Changes

{{Hitchhiking Zine nomination}}

'''Calais''' is a port town in the north west of [[France]] at the English Channel. with just 34 km from the British port of [[Dover]], '''Calais''' is the closest port to mainland [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and one of the busiest cross-channel ports on continental [[Europe]]. Regular ferry services operate from '''Calais''' to [[Dover]] (''P&O'' and ''Seafrance'', each with over 20 crossings per day).

Try to get a ride before getting on the ferry, as hitchhikers can get over for free because drivers often only pay for their vehicle and up to a certain amount of included passengers with a car while the limit is two with a lorry.

If you are searching for a lift you often have to tell people about this possibility first – otherwise they often don't take you with them just because they think it's too complicated or they'll have to pay. The best way to do so, is by waiting in front of the ticket office. When buying a ticket, the driver has to produce a passport or ID card of every person in the car, so you should be going with him into the office.

[[Dunkerque]] could be a alternative to get over (''Norfolklines'' to [[Dover]], same or nearly same conditions than '''Calais''' – [[Dover]]), although '''Calais''' is busier.

Near Calais on the motorway, few kilometres from the ferryport, there is a huge ''lorry park'' from where you can easily get direct lifts to many places all over Europe ([[Belgium]], [[Netherlands]], [[England]], [[Germany]], [[Poland]], [[Spain]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Austria]] and [[Turkey]] should be easily possible).

Be aware that a truck is legally only allowed to have one driver and one passenger, so it's a lot harder to find a ride for two people hitching together.

There is also a service station with free showers.

* [http://www.poferries.com/tourist/content/pages/template/routes_dover_-_calais_timetable_timetable_DOCA.htm P&O ferries timetable Calais–Dover]

[[Category:France]]

[[Category:Nord-Pas de Calais]]

[[de:Calais]]

[[fr:Calais]]