Alternative Channel Ferry Routes with Brittany Ferries
Travel Advice
29 June 2026
Alternative Channel Ferry Routes with Brittany Ferries
While the Dover to Calais ferry is still the most popular way to cross the Channel, it's not your only option. Whether you're looking for better onward connections or simply want a quieter start to your holiday, there are plenty of UK to France ferry routes to choose from with Brittany Ferries.
In this guide, we'll look at eight alternative ferry routes to France, highlighting what makes each one worth considering for your next holiday.
Contents
Plymouth to Roscoff
The Plymouth to Roscoff ferry crossing with Brittany Ferries is the westernmost ferry route from England to France, connecting the southwest English coast with the dramatic shores of Brittany. This is a popular route for anyone heading from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Bristol.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 hours (overnight) | 6 | Brittany Ferries | £36 |
Why choose the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff:
If you're travelling from the South West of England, sailing from Plymouth means you can skip the long drive across the country to Dover. Most crossings are overnight, so you can board in the evening, enjoy a good night's sleep on board, and wake up in France feeling refreshed and ready to continue your journey. It also saves paying for a night's accommodation before you travel.
Roscoff is the gateway to Brittany's wild Atlantic coast, and the route provides excellent access to the Finistère region, including the picturesque towns of Quimper, Concarneau, and the spectacular Pointe du Raz. The port facilities are modern and comfortable, with quality cabins and dining options available. For those exploring Brittany's megalithic sites and charming harbours, this is the most convenient route.
Plymouth to St Malo
The Plymouth to St Malo ferry is another crossing operated by Brittany Ferries. Although it’s one of the longer routes between England and France, it drops you at arguably one of the most iconic destinations in Northern France—the walled city of Saint-Malo.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 hours and 15 minutes (overnight) | 1 | Brittany Ferries | £54 |
Why choose the ferry from Plymouth to St Malo:
St Malo is one of Brittany's most popular destinations, famous for its medieval walled city perched on a tidal island. Arriving here means you can step straight into the heart of the city, without the need for extra travel from Roscoff.
The city is an ideal base for exploring the Côte d'Émeraude (Emerald Coast), with stunning beaches like Dinard visible across the water. St Malo is also convenient for day trips to Mont-Saint-Michel (under an hour away), Rennes, and the Dordogne region. The crossing itself is a relaxing way to travel, giving you time to unwind before you arrive. It's a convenient choice if you're planning to combine time on Brittany's beaches with exploring its historic towns and villages.
Poole to Cherbourg
The Poole to Cherbourg ferry with Brittany Ferries offers a great middle-ground crossing, connecting the Dorset coast with the Norman peninsula. This route has gained popularity over recent years as travellers look for convenient alternatives to the more popular Channel crossings.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 hours and 45 minutes | 7 | Brittany Ferries | £24 |
Why choose the ferry from Poole to Cherbourg:
Poole is exceptionally well-connected to southern England, with the A35 and A31 providing quick access from Hampshire, Surrey, and beyond. The crossing time is significantly shorter than western routes, yet longer than Dover, striking the perfect balance for many travellers.
Cherbourg is a renowned port city with excellent infrastructure and serves as the main gateway to the Cotentin Peninsula and Normandy's northern coast. From Cherbourg, you can drive to the D-Day beaches in just 40 minutes and Mont-Saint-Michel in 90 minutes, You can also easily reach the Norman triangle of cultural sites by car. The journey avoids the congestion of Dover Port whilst offering substantially shorter crossing times than Plymouth routes.
Poole to St Malo
The Poole to St Malo ferry service extends Brittany Ferries' reach further down the Dorset coast. It’s a longer crossing than Cherbourg, but takes you straight into the heart of St Malo, one of France’s most popular destinations.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 hours | 4 | Brittany Ferries | £59 |
Why choose the ferry from Poole to St Malo:
This route combines the accessibility of Poole with the destination appeal of St Malo. The crossing time is manageable as a day journey, typically departing late morning and arriving in the evening, or can be scheduled for overnight travel depending on the season.
For those who live in southern England and are planning a holiday to Brittany, this route eliminates the need to cross Normandy once you've arrived. St Malo's proximity to Mont-Saint-Michel, the Emerald Coast beaches, and its own medieval attractions make this an exceptionally convenient crossing. The route is a great choice if you want to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing.
Portsmouth to Caen
The Portsmouth to Caen ferry is a popular route available with Brittany Ferries, offering a convenient overnight crossing of around 6 hours with multiple daily sailings. This route is perfect for anyone seeking a direct and comfortable way to travel from southern England to northern France, with onboard cabins, dining options, and space for vehicles on board.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 hours | 19 | Brittany Ferries | £24 |
Why choose the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen:
This Brittany Ferries route offers easy access from London and the southeast of England via the M3 and M27, making it one of the most convenient UK departure ports. Arriving in Caen (Ouistreham) places you close to key Normandy highlights, including the D-Day landing beaches, the Caen Memorial Museum, Bayeux, Honfleur, and Étretat. The region is also well known for its cider routes and scenic countryside in the Pays d’Auge. With a comfortable crossing time, modern port facilities, and good onward road connections, this ferry route is ideal for exploring Normandy.
Portsmouth to Cherbourg
The Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry offers a direct crossing, connecting southern England with the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy. This route is ideal for travellers seeking flexible sailing times, vehicle transport, and a convenient starting point for exploring western Normandy and Brittany.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 hours and 30 minutes | 2 | Brittany Ferries | £41 |
Why choose the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg:
Portsmouth's strategic position makes it ideal for reaching Cherbourg, one of France's major Atlantic ports. Departing from Portsmouth provides easy motorway access from London and the southeastern regions of England, while Cherbourg serves as a major gateway to the Cotentin Peninsula and western Normandy.
From there, drivers can quickly reach the D-Day landing beaches, scenic coastal routes, and traditional fishing villages, as well as connect onward to Brittany or the Channel Islands. With multiple sailing options throughout the year, vehicle transport, and strong onward links, this route is perfect for flexible travel to northern France.
Portsmouth to Le Havre
The Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry is another great alternative to the more popular Channel routes. Although it's much longer than the Dover to Calais ferry or the Dover to Dunkirk ferry, this route from Portsmouth acts as the eastern gateway to Normandy, offering direct access to its largest port and providing good onward connections across France.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 hours and 30 minutes | 7 | Brittany Ferries | £24 |
Why choose the ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre:
Le Havre is Normandy’s main commercial port, with a modern ferry terminal and convenient onward connections. Located just 2 hours from Paris via direct motorway, it's one of the fastest routes from the UK to the French capital.
The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique modernist architecture. It's also located around a 30-minute drive from many notable highlights like Honfleur and Étretat. With plenty of crossing options and easy access to the Seine Valley and Disneyland, Le Havre is an ideal destination for both city breaks and wider travel across France.
Newhaven to Dieppe
The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry route with DFDS is one of Europe's most established ferry crossings, with a history spanning over 150 years. This crossing remains a popular choice for those wanting to avoid the congestion of Dover whilst accessing Normandy and beyond.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Prices From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | 16 | DFDS Seaways | £32 |
Why choose the ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe:
Newhaven offers a surprisingly accessible location just south of London, with the A27 providing direct access from the Midlands and beyond. The port town itself is less congested than Dover, meaning shorter check-in times and less stress.
As for Dieppe, it's an underrated Norman gem with excellent road connections to many parts of France. You can reach Paris in around 2 hours and 30 minutes, whilst the Côte d'Albâtre beaches and Normandy’s D-Day beaches are also within easy reach. For those visiting the north of Normandy or Picardy, this crossing saves considerable driving time than if you were to sail from Dover. The journey is scenic too, offering beautiful views of the English coast and the dramatic Normandy cliffs.
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Book Your Ferry to France
Although Dover to Calais is the most popular route, choosing quieter alternatives from ports like Portsmouth or Newhaven can offer a far more relaxed and efficient start to your journey. With fewer crowds, smoother boarding, and direct access to regions like Normandy and Brittany, these routes often save time once you arrive.
Whether you prefer an overnight sailing with a cabin or a shorter daytime crossing, exploring alternative ferry routes can mean less stress and a more enjoyable way to begin your trip to France. Book your tickets today with Brittany Ferries and sail to France in style.