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{{Hitchhiking Zine nomination}}
'''Dover''' is a busy port in East Kent, in the South of [[England]]. For hitchhikers this is one of if not likely the best possibility to cross the Channel[[English channel]], though you're even better off if you can get a ride to France before you get to Dover. 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 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.
==Crossing the Channel [[English channel]] (to France)==
====General Information====
* Drivers.pay per vehicle, so bringing an additional passenger will not change the costs. If they already have their ticket, they will need to amend it (for free) and add another passenger. A foot passenger ticket will cost you about €40.
* The border police does do not like hitchhikers. It's completely legal to hitchhike, but makes them suspicious. Whether you catch a ride for the tunnel or the ferry, '''ask the driver politely not to mention that you're hitchhiking'''. Explain the situation so that the driver realizes you aren't doing anything wrong. * If you want to take the tunnel/ferry, It's best to find a lift before Dover, at [[Maidstone Services]] on the M20 or [[Medway Services]] on the M2. Don't go to the [[Maidstone Services|Ashford Truckstop]], ; hitchhiking seems to be very hard there and hitchhikers aren't allowed near the drivers, many of whom can't take anyone anyway. (This is correct as of 2012; if things have changed, let us know!)
* The ferry, as opposed to the tunnel, has the advantage of having 1.5 hours to find a ride to your next destination. '''Do your best to find the next ride on the ferry''' - even if it's for a short distance (though many people will be going far!) since hitchhiking out of [[Calais]] isn't fun. Many drivers don't speak a lot of English, but try all your languages (or 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 leave upon arrival, but it might be risky to wait so long.
* If you're changing rides, it's a good idea to bring your backpack to the ferry instead of leaving it in the vehicle. But keep in mind that you're not allowed to leave it unattended and if you do, they will panic and look for you. If you don't want to be hauling it around, maybe ask someone who isn't moving around much to keep an eye on it, or pick it up from the car upon arrival (requires more logistics with the old and new drivers).
* Ferries from Dover go to both Dunkirque Dunkerque 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 the ferry to DunkirqueDunkerque.
==== In Dover ====
[[Category:E15]]
[[Category:Ferries]]
[[Category:English channel]]
[[de:Dover]]
[[trash:Dover]]
