⚠️ What you need to know before you go
The Port of Dover officially states: “There are no parking facilities in the Port.” And the Port Boulogne Calais explicitly provides no medium- or long-term parking at the ferry terminal. If you want to leave your car behind, you'll need a third-party provider.
At a glance
Official parking options at both ports, side by side:
| Calais | Dover | |
|---|---|---|
| Short stay / drop-off | ✓ free at terminal | ✓ free at Passenger Terminal |
| Long-stay parking in port | ✗ not available | ✗ not available |
| Official recommendation | “Balad’In” shuttle → town centre | Relyon Parking (external, 24/7 shuttle) |
| External pricing | Park & Cruise hotel bundles from ~€75/week* | from £5.25/day (Relyon Saver) or £9/day drive-up |
| Foot-passenger crossing | very limited | with P&O Ferries only |
| Motorhome overnight stay | ✗ → use “Aire de Calais” | ✗ not permitted |
*Hotel bundle rates vary seasonally, as of April 2026.
🇫🇷 Parking in Calais (Port Boulogne Calais)
The Calais ferry port is around 3 km north-east of the town centre. Directly in front of the Passenger Terminal there is a free drop-off area for short stops, loading/unloading or picking someone up. The zone is CCTV-monitored and accessible 24/7.
What does that mean in practice?
- Drop-off / pickup: Pull up at the terminal, unload, drive off — free.
- Parking for several days: Only possible outside the port. See options below.
- “Balad’In” shuttle: A free city bus links the ferry port with downtown Calais and Calais-Ville station. Useful if you leave your car in town and continue to the terminal on foot + shuttle.
Free street parking in central Calais
The city of Calais has made parts of the town centre free-to-park or significantly reduced its rates. Many streets allow multi-hour or full-day parking with no charge — ideal for day trips to Dover. Check the Parkopedia app or the city website for the exact zones and durations.
Motorhome: “Aire de Calais”
For campers and motorhomes, the official service area is “Aire de Calais” on Avenue du Mérite Maritime (62100 Calais). It offers paid overnight stays with fresh-water refill and waste disposal. Overnight motorhome stays inside the ferry port itself are not permitted.
🇬🇧 Parking in Dover (Port of Dover)
At the Dover Ferry Terminal (Eastern Docks) the rule is crystal clear: there are no parking facilities for ferry passengers. The port only provides a drop-off area at the Passenger Terminal from which a shuttle bus takes foot passengers to their ship.
Officially recommended: Relyon Parking
The Port of Dover links to Relyon Group Ferry Parking as its only named provider, located around 3 miles (5 km) from the port. A complimentary shuttle runs 24 hours a day; one of the shuttle buses is accessible and can carry bicycles. Booking by phone (01304 201227) or online.
External providers compared
Relyon Parking (drive-up)
Relyon Saver (via Holiday Extras)
Port Parking Ferry
Aggregators (APH, Purple Parking, ParkBCP)
Cruise Terminal is different
A crucial distinction: the Cruise Terminal in Dover does have official on-site parking run by CPS Ltd. That service is only for cruise passengers — ferry passengers are not admitted.
🚶 Want to cross as a foot passenger?
The Calais–Dover route is primarily a vehicle route. Foot-passenger tickets are limited and not available with every operator:
- P&O Ferries: accepts foot passengers from both sides; advance booking recommended.
- DFDS Seaways: only accepts foot passengers in very limited cases; rules change seasonally.
- Irish Ferries: no regular foot-passenger tickets on Calais–Dover.
Because Calais has no long-stay parking and Dover has no parking at all, the “leave the car behind + cross as a foot passenger” combo only works with a detour via an external parking provider or via the town centres.
Travelling without your own car
- To Calais: TGV to Calais-Frethun (25 min from Lille), then 15 min by taxi or shuttle to the port. Flixbus from several German cities direct to Calais.
- From Dover: shuttle bus Port → Dover Priory railway station (tickets to London from ~£25).
Frequently asked questions
Really no parking at all at Dover Port?
Correct. The Port of Dover states literally: “There are no parking facilities in the Port.” There is only a drop-off area at the Passenger Terminal for quick stops. Every other parking option is outside the port grounds and run by private operators.
How much does Dover parking actually cost?
The cheapest pre-book prices start at around £5.10–£5.25 per day (e.g. Port Parking Ferry or Relyon Saver via Holiday Extras). Drive-up without a reservation, Relyon charges £9 per day with a minimum fee of £30 for up to 3 days.
Is there an official long-stay car park in Calais?
No. The Port Boulogne Calais does not provide medium or long-term parking. Only drop-off at the terminal is possible. For multi-day parking you'll need to use central Calais (partly free) or Park & Cruise hotel bundles.
Can I sleep in my motorhome at the port?
No, both ports forbid this. In Calais use the official motorhome area “Aire de Calais” (Avenue du Mérite Maritime) with water and waste facilities. In Dover there are motorhome sites around Kent (e.g. Martin Mill, Deal).
What if I only want to drop someone off?
Drop-off and pickup are free at both ports. Stop briefly, exchange passengers/luggage, drive on. Longer stays (> 15–20 min) may be moved on by port staff.
Is external parking in Dover secure?
The major operators (Relyon, APH, Purple Parking, ParkBCP) are certified under the Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme, with fencing, CCTV and patrols. As a rule, don't leave valuables visible in the car regardless.
Sources & official port pages
- Port of Dover – Ferry Facilities (original quote about no parking)
- Port Boulogne Calais – Parking information
- Relyon Group Ferry Parking (Dover's recommended provider)
- Holiday Extras Dover Port Parking (comparison prices)
Research date: April 2026. Always double-check day-of prices on the operator's own site.