P&O Ferries
Check prices & times »P&O Ferries is one of the UK's best-known ferry operators, with roots going back to the 19th century and its modern brand dating from 2002. It's headquartered in Dover and focuses on a small number of high-frequency routes rather than a sprawling network.
Today P&O runs three passenger routes: the short Dover to Calais Channel crossing, the overnight Hull to Rotterdam North Sea link, and the Cairnryan to Larne crossing between Scotland and Northern Ireland. This guide covers all three.
Modern brand since
2002 (heritage to the 1800s)
Headquarters
Dover
Routes
Dover–Calais, Hull–Rotterdam, Cairnryan–Larne
Busiest route
Dover–Calais (~90 minutes)
Foot passengers
Dover–Calais only
P&O Ferries routes
| Route | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dover–Calais (France) | ~1h 30m | foot passengers OK |
| Hull–Rotterdam (Netherlands) | ~11–12h overnight | vehicles only |
| Cairnryan–Larne (Scotland–N. Ireland) | ~2 hours | vehicles only |
These are P&O's three current passenger routes. Foot passengers are carried only on Dover–Calais; the Hull and Cairnryan routes require a vehicle.
Table of Contents
Dover to Calais
Dover to Calais is P&O's flagship route and one of the busiest ferry crossings in the world, taking around 90 minutes across the Channel.
P&O has invested heavily in the route, including new hybrid-powered ships, and runs frequent daily sailings — often making turn-up-and-go realistic. It's the only P&O route that carries foot passengers, and dogs can travel in a Pet Lounge or stay in the vehicle.
Hull to Rotterdam
The Hull to Rotterdam route is a very different journey — an overnight North Sea crossing of around 11 to 12 hours aboard the Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam, two of the largest ferries in the P&O fleet.
Cabins are compulsory on this overnight sailing, and onboard there are restaurants, bars, a cinema and shopping. It's a popular way to reach the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany from the north of England, but it's vehicle-only — no foot passengers.
Cairnryan to Larne
Cairnryan to Larne is the fastest ferry crossing between Scotland and Northern Ireland, taking around two hours with up to seven sailings a day.
As a domestic UK route, no passport is needed — though a standard ID may be requested. It's a busy, practical link for anyone driving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Pets travel free but must stay in the vehicle, and the route is vehicle-only for boarding.
Pets, cabins and booking
A few practical things to know across P&O's routes:
- Pets: dogs can use the Pet Lounge on Dover–Calais or stay in the vehicle; dog-friendly cabins or kennels on Hull–Rotterdam; pets stay in the vehicle on Cairnryan–Larne
- Cabins: compulsory on the overnight Hull–Rotterdam crossing; not needed on the short Dover and Cairnryan routes
- Check-in: around 60 minutes before departure with a vehicle on Dover–Calais (90–120 for foot passengers); 90 minutes at Hull; 30 minutes with a vehicle at Cairnryan
- Foot passengers: only on Dover–Calais
- Booking: online, with Club Lounge and flexible-ticket upgrades available
P&O Ferries FAQ
What routes does P&O Ferries run?
Three passenger routes — Dover to Calais, Hull to Rotterdam, and Cairnryan to Larne.
How long is the P&O Dover to Calais crossing?
Around 90 minutes — one of the busiest ferry crossings in the world, with frequent daily sailings.
Does P&O carry foot passengers?
Only on Dover to Calais. The Hull to Rotterdam and Cairnryan to Larne routes are vehicle-only.
Do I need a passport for Cairnryan to Larne?
No — it's a domestic UK route, though a standard form of ID may be requested.
Are pets allowed on P&O Ferries?
Yes. Dogs can use the Pet Lounge on Dover–Calais, there are dog-friendly cabins on Hull–Rotterdam, and pets travel free (in the vehicle) on Cairnryan–Larne.