Dover to Boulogne Ferries

Dover to Boulogne is a relatively short ferry crossing (although not quite as short as Dover to Calais). Speed ferries used to operate a fast ferry service from Dover to Boulogne, but since they went into receivership in November 2008 this route has been taken over by LD Lines who run a frequent service that offers excellent value for money.

Ferries from Dover

Dover is the largest ferry port in the UK and faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, the Straits of Dover. From Dover it's only 22 miles to France and despite crossing the busiest shipping lane in the world ferries can reach France faster from Dover than any other port. In addition to car ferries bound for France the port of Dover is also used by cruise ships.

Dover is easy to reach, with good road links - the A20 connects the town to Folkestone, while the A2 leads to Cantebury and beyond. Made famous in song the "White Cliffs of Dover" are distinctive and can easily be seen from France on a clear day.

Ferries to Boulogne

For ferry operators Boulogne is a convenient alternative to Calais, as the English Channel is still narrow at this point. Until late 2008 Speed Ferries operated a fast ferry service from Dover to Boulogne, but since falling into receivership the route has been taken over by LD Lines.

In 1944 Boulogne was heavily bombed by Allied forces and Boulogne harbour was competely destroyed, as was much of the surrounding area. In the years following WWII Boulogne was gradually rebuilt and in the 1950's and 1960's affordable housing and public facilities were built in a modernist style, and visitors may be dissappointed that Boulogne doesn't conform to the postcard image of a typical French harbour town.

In 1991 Boulogne became the home of Nausicaä, the French National Sea Centre. Focusing on mankinds relationship with the sea it has an aquarium and features both permanent and seasonal exhibitions, and draws visitors to Boulogne from around the country.