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Dover

621 bytes added, 19:58, 23 December 2020
Trashwiki & Nomadwiki
{{Hitchhiking Zine nomination}}
'''Dover''' is a busy port in East Kent, in the South of [[England]]. For hitchhikers this is one of if not the best possibility to cross the Channel. Because it is the closest port to continental Europe on mainland Britain with just 21 miles from the [[France|French]] port of [[Calais]], Dover is the busiest cross-Channel port in the [[United Kingdom|UK]], with 18 million passengers every year and thousands of lorrys each day. Regular ferry services operate from Dover to Calais (''P&O'' and ''Seafrance'') and [[Dunkerque]] (''norfolkline'').
== To Calais ==Hitchhikers can '''Dover''' is a busy port in East Kent, in the South of [[England]]. For hitchhikers this is likely the best possibility to cross the [[English channel for free because drivers only pay for their vehicle and ]], though you're even better off if you can get a certain number of passengers, up ride to France before you get to Dover. Because it is the closest port to seven continental Europe on mainland Britain with a car and two with a lorryjust 21 miles from the [[France|French]] port of [[Calais]], Dover is the same holds true for busiest cross-Channel port in the [[Channel TunnelUnited Kingdom|UK]], with 18 million passengers every year and thousands of lorries (trucks) each day. Regular ferry services operate from Dover to Calais (''P&O'') and [[Dunkerque]](''DFDS Seaways''). For timetables, check the external links at the end of this article.
'''To get a lift to France, you may prefer to stop at [[Maidstone Services]] on ==Crossing the M20, where you have the possibility to talk to truckdrivers that might be crossing.''' Many more trucks stop at [[Ashford TruckstopEnglish channel]] on the M20, but there is security here and if they see you asking for lifts they will tell you (to leave.France)==
==== In Dover General Information====<map lat='51.12625978268193' lng='1.3254833221435547' zoom='16' view='0' float='right' />
* Drivers pay per vehicle, so bringing an additional passenger will not change the costs. If you they already have reached Dover without a ride across the Channeltheir ticket, you have a few options,<ul><li>you can try they will need to get a ride on the road leading to the port. Difficult as there is no [[hard shoulder]] amend it (for free) and very few breaks in the flow of traffic allowing anyone to stopadd another passenger.</li><li>A foot passenger ticket will cost you can try hitching after the last round-about€40. * The border police do not like hitchhikers. Unfortunately itIt's illegal completely legal to hitch on port property (ihitchhike, but makes them suspicious.e. after Whether you catch a ride for the tunnel or the ferry, ''Port of Dover Authority'' sign) and although you might get away with it sometimes, ask the police is known driver politely not to enforce this rule and send mention that you away're hitchhiking'''.</li><li>you can try your luck inside Explain the Travel Centre or on situation so that the car park in front of it. The problem is that both are nowadays very quiet as most people book on-line. If you speak to people here, driver realizes you might have to convince them that they donaren't pay doing anything extra for taking you across and possibly that you are not an illegal immigrantwrong.</li><li>* If you are allowed want to take the tunnel/ferry, It's best to stand find a lift before Dover, at [[Maidstone Services]] on the rail of M20 or [[Medway Services]] on the last roundabout leading into the port, iM2.e. before Don't go to the port property. [[Maidstone Services|Ashford Truckstop]]* 'You'll be standing at MAY try to get a lift through the height of tunnel! We met a truck lorry driver at Clackett Lane services who can see you clearly and can pull aside just in front of the Port Police building after the roundaboutwas going to tunnel.</li><li>you might try standing And he was able to change passenger number at one of the normal bus stops first barrier. Then on the main seaside road train with all the truckers * The ferry, as opposed to the tunnel, has the advantage of having 1.5 hours to find a sign that says Franceride to your next destination.</li> <li>'''Do your best to find the next ride on the ferry''' - even if youit're really stuck you can also try at the Western Docks, there is s for a truck park where short distance (though many people will be going far!) since hitchhiking out of [[Calais]] isn't fun. Many drivers carrying certain types don't speak a lot of goods English, but try all your languages (or from outside the EU have a map) and something might work. Polish, Romanian, Russian and German are particularly useful. You can also ask people when they're queuing up to stop leave upon arrival, but it might be risky to complete some paperworkwait so long.</li><li>* If you are feeling rich or you are desperate're changing rides, it's a one-way foot ticket good idea to bring your backpack to Calais will cost about £14</li></ul> Now onply P&O operates with foot passengers and a one way ticket costs 30£. A two way ticket (return) for the same day costs 13£ferry instead of leaving it in the vehicle. But be careful, when keep in mind that you go 're not allowed to buy the ticket go without backpacks because leave it unattended and if you do, they wonwill panic and look for you. If you don't sell you the ticketwant to be hauling it around, because they'll say you wonmaybe ask someone who isn't come back. Act like you are going for moving around much to keep an eye on it, or pick it up from the ride car upon arrival (requires more logistics with the ferry (i with 2 friends did this : we asked if there old and new drivers). * Ferries from Dover go to both Dunkerque and Calais. If you are any things trying to hitch down to do on the ferry like videogames, Paris or casino, further south then make sure your ride is going to Calais as you will find it difficult to find a place where to eat or drink something etclift otherwise.) Also when you go on the busHowever, if the person who sold you the ticket is thereare hitching to Belgium, try to give your backpacks to someone else until Germany etc. then you are on should get the bus, from there you won't have any problems no moreferry to Dunkerque. Good luck !
Disputed information: ''"the trucks park in the ferry so close that it's not possible to open the doors. That means that you'll spend more than 1.5 hour closed in a box with a stranger and the driver can only take one person legally - and they check your IDs etc on the entrance so none of them will take the risk of a fine there. I don't know if it is like this on every ferry and all the time, but it's not recommended to go with any trucks on a ferry!"'''''-EDIT -'''This experience must be an exception...many hitchhikers have taken trucks without problem and get out easily.'''-EDIT-'''as far as i have seen everybody is required to get out of their cars and go upstairs and then staff lock the parking area, so nobody stays in their cars/trucks while at sea. also, truckdrivers have their own rest area on the ferry with free '''tea/coffee + shower facilities'''. lots of truckdrivers know each other, so it's a good place to ask around for rides and information. === In Dover ===
Near [[Calais]], there is a huge lorry park with great There are several possibilities for hitchhikers to continue their journey once the crossing is done!in Dover:
It is useful to be aware that ferries from Dover go to both Dunkirque and Calais. If you are trying to hitch down to Paris or further south then make sure your ride is going to Calais as you will find it difficult to find a lift otherwise. However, if you are hitching to Belgium, Germany etc. then you should get ==== Along the ferry to Dunkirque.A20 ====
This road is swarming with drivers on their way to the ferry. Your sign should say ''FRANCE'' (or ''FRANCE (ferry)''), not ''FERRY'', otherwise people will be offering you rides to the ferry port. * '''Natural Halts''' Waiting at places where cars have to stop because of traffic lights or where traffic naturally periodically comes to a halt. You may wait at a pedestrian crossing at a point on the A20 where traffic naturally comes to a halt. One such spot is [https://goo.gl/maps/3gCJTpxM1vX4zW6G9 at Marine Rd Pedestrian Crossing] (51.125312, 1.323558).* '''Busstops''' ''Megger Factory'' (probably bad/senseless), ''Hammond's Garage'', which is opposite the BP at Limekiln Street an average spot at best. Drivers are often mildly disoriented when they exit the roundabout and have to decide too quickly to stop at the bus-stop. Some drivers do however go to the BP and what you could do is wait for them at the exit of the BP. ''Leisure Centre'' seems alright. * '''Petrol Stations''': October 2019: Unfortunately I was not allowed to talk to drivers at either of the two BPs in Dover (Limekiln Street (51°07'06.1"N 1°18'25.0"E) and Folkestone Rd). * '''The Ferry Port''': There's no point since you won't be allowed on the premises of the port (confirmed 2017). But Tzuiop9c was able to stand at the very entrance (at the roundabout) of the premises for thirty minutes without being bothered (several employees drove past with bothering to tell him to go away.) But this spot is problematic since drivers are concentrating on finding the right lane and lorry drivers don't have to stop there. * Burger King / the St James Retail and Leisure Centre == Other directions == On the ferry==== * If you can find a Commercial Driver, who takes you on the ferry, you probably receive a free-dinner-ticket ( + 2 free drinks) for the Commercial Drivers Restaurant (top floor), when you entered the ferry with the truck/lorry, because they thought you're driver, too. When you're on the ferry without a Commercial Driver at least you can get a free drink (hot chocolate, tea, coffee, soft drink), however if you wish to buy food it will cost you.* Commercial drivers also have better rates for currency exchange, so if you're hitching a truck, maybe the driver will agree to change your money for you. ==== If you are super stuck ====*check the [[English channel]] page for more options on how to hitchhike across the channel.* If hitchhiking doesn't work, carpooling can come in really handy. There are People on Blablacar going every evening to Calais. I paid 5 GBP for the ride. Much better than* A two way ticket (return) for the same day costs GBP 18 (as opposed to GBP 30 for a one-way ticket). But be careful, when you go to buy the ticket go without backpacks because they won't sell you the ticket, because they'll say you won't come back. Act like you are going for the ride with the ferry. Also when you go on the bus, if the person who sold you the ticket is there, try to give your backpacks to someone else until you are on the bus, from there you won't have any problems no more. * If all fails you might have to stay for the night. The cheapest place to do so (as far as I'm aware) is the First and Last Pub. Although named a Pub, there are bunks inside for customers to stay for £15 per night(breakfast usually provided). But its reception is located at Russell street, in the The Castle Inn/Dover Backpackers. == Hitchiking Out ==
=== North towards [[Canterbury]] along the A2 ===
=== North and North East towards [[Folkestone]] and [[London]] along the M20 ===
 One option is to walk out of the terminal building, through the carparkcar park, and follow the road signs pointing cars towards the M20. Unfortunately there isn't really a safe place to pull over until the first bus stop, about 500m away. By this stage traffic is often going quite quickly, and some of it is now local traffic, but it is mostly port traffic, and you should be able to convince someone to stop. A sign would be useful (such as 'M20').*I waited over an hour here, and walked If you walk further to you will find a better spot, but only found the next bus stop, another 500m 500 m or so further down the road. Conditions were no better, but I got a ride in about 5 minutes -Nomad Kat
=== West towards [[Brighton]] ===
Here you can try Try to get a lift onto the M20 and follow the motorways up and over.  Another option is to get onto the coastal road (A259) all the way to brightonBrighton.  From my expereince experience I would seriously advise skipping the romantic idea of the coastal road and keep yourself on the motorway. After folkstone its Folkstone it's largely local traffic, a and long walk out of the town and you sit there wishing you had of kept to the bright lights of the motor way!! However of course it led  == Ferrys Timetable == * [http://www.poferries.com/tourist/content/pages/template/routes_dover_-_calais_timetable_timetable_DOCA.htm P&O ferries timetable Calais–Dover]* [http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/ferry-to a rich expereince!-france/Timetable/ DFDS Seaways ferries timetable Dunkerque–Dover]
== Wild camping ==
== Extra information ==* When on the ferry try to find the Commercial Drivers Restaurant on one You cen put your tent in White Cliffs of the floors. From there you can get a free drink(hot chocolate, tea, coffee, soft drink), however if you wish to buy food it will cost you.Dover hilss
* Whilst waiting in the queue for your time to board the ferry, after the passport check, you can try to change rides in order to get on an earlier boat. Just walk around asking people that have an earlier leaving time than yours. Since you passed passport check they should not be afraid to take you. You can see it on the paper that is usually on their car or truck windows. This can save you a lot of time.
* You can also change rides inside the ferry, especially when it has arrived in the port and people are getting to their cars and waiting to exit. Just go around looking at number plates and asking around.== Nomadwiki & Trashwiki ==
* Although the ticket buying place in the ferry terminal closes during the night, you can still find the arrivals building open all night long in case you need somewhere to sleep.{{nomadwiki}}  Local church feeds people at 18:00
== External links ==
* [http://www.poferries.com/tourist/content/pages/template/routes_dover_-_calais_timetable_timetable_DOCA.htm P&O ferries timetable Calais–Dover]
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