Port of Dover
Dover Harbour Board
Harbour House
Marine Parade
Dover CT17 9BU
Main offices:
T: +44 (0) 1304 240400
F: +44 (0) 1304 240465
General Travel Enquiries (inc. Car Parking):
T: 01304 241427
24-hr Recorded Passenger Information:
T: 01304 225222
Website: www.doverport.co.uk
Dover is located in Kent, on England's southeastern tip and is the UK's closest geographical point to Continental Europe. Every day, ferries travel between the port and Calais and Dunkirk in France, and Ostend and Zeebrugge in Belgium. Dover is also a busy port for cruise shipping and a mecca for pleasure boat owners.
Ferry Operators:
- P & O Ferries: 08705 202020
- SeaFrance: 08705 711711
- Norfolkline: 08708 701020
- Hoverspeed (Seacat): 08705 240241
Facilities at ferry terminal:
- Unisex disabled toilet facilities are available in various locations throughout the Ferry Terminal.
- Induction loops to amplify announcements or conversations for passengers wearing aids are available within the main Ferry Terminal buildings. Just look for the distinctive 'ear' symbols. In addition, port information staff are trained in deaf awareness so you can rely on receiving an understanding response at all times.
- Wheelchairs are supplied and made available near to the disabled bays inside the car parks and at a number of other terminal facility locations. Level or ramped access is also installed at exits and entries to all our Terminal buildings and walkways.
- We offer a trained escort service for passengers with visual impairments, helping to ensure your passage on to the ferry.
- Dedicated transfer buses for people with special needs run to/from the main Terminal buildings and the ferries.
Parking
Special disabled parking bays for short or long stay parking can be found on the first two levels of the main multi-storey car park within the Ferry Terminal. You can take lifts to and from these levels to the Travel Centre. Tickets for the car park are issued by machine as you enter, with the parking charge payable when you collect your car. On your return, you must pay your parking ticket at the pay machines in the Arrivals Hall before collecting your car. If you cannot reach the ticket payment slot, press the help button.
Higher Rate Disability Allowance Parking
If you receive Higher Rate Disability Allowance, you may park in the reserved car parking bays in a specially designated car park. When you first use this car park, you will need to show proof that you qualify for the Higher Rate Allowance at the Information Desk in the Travel Centre. Our staff will then issue you with a windscreen disc that will permit you to enter and use the car park for unlimited subsequent visits. Please note that a pay and display scheme operates at this car park, so you need to have your money available when you arrive.
Facilities at cruise terminal:
- Ample wheelchairs are available at both Cruise Terminals 1 and 2. In addition, wheelchair-friendly ramps are fitted on all split-levels in both buildings. The walkways leading to cruiseships are also wheelchair friendly to provide easy access to your liner.
- Lifts are provided between all floor levels in both Terminals 1 and 2.
- Ample unisex disabled toilets are found at a number of different locations throughout both Cruise Terminals.
Parking
Short or long-stay parking spaces for disabled drivers are provided. Trained and helpful staff are available to assist you and provide a wheelchair if needed. If your cruise is departing from the Eastern Docks beside the Ferry Terminal area, you will still need to park at the Cruise Terminal Western Docks parking areas. A courtesy coach with facilities for people with disabilities will be on hand to transfer you from the Western to the Eastern Docks, about a mile away.
How to get there
Road:
Dover is 125kms (70 miles) south of London, directly linked to the M2/A2 and M20/A20, both of which connect to the M25 London orbital motorway. Approximate driving times from Central London is 1hr 45 minutes.
Rail:
Frequent direct trains to Dover Priory Station run from London Victoria and London Charing Cross mainline stations. Approximate journey time is 1hr 45 minutes with Connex South Central.
Coach:
Regular National Express Coach services travel to Dover from London Victoria Coach Station. Approximate travel time is 2hrs 30 minutes.
The Website provides further information on how to get to Ferry and Cruise Terminals and Dover Marina.
(Last Updated: 24-04-2008)