The Cheapest Times of Year to Book Brittany Ferries for Your Trip

Looking to save money on your ferry crossing to France? You can book Brittany Ferries at the right time can save you hundreds of pounds. 

Many people don’t know that ferry prices change a lot throughout the year, and getting the timing right makes a huge difference to your wallet.

Off-Peak Season Benefits (October to March)

If you want to save serious money on your ferry travel, you’ll love what the quieter months have to offer.

Autumn and winter months offer the best deals on Brittany Ferries crossings. From October through March, you can often find tickets at half the price of peak summer rates. 

The biggest savings usually come in January and February, when fewer people travel. During these months, you can book a car and up to four passengers for as little as £150 each way on shorter routes like Portsmouth to Caen.

The sweet spot for winter bookings is usually three to four months ahead. This gives you plenty of time to plan while still getting the best rates. 

November crossings are particularly good value, as the weather is still mild but prices drop significantly after the October half-term rush.

Early Birds for the Best Summer Deals

Summer may be busy and pricey, but there are still ways to grab some great deals if you know when to look.

If you need to travel in summer, booking early is key. Brittany Ferries usually releases its summer schedules in September or October of the previous year. 

The first few weeks after release often have special early booking offers, with savings of up to 30% on peak season fares.

Summer weekend crossings sell out fastest and cost the most. If you can travel midweek, you’ll find much better rates. 

Tuesday and Wednesday sailings typically offer the lowest summer fares, sometimes £100 less than weekend crossings.

Best Monthly Breakdown for Bookings

Here’s a simple month-by-month guide to help you understand exactly when you can find the best prices.

1. January and February

The lowest fares of the year appear in these months. Night crossings are especially good value, often priced 20% lower than daytime sailings. 

The Portsmouth to St Malo route usually offers the best winter deals, as it’s less busy with freight traffic.

2. March and April

Prices start climbing but remain reasonable. Easter is a notable exception when fares spike due to school holidays. 

Booking at least four months ahead for Easter travel helps avoid the highest rates.

3. May and June

The shoulder season brings moderate prices but book early for the May bank holidays. Late June sees prices rise as summer approaches. 

Morning crossings tend to be cheaper than afternoon ones during these months.

4. July and August

Peak season means peak prices. However, you can still find deals on less popular routes like Plymouth to Roscoff. 

These months require booking at least six months ahead for the best rates, especially if you want a cabin.

5. September

An excellent month for last-minute deals. As summer crowds thin out, Brittany Ferries often runs special offers to fill ships. 

Keep an eye on their website during August for September sailing promotions.

Money-Saving Booking Strategies

Getting the best deal isn’t just about when you travel, it’s also about knowing a few smart booking tips.

1. Flexible Travel Times

Book your crossing for early morning or late at night. These less popular times often cost up to £100 less than peak daytime sailings. 

Plus, if you can move your travel dates by a day or two, you’ll often find much better prices.

2. Newsletter Signup

Get on Brittany Ferries’ mailing list right away. They send out special deals to their subscribers first, and some of these deals are too good to miss. 

The best part? They love running flash sales on Tuesdays, where you can grab winter crossings at knockdown prices.

3. Club Voyage Membership

If you use the ferry more than once a year, this one’s a no-brainer. Yes, there’s a joining fee, but the 30% discount on most sailings means it quickly pays for itself. 

You’ll also get first dibs on new sailing times and special member-only rates.

4. Day vs Night Sailings

Night crossings tend to be cheaper than day ones. You can often save 20% or more by sailing after dark, and you’ll save on a night’s accommodation too.

5. Book Return Trips Together

Buying a return ticket works out cheaper than two single bookings. The savings can add up to £50 or more, which is worth keeping in mind when planning your trip.

6. Compare Different Ports

Sometimes, driving an extra hour to catch your ferry from a different port can save you money. 

For example, Plymouth routes often cost less than Portsmouth ones when you’re heading to western France.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Before you click that ‘book now’ button, there are some extra costs you should know about.

1. Cabin Prices 

This changes with the seasons too. In summer, book a cabin right away as they sell out quickly. In winter, you can often wait until closer to the sailing date for cabin deals. 

Some night crossings require cabin booking, so factor this into your total cost.

2. Vehicle Pricing

Car size affects pricing. Vehicles over 1.85 meters high count as high vehicles and cost more. 

If you’re bringing a roof box, check if it puts you in the higher price bracket. Sometimes removing it saves money.

Special Offers Throughout the Year

Good news: Brittany Ferries runs regular promotions that can help you save even more money. These include:

• Kids travel free promotions during school holidays.
• Multi-trip discounts for people making several crossings.
• Short break deals that combine ferry travel with hotel stays.
• Last-minute availability offers, especially in quiet periods.

Making the Most of Your Booking

Once you’re ready to book, these simple tips will help you get the best value for your money.

• Book your return journey at the same time as your outward trip. Return fares booked together usually work out cheaper than two single tickets. 
• If you’re traveling with friends, booking multiple vehicles together can qualify for group discounts.
• Check different ports for better deals. Sometimes driving a bit further to another departure port saves more than the extra fuel costs. 

The Plymouth routes often have better prices than Portsmouth when heading to western France.

Planning Ahead

Knowing when to book your Brittany Ferries crossing makes a big difference to your travel budget. 

The key is planning ahead and being flexible with your travel dates when possible. 

Most importantly, remember that the earliest bookers usually get the best prices, especially for popular summer sailings.