The address for Dover ferry port is Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT16 1JA. Use postcode CT16 1JA when driving to Dover for a ferry to Calais or Dunkirk. At the Eastern Docks roundabout, follow signs for the ferry terminal and then your operator.
Dover is a busy international ferry port. Once you reach the entrance, the route through the terminal is controlled by signs, traffic lanes and port staff. The main uncertainty is usually the journey to the port, border processing and check-in rather than finding the terminal itself.
Last checked by FerryGoGo: 7 September 2026. Always follow the latest instructions from your ferry operator and the Port of Dover before travelling.
What address should I use for Dover ferry port?
Enter the following destination into your sat nav or mapping app:
Dover Ferry Terminal
Eastern Docks
Dover
Kent
CT16 1JA
The postcode takes you to the Eastern Docks ferry terminal area. It does not take you directly to an individual operator check-in booth or ferry berth.
Once you enter the port, stop following your sat nav and follow the signs for P&O Ferries, DFDS or Irish Ferries. Operator lanes and check-in arrangements can change according to traffic and sailing operations.
Driving to Dover ferry port
The two main approaches to Dover Eastern Docks are the M20/A20 and the M2/A2. Which one you use depends on your starting point and live traffic conditions.
Via the M20 and A20
The M20 is normally the most direct approach from much of London, western Kent and locations to the west of Dover. The motorway becomes the A20 near Folkestone.
Continue on the A20 towards Dover. At the Eastern Docks roundabout, take the first left into Dover Ferry Terminal.
Via the M2 and A2
If you approach Dover on the M2, the road becomes the A2 at Faversham. Continue on the A2 towards Dover. At the Eastern Docks roundabout, turn right into Dover Ferry Terminal.
These directions match the current guidance published by the Port of Dover. However, always follow temporary road signs, live traffic instructions and any directions supplied by your operator.
Map of Dover Eastern Docks
The map shows the final approach after reaching the Eastern Docks area. Once inside the port, use the operator lane signs rather than trying to navigate to a specific berth yourself.
What happens when you arrive by car?
The exact traffic flow can vary, but the process normally includes:
- Entering the Eastern Docks ferry terminal
- Following the signs for your ferry operator
- Completing operator check-in
- Passing the relevant UK and French border controls
- Waiting in the lane allocated to your sailing
- Following staff instructions when boarding begins
Keep passports, booking details and any pet documents inside the vehicle but easy to reach. Do not pack them beneath luggage or somewhere that requires you to unload the car at the checkpoint.
Foot passengers and Dover Priory station
Dover Priory is the nearest main railway station. The Port of Dover states that the station is just over one mile from the ferry terminal and that the walk to the Passenger Terminal takes about 25 minutes.
Allow longer if you have heavy luggage, are travelling with children or are unfamiliar with the route. Taxis are available from outside Dover Priory station and can drop passengers at the Passenger Terminal.
Foot passengers do not normally walk directly onto the ship. You first report to the Passenger Terminal at Eastern Docks. The port then manages the transfer to the ferry.
Not every Dover operator or sailing accepts foot passengers. Confirm availability before booking rail tickets, accommodation or other connecting travel.
Which ferry operators sail from Dover?
P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries operate passenger ferry services from Dover to France. P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries serve Dover-Calais, while DFDS operates Dover-Calais and Dover-Dunkirk.
| Route | Operator | Usually useful for | Check fares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover-Calais | P&O Ferries | Calais, northern France, Paris and onward European journeys | Check P&O Ferries |
| Dover-Calais | DFDS | Calais, northern France and additional departure choices | Check DFDS |
| Dover-Calais | Irish Ferries | Calais and an additional Dover-Calais timetable | Check Irish Ferries |
| Dover-Dunkirk | DFDS | Belgium, the Netherlands, northern France and parts of Germany | Check DFDS |
Check the operator named on your booking confirmation. Port lanes, check-in instructions and passenger arrangements are more important than the general address once you enter Eastern Docks.
How early should you arrive at Dover ferry port?
Follow the check-in time in your booking confirmation. Different operators, passenger types and travel circumstances may have different requirements.
At the time of our September 2026 check, the Port of Dover advised tourist traffic to arrive at the Eastern Docks Ferry Terminal no more than two hours before departure. The port also stated that its full EES process for tourist traffic had not yet been implemented.
This is time-sensitive advice. Check the Port of Dover’s current EES information shortly before travelling rather than relying only on an older article or saved screenshot.
Arriving too late risks missing check-in, but arriving much earlier than requested can add unnecessary traffic to the port. During school holidays, bank holidays and disruption, check live advice before leaving home.
For broader disruption planning, see our guide to Dover queues, delays and alternative crossings.
Facilities at Dover Eastern Docks
The Port of Dover provides passenger facilities within the Eastern Docks area, including passenger services, accessibility support, parking information and pet facilities. What you can use may depend on whether you are travelling by car, coach, bicycle or as a foot passenger.
If you require accessibility assistance, contact your ferry operator in advance and check where you need to report. Do not assume that assistance requested from an operator will automatically cover every stage of the journey to the port.
During busy periods, it is sensible to carry water, snacks, medication and essential items in the passenger area of the vehicle rather than packing everything in the boot.
Before driving to Dover: quick checklist
- Check your sailing status and operator travel advice.
- Use Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT16 1JA as the destination.
- Allow for traffic before reaching the port.
- Follow the check-in time in your booking confirmation.
- Keep passports and booking details accessible.
- Carry the required pet documents if travelling with an animal.
- Enter the correct vehicle dimensions when booking.
- Follow port signs and staff instructions once inside Eastern Docks.
- Check whether Calais or Dunkirk is better for your onward journey.
Our UK-Europe ferry checklist covers travel documents and border preparation in more detail.
Is Dover the right ferry port for your journey?
Dover is usually the first port to consider for Calais, northern France, Belgium and fast onward journeys into northern Europe. Its main strengths are the short ferry crossings and the choice of departures.
It is not always the best departure point for Normandy, Brittany or western France. Driving across Britain to Dover and then back west through France can outweigh the benefit of a short crossing.
If your destination is farther west, compare Newhaven, Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth. A longer ferry can sometimes reduce the complete driving time and make the journey easier.
We tested P&O Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries and LeShuttle on the Dover-Calais corridor. The short crossing is highly practical when Dover and Calais fit the complete route. However, check-in, border processing and traffic can add considerably more time than the published ferry duration suggests.
Frequently asked questions
What is the postcode for Dover ferry port?
The postcode for Dover Eastern Docks ferry terminal is CT16 1JA.
Is Dover ferry port the Eastern or Western Docks?
Passenger ferries to Calais and Dunkirk use the Eastern Docks. Dover’s Western Docks serve different port activities, so use Eastern Docks and CT16 1JA for the passenger ferry terminal.
How far is Dover Priory station from the ferry terminal?
Dover Priory is just over one mile from the ferry terminal. The Port of Dover estimates the walk to the Passenger Terminal at approximately 25 minutes.
Should I arrive two hours before my ferry?
Use the check-in time supplied by your operator. Current Port of Dover guidance says tourist passengers should arrive no more than two hours before departure, but this advice can change.
Which ferry routes leave from Dover?
Passenger ferries sail from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk in northern France.
Useful Dover ferry links
- Dover-Calais ferry
- Dover-Dunkirk ferry
- Ferries from the UK to France
- Cheapest way to cross the Channel by car
- Our tested Dover-Calais comparison
- Dover queues and alternatives
- Official Port of Dover directions
- Current Port of Dover EES advice
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