Brittany Ferries: routes, inspiration and travel tips

Travelling to Europe by ferry offers a relaxing and scenic start to your trip. You can skip airport queues and enjoy perks like bringing your pet or car along too.

Whether you fancy soaking up the sun on Spain’s Mediterranean coastline, sipping world-class wine in the French vineyards or delving into Guernsey’s WWII history, regular ferries from the UK and Ireland make it easier than ever.

One of the main operators on these routes is Brittany Ferries, connecting the UK and Ireland with destinations across France, Spain and the Channel Islands.

Brittany Ferries Routes

With Brittany Ferries, you can travel between the UK, Ireland, Spain, France and the Channel Islands. Not sure where to go? Here’s a quick guide to the routes on offer:

UK - France

From the UK, you can sail to Caen, Cherbourg and Le Havre in Normandy, as well as St Malo and Roscoff in Brittany. From Ireland, ferries to France arrive in Cherbourg and Roscoff.

Ireland to France

UK - Spain

Ferries from the UK take you to either Bilbao or Santander in Northern Spain.

Ireland - Spain

From Ireland, you can also set sail to Bilbao.

UK – Channel Islands

For trips to the Channel Islands, you can get a ferry from Poole or Portsmouth to Guernsey.

Channel Islands

Brittany Ferries also operates services between the Channel Islands, making it easy to travel from Guernsey to Jersey too.

Channel Islands - France

Fancy extending your trip? From the Channel Islands, you can also go on to explore France.

Travel inspiration

France

Ferries arrive into northern France, in the regions of Brittany and Normandy. Brittany is home to historic towns like Saint-Malo and Dinan, where half-timbered houses and charming cobblestone streets take you back in time. You can read more about the most beautiful medieval towns in France on our blog.

The region's dramatic coastline is also a highlight, dotted with hidden coves and picturesque walking trails. Normandy is just as beautiful, known for landmarks like Mont Saint-Michel, the D-Day landing beaches and medieval towns such as Bayeux and Rouen.

From both regions, you can easily continue on to Paris or explore further afield, from the vibrant lavender fields of Provence to the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps.

Spain

Santander and Bilbao lie on Spain's northern coastline and make a great starting point for exploring more of the country. Santander is known for its endless sandy stretches and laid-back atmosphere, whilst modern Bilbao is packed with culture, featuring famous sights like the Guggenheim Museum. 

Just a short distance away, you'll find destinations such as San Sebastian, known for its mouth-watering pintxos, and the Rioja wine region with its beautiful vineyards. Further south, you can also reach larger cities by car or public transport, such as Madrid, with its world-class museums, and Barcelona, home to iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia.

Channel Islands

You can also travel with Brittany Ferries to Guernsey, the second largest of the Channel Islands. Known for its rich history, here you'll find German bunkers and museums that offer insight into the island's role during World War II. Beyond its past, Guernsey's natural beauty is a highlight - especially its coastline, with sandy bays, dramatic coves and cliffside paths perfect for scenic strolls. From Guernsey, you can also go on to visit Jersey, with its stunning beaches, historic sights and delicious culinary scene.

Travel tips and advice

Documents

Make sure you bring all necessary travel documents with you, such as your passport and travel insurance. The EES border system has also come into effect, so it’s worth reading up on this before you travel. For more information, check out our guide to new rules and requirements for travelling to Europe.

Travelling with pets

Fancy bringing your pet along too? The good news is, Brittany Ferries allow pets on all their routes! There are however a few rules that apply. Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated, and have the necessary documentation, such as a pet passport or animal health certificate. On board, your pet can either stay in your vehicle, in a kennel or a pet-friendly cabin. Read our guide on ferry travel with pets to find out everything you need to know.

Check-in times

Allow plenty of time to reach the port for a smooth check-in. Approximate check-in times are shown below, although we’d always recommend checking your confirmation email before you travel travel:

• Travelling with a vehicle or on foot: 45 minutes
• Travelling with pets: 90 minutes
• Reduced mobility travellers: 60 minutes

Packing

If you’re travelling with a vehicle, you may not be able to access it during the crossing, so make sure you bring a carry-on bag with all your essentials. Some of our packing must-haves include:

• Chargers
• Adapters
• Warm, comfortable clothing
• Travel pillow
• Snacks
• Books, tablets or headphones
• Seasickness tablets/paracetamol

Onboard experience

Travelling with Brittany Ferries makes the journey all part of the experience. You can pass the time by tucking into French cuisine in one of the onboard restaurants, browsing duty-free shops, watching movies in the cinema or just relaxing in a quiet lounge with sea views. For families, children’s clubs and play areas are also available to keep the little ones entertained.

Ready for your next adventure? Whether Spain's tapas scene takes your fancy or Guernsey's rich history appeals more, there are plenty of routes to choose from. Compare crossings and book your ferry today at Direct Ferries. Don't forget to check out our blog and Instagram for more travel inspiration.