Ferry to La Rochelle

About the ferries to La Rochelle from the UK 

La Rochelle and its surrounding region are popular destinations for UK holidaymakers, especially during the summer months. The nearby islands, such as Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron, are also worth exploring, offering sandy beaches, charming villages, and scenic cycling routes.

If you plan to travel to La Rochelle with your vehicle, taking a ferry is usually the best option. While it would be convenient, there is no direct ferry route from the UK or Ireland to La Rochelle. However, there are plenty of options to cross the Channel, with ferries that will take you a significant part of the way. You’ll typically need to drive between 320 km and 500 km from your arrival port to reach La Rochelle.

Popular ferry routes

Here are some of the most popular ferry routes from the UK to northern France, along with the approximate distances to La Rochelle:

• Portsmouth to St Malo: 320 km (approximately 3:30 hours driving)
• Poole to Cherbourg: 430 km (approximately 4:30 hours driving)
• Plymouth to Roscoff: 455 km (approximately 4:40 hours driving)
• Portsmouth to Caen: 380 km (approximately 4:00 hours driving)
• Newhaven to Dieppe: 500 km (approximately 5:00 hours driving)

Depending on the route, ferry crossing times range from 6 to 12 hours. Some ferries also offer overnight crossings, allowing you to rest and start the drive refreshed.

Driving distances and travel times

Once you arrive in France, the driving distances to La Rochelle depend on the port of entry. Taking toll roads (autoroutes) can save you time, but expect to pay between €30 and €50 in tolls for a one-way trip. If you prefer to avoid toll roads, alternative routes are available, though these usually take longer.

Recommended stopovers

During your journey to La Rochelle, several towns and cities are worth stopping at, such as Nantes, Rennes, or Angers. These locations combine history, culture, and excellent French cuisine, making your drive more enjoyable.

The channel tunnel alternative

The Channel Tunnel is another option for crossing into France, which takes only 35 minutes. This is ideal if you live in southern England and prefer a faster connection to France. However, it’s worth noting that the tunnel is relatively expensive and less convenient for reaching La Rochelle, as it adds significant distance to the route.