a small city-centre ferry quay.
Can I continue from Calais by train?
Yes. Calais Ville and Calais-Fréthun provide rail connections for onward travel in France, with the most convenient station depending on your journey.
How long should I spend in Calais?
A few hours covers the main central sights; an overnight stay or full day allows time for the beach and the Opal Coast.
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