For anyone interested in doing this as a
PRIV fare, I emailed P&O who have said the Port Tax tickets can
only be booked by telephone. They said that this is because foot passengers are limited, though I can't imagine there being too many to travel - I rang up the evening before and had no problems anyway.
You can call them on 01304 863000 (option 2) or use their 0871 number (i'm too tight
). If you want to email them first for any info I found them very helpful.
[email protected]. Make sure you have your ATOC staff travel pass to hand as they require the number on it.
It costs £3 for a
return Port Tax Ticket and you must state which ferries you will take when booking although I ended coming back on an earlier one at no extra cost. I would think that unlike the standard day rail fare, you could make the return a later date if you wanted to make this trip as part of an on going journey. I used a
day return from STP - DVP
+ high speed.
The P&O bus from DVP to the Port leaves at xx:10, xx:30, & xx:50. Returning from the Port to DVP at xx:00, xx:20 & xx:40. Cost is £2 though it can be walked in 20 minutes (I just missed the bus on the return leg so decided to walk as it was quicker than waiting to catch the bus).
At Calais I walked to the town as it's closer - It took less than 10 minutes to get to the fringe of the town. You leave the ferry terminal and turn right, up a pedestrian footbridge, over the port fence and alongside a multi storey car park before dropping back down to and turning right along the port road into town. It is well signed though so you shouldn't get lost!. I wandered down to the beach and through town grabbing some lunch en route. A very leisurely affair.
Bon voyage!