Kent boats

Overview

There are various ferry links from Kent into Europe. 

The Port of Dover is the main port, on the east coast of the county, with ferry services to France. 

Port of Dover arrival and check-in procedure.

Contact: 0871 230 0440

There is also a port based in Gravesend with links to Tilbury in Essex. Since 2013, there have been no ferry services from Ramsgate.

Key tips

• It is advisable to book tickets before travelling and any required travel assistance at the same time.
• Check your route to the docks is accessible if you have reduced mobility or are travelling with mobility equipment. This will ensure you arrive for your crossing in good time. 
• You will need to ensure you have the correct government issued documents (passport) if you are leaving the country. It is also worth checking if there are any Covid or travel restrictions at the destination you are travelling to.

Operators

P&O Ferries

Operate ferries to Calais.
Contact: 0800 1300 030 or customer.services@poferries.com

DFDS 

Six ships cover Dover to Calais and Dunkirk routes.
Contact: dover.pax@dfds.com

• To book travel: 0871 574 7235 
• Online assistance: 0871 574 7223 
• Already booked: 0344 848 6090

Irish Ferries

Operate ferries to Calais.

Contact: 03717 300 400 or email info@irishferries.com

Jetstream

Gravesend to Tilbury ferry

Kent/Medway Free bus passes are valid on this ferry

Help with cost

P&O Ferries 

Offer a Dover to Calais season ticket.

Irish Ferries

Offer a discount for members of the disability alliance group, Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK). You can contact DMUK directly to discuss via the link below.

Irish Ferries will require you to send an email to info@irishferries.com quoting your promo code which you will receive from DMUK, and your membership number. Your booking will then be processed.

Special assistance

P&O Ferries

If you are travelling with a disability, hidden disability or reduced mobility, you should let the port and ferry company know at least two days in advance if you require assistance when travelling. 

Disabled rest room facilities are available in various locations throughout the P&O ferry Terminal. Wheelchair-friendly ramps are also fitted on all split-level buildings and walkways.

Induction loops to amplify announcements or conversations for passengers wearing hearing aids are available within the main passenger buildings.

Accessibility information for Dover to Calais routes and details regarding assistance bookings, is available on the P&O Ferries website. 

DFDS 

Assistance is available both in the port and onboard the ferry. This includes assistance with boarding and leaving the ferry, assistance with baggage and any specific medical equipment, as well as assistance in making your way to the toilet facilities. 

DFDS can arrange accessible cabins and for your vehicle to be parked closer to the lift.

You should inform DFDS of any assistance requirements, ideally when you make your booking, but no later than two working days before you travel. 

Contact: 0344 848 6090 or email dover.pax@dfds.com

If you or a member of your travelling party has a hearing or visual impairment, you can visit the Information Desk onboard. Staff will ensure that you receive important messages being made over the onboard public address system.

Further travel assistance information can be found on the DFDS website.

Irish Ferries

If you require any special assistance, you should inform Irish Ferries at least two days prior to travel.

Sunflower Lanyards are available to wear through ports and onboard ships. Wearing a lanyard allows staff to recognise if a passenger has a hidden disability and may need additional support, without you needing to declare it. A lanyard can be collected at Ticket Desks in the Port Terminal.

To discuss any travel assistance, on-board accessibility or special requirements, contact the Disability Officer.

Email: disabilityofficer@irishferries.com 

Travelling with mobility equipment

P&O Ferries

Dover to Calais ferries are accessible for manual and electric wheelchairs. You should provide advance notice if you require assistance with embarkation or disembarkation, as well as help with baggage. 

P&O will endeavour to accommodate any special requirements, such as a mobility bus for foot passengers or parking near to a lift. Anyone requiring the use of a wheelchair on board can request this at check-in.

Lifts are available to all passenger decks, so passengers with reduced mobility can move freely throughout the ship during the crossing. 

If you are travelling with a medical oxygen cylinder you will need to show a doctor’s prescription.

Registered assistance dogs are welcome on board. If you need to take an assistance dog on your journey, you should mention this at the time of booking.

Further information can be found on the P&O Ferries website.

DFDS

All mobility and medical equipment can be taken into passenger accommodation or on the vehicle deck. You should notify DFDS if you will be travelling with mobility or medical equipment at the time of the booking.

All public areas are accessible for wheelchair users and guide dogs. Only 5 wheelchairs can be accommodated on board ships at one time.

If you are travelling with an assistance dog, you must notify DFDS in advance.

Further information can be found on the DFDS website.

Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries provide wheelchair-accessible ports and ships. Wheelchairs are available onboard for passenger use and in ports. They also provide specially adapted cabins.

If you have reduced mobility and require assistance, you should contact Irish Ferries at least 2 working days (48 working hours) before travelling. 

Your booking will be flagged and staff will try to position your vehicle close to the passenger lift on-board. To arrange assistance, email: disabilityofficer@irishferries.com

If you are travelling as a wheelchair passenger, you can add “Passenger with Wheelchair” to your booking.

Further information can be found on the Irish Ferries website.

Routes and timetable links

You can find information regarding routes and timetables on the individual ferry operator’s website.

P&O Ferries

Ferry Timetables | Dover to Calais

DFDS

Dover Ferries to Calais | Ferry Dover to Calais Prices & Tickets

Irish Ferries

Ferry to Calais | Ferry to France