Cruise port of call: Dover

Dover is a popular port of call with an amazing array of things to do and see within a short walk, bus or taxi ride from the cruise terminals. The White Cliffs are known throughout the world, but explore a little farther and you will find miles of unspoilt coastline, beautiful countryside and charming towns with incredible history and heritage.

Dover is one of Britain's busiest and most historic ports and a great starting point to explore the UK's well loved and internationally famous White Cliffs and beyond. Browse this website to discover the wealth of places to see and things to do to create wonderful memories of your time in White Cliffs Country. 

With so much to see and do, let us help you maximise your time ashore so you can explore the incredible history and heritage and unique character of this spectacular area.  

Getting around while you're here

YMS Shuttle Bus YMS Travel operates a 'hop-on/hop-off' shuttle bus service from the cruise terminals on all port of call days. The service runs every 20 minutes throughout the day from 8am to 6pm, calling at Dover Market Square then Dover Castle before heading back to the cruise terminal. Your bus ticket is valid for the whole day and you can use this ticket as many times as you like; you can even go back to the ship and back out again. Buy tickets from your driver on the bus.

Two double-decker buses parked in front of a cruise ship docked in the Port of Dover.
Hop on board a YMS bus at the cruise terminal to travel into Dover town centre and to Dover Castle on port of call days.

Local buses  Stagecoach operates services to nearby towns and villages, including Deal and Sandwich, from the bus station in Dover. You can buy tickets on the bus with cash or contactless card.

Trains Southeastern operates regular train services from Dover Priory to Deal, Sandwich and Canterbury, as well as a high-speed service to London St Pancras (journey time of 1 hour 6 minutes). Buy tickets online or at the station before boarding.

Taxis You will find taxis waiting at Cruise Terminals 1 and 2, at Dover Priory train station and in and around Dover town centre.

Bicycle There are e-bike hire stations in and around Dover, making cycle hire quick and easy. Download the Destination Dover Bike Hire app to hire and pay.

On foot It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the cruise terminals into Dover town centre. Collect a free map from the welcome desk which shows the route and key places of interest.

Please note that although walking from Dover Castle to the White Cliffs looks straightforward on a map, the road connecting them has no footway and has dangerous bends. For safety reasons, please follow the pedestrian route via Athol Terrace. Walking maps are available from the welcome desk or Visitor Information Centre (see below).

A couple holding a map with Dover Museum in the background.
Pick up a map from the Visitor Information Centre at the museum and explore the area.
Visitor information at the cruise terminals

You will find our friendly and knowledgeable visitor information team at the welcome desks in both cruise terminals on port of call days. They can help you with all the information you need to make the most of your time here. There is also a useful map which you can collect at the welcome desks to help you find your way into Dover and to the key places in town. 

Visitor Information Centre in Dover

You will find the Visitor Information Centre for the area on the ground floor of Dover Museum in the Market Square where you'll find more information about the area and a well-stocked gift shop for souvenirs. The expert team there can help you maximise your time here with advice on places of interest, timings, costs and more.

  • White Cliffs Country Visitor Information Centre, Dover Museum, Market Square, Dover CT16 1PH. 
  • +44 (0)1304 201066
  • VIC@dover.gov.uk.

Opening hours

  • Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5pm (year-round)
  • Sunday 10am – 3pm (April to September only)
Two of the visitor information welcome desk team smiling at the camera.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Email Visitor Information