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Dover Calais ferries

Question

hi all,

I am contemplating a holiday in the UK in August. I am thinking of going via a ferry from Calais to Dover. However, I am wondering if it is best to book a ferry in advance online or whether you can just show up on the day and take a ferry. The same goes for going back Will it be cheaper to book online for example?

Also, the reason I ask is normally I would book online in advance, however I am going to rent a car and I don't know what dimensions it will be, so for that reason I can not book a long time in advance

TIA for all answers

kasseistamper

I've always preferred Dunkirk.
A shorter road journey at this end saves on the cost of fuel. The sea journey is longer but the overall timing to Dover is only a matter of minutes longer.
Main advantage - there are neither foot passengers nor coach parties on the Dunkirk service so queues for a meal and shopping are much shorter.

Jun 12, 2019 10:22
JT2015

@KASSEISTAMPER - Based on my last journey it seems that sadly DFDS now take coach parties on the Dunkirk route. Was good while it lasted...

Jun 13, 2019 14:37
shortof

Dfds takes coaches Dunkerque to dover, just not as many as travel on p and o Calais to Dover or dfds Calais to Dover.

Coaches started about 3 years ago from Dunkerque.

Jun 13, 2019 23:49
MRK

It also depends on where in England you're planning to visit.
If you're looking to go reasonably far north, then it's worth remembering DFDS' Ijmuiden (Amsterdam)-Newcastle route. We did this recently, and it ended up being cheaper and much more relaxing than crossing via a Channel port and then embarking on the long slog North. It even has dog friendly cabins :)

Jun 16, 2019 12:57

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