Ferries from Bournemouth to France
Although there are currently no ferries from Bournemouth itself to France, the town is ideally located for several ferry ports on England’s south coast. Portsmouth is less than an hour away and offers the widest choice of routes, while Poole provides a direct crossing to Cherbourg. Depending on where in France you are heading, you can choose between short crossings to Normandy or longer sailings to Brittany and beyond.
Routes
Our experience
We sailed from Saint-Malo to Portsmouth with Brittany Ferries as a family, and this day crossing felt much more like part of the holiday than just transport. Saint-Malo is a brilliant place to leave from, the views on departure are beautiful, and there was enough on board to keep the children busy during the crossing. It is not the fastest way to England, but if you are travelling from Brittany or western France, it is a relaxed and very logical route Between the UK and France.
Ferry services from Bournemouth to France
Brittany Ferries is the main operator for travellers departing from Bournemouth, with routes from nearby Poole and Portsmouth to several destinations in France.
Map with suggested Bournemouth – France ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Bournemouth to France, with crossing times, fares and the ports they sail from. Tap a route for details, tap a port for its sailings, or zoom in for more.
Onboard experience
The Poole-Cherbourg route is one of the shortest sailings to France from southern England. Ships on this route typically offer restaurants, lounges, bars and outdoor deck space, making it a comfortable crossing without spending a full day at sea. Portsmouth-Caen The Portsmouth-Caen route is operated by larger ferries with a wider range of onboard facilities. Depending on the sailing, you may find restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and private cabins. The longer crossing time makes cabins particularly attractive on overnight departures. Portsmouth → Saint-Malo This is one of Brittany Ferries’ flagship routes and is often operated by some of the company’s larger cruise ferries. On board you’ll typically find multiple dining options, bars, lounges, shops and cabins. Many travellers choose this route because the ferry itself becomes part of the holiday experience.
From the arrival port to your destination
Where you arrive in France will largely determine your onward journey. Cherbourg and Caen are good options for Normandy and western France, while Saint-Malo is often preferred for Brittany. Travellers heading further south may benefit from the longer sailings to Spain, which reduce the amount of driving required on the continent.
By car
All ferry routes accept cars and motorcycles. Portsmouth generally offers the greatest choice of routes and sailing times, while Poole provides one of the shortest drives from Bournemouth.
| Departure port | Distance from Bournemouth | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Poole | 6 miles | 15 min |
| Portsmouth | 35 miles | 50 min |
| Newhaven | 105 miles | 2h 15m |
| Dover | 165 miles | 3h |
Compare & book
Pick your route to see live times and prices.
Compare prices →
We send you to the ferry operator or price comparison
By campervan
Motorhome spaces can sell out well in advance during summer, particularly on Brittany Ferries sailings. Early booking is recommended, especially for longer routes to Brittany.
Still weighing up your options?
We have crossed the Channel to France more times than we can count, on most of the routes and with most of the operators. Tell us where you are starting and we will point you to the smartest way across.