Calais port - how long to get in or out?

Calais port - how long to get in or out?

Author
Discussion

donkmeister

Original Poster:

9,261 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd April 2018
quotequote all
We're heading across to France in May, on the Dover-Calais ferry. I've not taken the ferry in years but am aware there is a planned prolonged rail strike that is likely to still be in progress (would they block the ferry port? Are the dockers going to strike in sympathy?), and there is the issue of migrants halting traffic to break into lorries.
Has anyone recently gone to the Calais port recently, how long did it take? Is there anything else to be aware of?

leyorkie

1,683 posts

183 months

Wednesday 4th April 2018
quotequote all
No problem on the tunnel last weekend but who can say what’s going to happen in May?
Current delays have no bearing and the recent delays in Dover were not related to the strikes.
Try posting in the Travel section for more relevant information.
Who knows it could be windy that day and all the boats are delayed, or a train broken down in the tunnel.

Pericoloso

44,044 posts

170 months

Thursday 5th April 2018
quotequote all
I travelled Dover to Calais and back last month.

No issues whatsoever at Calais.

There was messages on the matrix signs approaching the exit of the A16 about potential obstructions or people in the road

but I saw nothing of the sort ,maybe they display this every night ?

I was 7 minutes late booking in for my ferry but luckily got on it ,was the 2nd last car on but it was not exactly packed out,must have been

only 20 cars plus other stuff parked below.

There are also no checks exiting the port at Calais ,drive off boat ,straight out and onto AutoRoute of choice.

FrenchSpider

70 posts

97 months

Monday 9th April 2018
quotequote all
We came back, via the tunnel, today. No problems, apart from the fact that our scheduled crossing was cancelled. Eurotunnel states that their trains are not affected by the strike, although as the dispute lengthenes I can the possibility of burning tyres being placed on the approaches to the tunnel!

donkmeister

Original Poster:

9,261 posts

107 months

Thursday 12th April 2018
quotequote all
Leyorkie, Pericoloso, FrenchSpider, thanks all!

I'll not worry too much about getting to the return ferry too early. I've never had an issue with the tunnel as they seem to stick you on the next train out regardless but I have a paranoia with ferries being that much cheaper and less frequent.