Ferry from Dover

anthonychipp

Hi

I'm booked on a P&O ferry from dover to calais in a few weeks time (on a saturday), never been on a ferry before. I'm going by car and taking the car with me on the ferry. What do I do when I arrive at Dover? Do I have to park up and then walk into somewhere to check in or is check in done from inside the car? There is no info on the P&O site really about what to do and nothing in my confirmation email!

Rachie_B

when we went last yr,you drive up to a booth and do the check in,hand over passports ,paperwork etc

then you drive to the P&O lines,
leave you car in a queue and can go off to the shop / cafe,then a tannoy announcement will say when ready to board,so you go back to your car and drive on

mcfisco

As above - just follow the signs for cars to the relevant check in booth & they will simply put you on the next boat that's leaving [usually] - they'll then tell you to proceed to lane number to await loading.
When you get onboard,try to remember whick deck you are parked on & which staircase is the nearest as it can sometimes get a bit confusing [well it can for my old brain anyway]

anthonychipp

Thank you both very much - I have it right in my mind now!

Now all I have to do is figure out how to drive from Calais to Paris!

Dazzieboo

If you booked over the phone, you will not receive any paperwork, just give your booking reference to the check in staff, if you booked online, take the e-mail confirmation slip with you as you won't get anything through the post.

I found the shop at Dover very expensive (aren't they all!) and almost bought my foreign driving accesories from the shop there, I am glad I didn't, because I went for the all included pack on the ferry and saved myself £20.00.

Dazzieboo

anthonychipp wrote: »

Thank you both very much - I have it right in my mind now!

Now all I have to do is figure out how to drive from Calais to Paris!

As soon as you come off the docks at Calais, you will be faced with a large roundabout and Paris is signposted, you will have the option of following the blue (toll route) or the green.

I came back from France last Friday and used the toll roads for the first time ever, to be honest, I was scared of them before !!, not being sure when you paid, how much, where you got the tickets from, all first time nerves ! to get from Caen to Calais cost me 10 euros and I had the easiest drive of my life, very little traffic, no hassle, so if you can afford it, I would suggest you use the toll road.

Just remember to drive on the right, (a silly thing to say, but very easy to slip into English mode, I saw it happen a few times) think at roundabouts and look for those little yellow diamond road signs with a line through them, even if you are on the main road, it means traffic from the right has priority.

Enjoy your trip.

BernadetteN

You can see Dover port on this web page ....


http://www.doverport.co.uk/ferry.asp?skey=1&ckey=220

Be careful when driving out of Calais port. French Police have targets for the number of speeding fines they issue and target foreign vehicles in particular that have just exited Calais Port. I work in Calais Port and met a Britsh guy a few weeks ago who was twice fined for speeding (like 1km over the limit) and had no money left in his account (it's on the spot or they drive you to a bank till to pay) on the second fine so his car was impounded.

Rachie_B

BernadetteN wrote: »

You can see Dover port on this web page ....


http://www.doverport.co.uk/ferry.asp?skey=1&ckey=220

Be careful when driving out of Calais port. French Police have targets for the number of speeding fines they issue and target foreign vehicles in particular that have just exited Calais Port. I work in Calais Port and met a Britsh guy a few weeks ago who was twice fined for speeding (like 1km over the limit) and had no money left in his account (it's on the spot or they drive you to a bank till to pay) on the second fine so his car was impounded.

:eek: OMG

shown73

I really wouldn't worry about speeding, we go several times a year and have never had a problem. As it's your first time, you will no doubt be taking it pretty easy anyway. On entering Dover harbour, you should be able to follow other cars. When faced with a big open area with the relevant ferry companies signposted on the overhead gantrys, just pick the one relevant to you and follow the herd. Be alert when looking for your lane to queue for boarding, keep the number in your head, and follow the signs, it will all work out. I would second the suggestion to make a note of which deck you are parked on, and which door no. Try to orientate yourself with the sharp and blunt end of the ship, left or right, etc., because it's a real melee in Calais, trying to fight your way back to your car down narrow staircases. Don't get stressed, there is plenty of time to find your car, and anyway there is always some dipstick holding things up much more than you! Have fun!

kenb2

another trick to look out for is on the way back to the ferry in france, the speed limit applies right up to the check in booth, and the gendarmerie put a speed trap at that ends, as the road in is clear and straight many are tempted to give it a last blast before the boat, I`ve seen up to 12 glum drivers pulled in, in sight of the ferry.

pknottm

I'd recommend not filling up with fuel in the UK, but waiting until you get to Calais. The difference in price should pay for the toll to Paris (18Euros).