Planning a trip from the UK to France or Spain? Travelling by ferry can be a comfortable and convenient alternative to flying, especially if you want to take your car, bring more luggage or enjoy a more relaxed journey.
Brittany Ferries is one of the best-known ferry operators connecting the UK with France and Spain, offering a range of routes from southern England. From short crossings to overnight sailings with cabins, there are options for weekend breaks, family holidays and longer European road trips.
In this guide, we cover Brittany Ferries routes, prices, timetables, journey times, onboard facilities and useful booking tips to help you plan your trip.
What Is Brittany Ferries?
Brittany Ferries is a major ferry operator serving routes between the UK, France and Spain. Its UK services primarily depart from ports in southern England, making it particularly convenient for travellers from London, the South East and South West.
Depending on the route, passengers can travel as foot passengers or take a car, campervan, motorhome or motorcycle. Many longer crossings also offer cabins, restaurants, bars and other onboard facilities.
For travellers planning a European road trip, taking a ferry can be especially useful because you can drive your own vehicle once you arrive on the continent.
Brittany Ferries UK Routes
Brittany Ferries operates several routes between the UK and France, with some services also connecting the UK with northern Spain.
Popular UK departure ports include:
- Portsmouth
- Poole
- Plymouth
French destinations include:
- Caen
- Le Havre
- Cherbourg
- Saint-Malo
- Roscoff
There are also services connecting the UK with Spain, including routes to destinations such as Bilbao and Santander.
Popular Brittany Ferries Routes
| UK Departure | Destination | Approx. Crossing Time* |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | Caen | Around 5h 45m |
| Portsmouth | Cherbourg | Around 3h |
| Portsmouth | Le Havre | Around 5h 30m |
| Portsmouth | Saint-Malo | Around 8h 50m |
| Plymouth | Roscoff | Around 5h 30m |
| Poole | Cherbourg | Around 2h 30m |
| Portsmouth | Santander | Around 28h |
| Portsmouth | Bilbao | Around 33h |
*Journey times can vary depending on the sailing and operating conditions. Always check the timetable for your chosen travel date before booking.
Brittany Ferries Prices: How Much Does It Cost?
There isn’t one fixed price for a Brittany Ferries journey. The amount you pay depends on several factors, including:
- Travel date
- Departure time
- Route
- Number of passengers
- Vehicle type
- Cabin selection
- Fare type
- Availability
- Season
- Additional services
Short UK-France crossings can sometimes be relatively affordable, while longer overnight routes with a vehicle and cabin can cost considerably more.
For example, travelling with one passenger and no vehicle will generally cost less than travelling as a family with a car and private cabin.
What Can Increase Your Ferry Fare?
Your fare may increase if you:
- Travel during school holidays
- Choose a popular weekend sailing
- Add a private cabin
- Take a larger vehicle
- Add pets or other extras
- Book closer to your departure date
- Select a more flexible fare
Because prices are dynamic, it’s worth comparing different sailing times and dates before booking.
How to Find Cheap Brittany Ferries Tickets
If you’re looking to keep your ferry travel costs down, a little flexibility can make a significant difference.
1. Compare Different Travel Dates
Check nearby dates rather than booking the first sailing you find. Travelling midweek or outside peak holiday periods may offer better fares.
2. Compare Sailing Times
Morning, afternoon and overnight departures can have different prices. If your schedule allows, compare several options.
3. Book Early
Popular crossings can become more expensive as availability decreases. Booking ahead can give you a wider choice of sailings and cabins.
4. Consider Different UK Departure Ports
If you’re flexible about where you depart from, compare routes from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth.
The cheapest ticket isn’t always the best-value option, though. Consider fuel costs, driving distance to the port and the total travel time as well.
5. Look at the Total Cost
When comparing fares, remember to include:
Ferry fare + vehicle charges + cabin + meals + additional services
A slightly more expensive sailing may provide better overall value if it saves you driving time or includes a cabin.
Brittany Ferries Timetables
Brittany Ferries operates different schedules throughout the year, and sailing frequencies can vary depending on the route and season.
Some routes have multiple sailings per day, while others operate less frequently.
Timetables may also change because of:
- Seasonal schedules
- Weather conditions
- Vessel availability
- Operational changes
- Port restrictions
When planning your journey, check the latest sailing timetable for your specific route and date rather than relying on a general timetable.
How Long Does Brittany Ferries Take?
Journey times vary significantly depending on your route.
Some of the shorter crossings can take only a few hours, while longer UK-to-Spain sailings can take more than a day.
For example:
Poole → Cherbourg: approximately 2½ hours
Portsmouth → Cherbourg: approximately 3 hours
Plymouth → Roscoff: approximately 5½ hours
Portsmouth → Caen: approximately 6 hours
Portsmouth → Saint-Malo: approximately 9 hours
UK → Northern Spain: approximately 28–33 hours depending on the route
Longer crossings can be particularly useful for road trips because you can relax onboard while the ferry covers hundreds of miles.
Do Brittany Ferries Have Cabins?
Yes. Cabins are available on many longer Brittany Ferries services.
Depending on the vessel and route, cabin options can include different configurations and facilities. Some cabins are designed for families, while others are suitable for couples or solo travellers.
A cabin can be particularly worthwhile for overnight crossings or journeys to Spain.
Instead of spending the entire journey in a public seating area, you can have your own private space to sleep, relax and store your belongings.
If you’re travelling with children, a family cabin can also make a long crossing more comfortable.
What Facilities Are Available Onboard?
Facilities vary by ship and route, but Brittany Ferries vessels can offer a range of amenities.
These may include:
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Bars
- Shops
- Lounges
- Children’s facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Cabins
- Outdoor deck areas
- Pet-friendly facilities on selected sailings
Before travelling, check the facilities available on your particular ship because not every vessel offers exactly the same services.
Can You Take Your Car on Brittany Ferries?
Yes. Taking your car is one of the major advantages of travelling by ferry.
You can drive to the UK port, board the ferry with your vehicle and continue your journey by road after arriving in France or Spain.
This can be particularly convenient for:
- Family holidays
- Ski trips
- Camping holidays
- Motorhome trips
- Longer European road trips
- Travellers carrying sports equipment
Vehicle dimensions may affect the price, so make sure you enter the correct vehicle details when booking.
Can You Travel as a Foot Passenger?
Foot passenger availability depends on the route and sailing. If you don’t need to take a car, check the booking options for your selected crossing.
Travelling without a vehicle can be a convenient option if you’re staying near your arrival port or planning to use public transport once you reach France.
Can You Take a Pet on Brittany Ferries?
Pets can travel on selected Brittany Ferries services, subject to the operator’s rules and applicable travel requirements.
Depending on the route and vessel, pets may travel in designated pet-friendly accommodation, kennels or in your vehicle.
If you’re travelling internationally with a dog, cat or ferret, make sure you understand the current pet travel requirements before departure. These can include documentation, microchipping and other requirements depending on your destination.
Always check the latest requirements before travelling, as regulations can change.
How Early Should You Arrive at the Port?
Your booking confirmation will provide the specific check-in requirements for your sailing.
As a general rule, allow plenty of time to reach the port, particularly if you’re travelling during:
- School holidays
- Bank holidays
- Summer weekends
- Christmas and New Year
- Busy European travel periods
If you’re taking a vehicle, allow extra time for check-in and boarding.
Arriving early can also make your journey less stressful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the port.
What Documents Do You Need?
For international travel between the UK and EU, you should check the current entry requirements for your nationality before travelling.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need:
- A valid passport
- Visa or travel authorisation, if applicable
- Vehicle documents
- Driving licence
- Travel insurance
- Pet documentation, if travelling with an animal
Requirements can change, so check the latest official government guidance before your journey.
Brittany Ferries vs Flying: Which Is Better?
The best option depends on how you prefer to travel.
Ferry
Pros:
- Take your own car
- More luggage flexibility
- No airport-style flight experience
- Cabins available on many longer routes
- Restaurants and other facilities onboard
- Useful for European road trips
Cons:
- Longer journey times
- Sailing schedules can be less frequent
- Prices can rise during peak periods
Flying
Pros:
- Much faster for many destinations
- More frequent services on some routes
- Can be convenient for city breaks
Cons:
- Baggage restrictions
- Airport transfers
- Car hire may be required
- Additional costs can add up
If you’re travelling with a family or planning to drive around France or Spain, the ferry can be a particularly attractive option.
Brittany Ferries Booking Tips
Before confirming your booking, consider these simple tips:
Compare several dates
Even moving your journey by one day can sometimes change the fare.
Check return fares
If you’re planning a round trip, compare the cost of a return booking with separate journeys.
Choose your cabin carefully
For longer crossings, a cabin can make a major difference to comfort.
Check vehicle dimensions
Enter your vehicle’s dimensions accurately to avoid problems during booking or check-in.
Consider travel insurance
International travel can involve unexpected delays, cancellations and other issues. Appropriate travel insurance can provide additional protection.
Check the latest timetable
Schedules can change, so confirm your sailing details before travelling.
Which Brittany Ferries Route Should You Choose?
The best route depends largely on where you’re starting in the UK and where you’re going in France.
If you’re travelling towards Normandy or Paris, Portsmouth–Caen can be a convenient choice.
For Cherbourg and destinations in western Normandy, consider Poole–Cherbourg or Portsmouth–Cherbourg.
If you’re heading towards Brittany, Plymouth–Roscoff or Portsmouth–Saint-Malo may be worth considering.
For longer European road trips, the UK-to-Spain routes can save you from driving through France and can turn the journey itself into part of your holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brittany Ferries expensive?
Prices vary depending on the route, date, passengers, vehicle, cabin and availability. Booking earlier and comparing dates can help you find better fares.
How long does Brittany Ferries take from the UK to France?
Crossing times vary from around 2½ hours on shorter routes to approximately 9 hours on some longer UK-France services.
Can I take my car on Brittany Ferries?
Yes. Car travel is available on many Brittany Ferries routes, making the service particularly useful for European road trips.
Can I take a dog on Brittany Ferries?
Pets can travel on selected services, subject to the applicable booking options and pet travel requirements.
Do Brittany Ferries have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi availability can vary by ship. Check the facilities listed for your specific sailing before travelling.
Are meals available on Brittany Ferries?
Many vessels have restaurants, cafés or bars, although facilities vary by ship and route.
Do I need a passport to travel from the UK to France?
International travel documentation requirements depend on your nationality and circumstances. Check the latest official requirements before travelling.
Final Thoughts
Brittany Ferries offers a practical way to travel from the UK to France and Spain, particularly if you want to take your own car and avoid the restrictions that can come with flying.
With routes departing from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth, travellers have several options depending on their destination. Shorter crossings can work well for quick trips, while overnight and longer sailings with cabins can be ideal for extended holidays and European road trips.
Prices and timetables can change throughout the year, so it’s always worth comparing different dates, routes and sailing times before booking.
Whether you’re planning a weekend in France, a family road trip through Europe or a longer holiday in Spain, checking the latest Brittany Ferries availability and fares can help you find a journey that suits your budget and itinerary.