So near and yet so far
The English Channel is around 563 kilometres long and connects the Atlantic Ocean with the North Sea. At its narrowest point, between Dover and Cap Gris-Nez, the channel is just 34 kilometres wide. On a clear day, you can see the white cliffs on the opposite shore from the French coast. The canal has always fascinated people. Whether balloonists, swimmers or divers - numerous daring attempts to cross have taken place over the centuries. Fortunately, today there are proven and safe ways to cross the arm of the sea between France and Great Britain.
Faster under water than above water
Numerous ferry routes connect Great Britain with mainland Europe via the English Channel. The fastest and most popular ferry connection across the Channel runs from Calais in northern France to Dover. The DFDS ferry crosses over to the British Isles up to 15 times a day in 90 minutes. Travelling under the Channel is even faster than across the Channel: The Eurotunnel, inaugurated in 1994, runs between Coquelles near Calais and Folkestone near Dover. The journey through the 50 kilometre long railway tunnel takes just 35 minutes. Up to four trains per hour are handled here in both directions.
Access to the car train (copyright © Eurotunnel)
Cross the English Channel more cheaply by ferry
However, if you want to save time on the crossing, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets for the fare. A return journey within five days with five people in a car can be booked with the Eurotunnel from 150 euros. However, if you want to stay on the island for longer than five days, you will pay from 96 euros per direction of travel. A return journey on the DFDS ferry to Dover, on the other hand, is available from 108 euros. Please note that you should allow sufficient time for check-in and check-out for both modes of transport. Our recommendation: be there one hour before departure.
Get to your destination quickly or take a deep breath on the way?
Travellers or commuters who want to get across the English Channel as quickly as possible benefit from the direct motorway connection of the Eurotunnel. The harbours in Calais and Dover are also well connected to the transport network. After a long car journey, many people start their holiday on the ship with the opportunity to stretch their legs on deck and breathe in the fresh sea air or sit comfortably in the restaurant and lounge while the little ones let off steam in the children's play area. Our tip: If you are travelling to England by sea on the ferry, you can see the famous chalk cliffs of Dover from afar. The bright white cliffs are said to have a magical attraction. Anyone who has seen them for themselves will understand this effect. A second tip: If you take the second DFDS ferry route across the English Channel from Dunkirk to Dover, you can easily avoid the heavy traffic in Calais via the feeder roads. Dunkirk is only 30 minutes away from Calais. A new, modern terminal speeds up check-in here.
Our conclusion:
There is no royal road across the English Channel to the land of Queen Elizabeth II - ultimately, as is so often the case, it is a question of taste, time or budget whether you prefer to travel to England by ferry or through the tunnel. In any case, we wish you a good journey!
Tunnel vs. ferry at a glance:
Route & connection
Eurotunnel: Calais - Folkestone with direct motorway connection to A16 (F) and M20 (UK)
DFDS ferry: Calais - Dover with good motorway connection via feeder road to A16/A26 (F) / Dunkirk - Dover with good motorway connection via feeder road to A16 (F). The port of Dover is also connected to the M20 motorway (UK) via a feeder road.
English Channel timetable
Eurotunnel: Up to 4 departures per hour
DFDS ferry: From Calais up to 15 departures daily / from Dunkirk up to 12 departures daily
Check-in & journey time
Eurotunnel: 35 minutes journey time, check-in at least 30 minutes before departure
DFDS ferry: From Calais 90 minutes journey time / from Dunkirk 120 minutes journey time, check-in on both routes at least 45 minutes before departure
English Channel price (each for 5 people + car)
Eurotunnel: Day Trip / Overnight from €68 for a return journey within 2 days* - Short Stay Saver from €150 for a return journey within 5 days*, Short Stay Flexi Plus from €381 for a return journey within 5 days*, Single or Long Stay from €96 for a single journey
DFDS ferry: Calais - Dover from € 116 for a return trip / Dunkirk - Dover from € 108 for a return trip; economy tickets for short trips possible: return trip from € 74
* Tariff only applies to joint bookings of outward and return journeys, not for single journeys
Maximum vehicle height
Eurotunnel: Vehicles up to 4.20 m high
DFDS ferry: Vehicles up to 4.35 metres high
Luggage limit
The following applies to tunnels and ferries: As much luggage as fits in the car is permitted.
Costs for the transport of pets
Eurotunnel: 25 euros each way
DFDS ferry: 18 euros each way
