Ferries from the UK to Brittany
Brittany is one of the easiest regions of France to reach by ferry from the UK. Unlike destinations further south, there are several crossings that arrive directly in the region itself, reducing the amount of driving required after arrival. For most travellers, the main choices are Portsmouth-Saint-Malo, Plymouth-Roscoff and Portsmouth-Caen. The first two arrive in Brittany, while Caen offers an alternative for travellers heading to eastern Brittany.
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 the UK to Brittany
The ferry routes to Brittany are operated by Brittany Ferries. The company offers direct crossings to Saint-Malo and Roscoff, as well as nearby arrivals in Normandy such as Caen and Cherbourg. Depending on the route, travellers can choose between daytime sailings, overnight crossings and longer journeys with private cabins.
Map with suggested the UK – Brittany ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from England to Brittany, 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
Depending on the vessel, passengers can expect restaurants, cafés, bars, lounges, outdoor decks, shops and children’s play areas. Many sailings also offer private cabins, making overnight crossings particularly popular with families and travellers facing a long onward journey. The exact facilities vary by ship, but the Brittany Ferries vessels serving Saint-Malo and Roscoff generally provide a noticeably more extensive onboard experience than the ships operating on the Dover routes.
Brittany by ferry
- Direct arrivals within Brittany.
- No need to drive across France.
- Popular with campers and cyclists.
- Several daytime and overnight crossings.
By car
One of the main advantages of travelling to Brittany by ferry is the relatively short onward journey after arrival.
| Arrival port | Rennes | Brest | Quimper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Malo | 45 miles / 1h | 150 miles / 3h | 140 miles / 2h 45m |
| Roscoff | 130 miles / 2h 30m | 40 miles / 1h | 70 miles / 1h 30m |
| Caen | 110 miles / 2h | 215 miles / 4h | 205 miles / 3h 45m |
Compare & book
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By campervan
Campsites are plentiful, and many travellers combine the ferry crossing with a tour of the coastline. During summer, vehicle space on Brittany Ferries routes can fill up quickly, so booking ahead is recommended.
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.