Ferry from Poole to St Malo
The Poole – Saint-Malo ferry is one of the more unusual ways to reach France. Instead of sailing directly to Brittany, the route travels via Guernsey, giving the crossing a Channel Islands feel before continuing to Saint-Malo. For travellers in Dorset and parts of southern England, Poole can be a more convenient departure port than Portsmouth. It is not the same cruise-ferry experience as Portsmouth – Saint-Malo, but it is a scenic and distinctive option if the schedule fits your trip.
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 Poole to St Malo
Brittany Ferries operates the Poole – Saint-Malo route via Guernsey, using the fast ferry service associated with the former Condor network. The route is seasonal and less frequent than Portsmouth – Saint-Malo, so it is worth checking sailing dates carefully. Travellers can usually take a car, travel as foot passengers, and use the route as part of a wider Channel Islands and Brittany itinerary.
Map with suggested Poole – St Malo ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Poole to St Malo, 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
Unlike Portsmouth – Saint-Malo, this is not primarily a cruise-ferry experience built around cabins, restaurants and overnight travel. The appeal here is the route itself: sailing via Guernsey before continuing to Brittany.
From Saint-Malo into Brittany and beyond
Saint-Malo is one of Brittany’s best arrival points. The historic walled city is worth exploring in its own right, while Cancale, Dinard and Mont Saint-Michel are all nearby. Rennes provides onward rail and road connections deeper into Brittany and western France, and many travellers choose to spend time in Saint-Malo before continuing further.
By car
This route can work well for drivers based in Dorset, Hampshire or parts of southern England who would rather avoid the drive to Portsmouth. Taking the car also gives you much more flexibility once you arrive in Saint-Malo, especially if you plan to explore Brittany, the coast around Cancale or Mont Saint-Michel. Because the route is seasonal and less frequent, it is best suited to travellers who can plan around the timetable.
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By campervan
Campervan and motorhome travellers should compare this route carefully with Portsmouth – Saint-Malo. Poole may be more convenient if you are starting in Dorset or the south-west, but fast-ferry services can have more limited vehicle capacity and may be less comfortable for larger vehicles than the main cruise-ferry routes. If you do arrive in Saint-Malo with a camper, avoid driving into the historic walled centre where streets are narrow and parking is limited.
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.