Brittany.co.uk is independent of Brittany Ferries. Our aim is to help UK travellers decide which sailing actually works best for their holiday, then check current availability and prices with the operator. Timetables, fares, ships and onboard arrangements can change, so always confirm the details shown on your booking.
ROUTES
Which Brittany Ferries route should you take?
If your holiday is in Brittany, the two direct routes deserve to be compared first. Portsmouth–Saint-Malo puts you straight into the north-east of the region and is especially useful for Saint-Malo, Dinan and onward travel towards southern Brittany. Plymouth–Roscoff is the natural gateway to Finistère and western Brittany.
Brittany Ferries also operates routes from Portsmouth to Normandy ports including Caen, Cherbourg and Le Havre. Arriving outside Brittany can still produce the better door-to-door journey if the UK port, sailing time or availability works substantially better for you.
DIRECT CROSSINGS
Portsmouth–Saint-Malo or Plymouth–Roscoff?
Brittany Ferries currently describes Portsmouth–Saint-Malo outward sailings as overnight most days, averaging about 11 hours. The return is commonly a daytime crossing. The Saint-Malo hybrid ship operates the route and offers a broad range of accommodation.
Plymouth–Roscoff currently has day and overnight departures on most days in season. Brittany Ferries lists overnight crossings at roughly 8–11 hours and a selected Friday daytime crossing at about 5 hours 15 minutes. Winter schedules can differ, so date-specific checking is essential.
CABINS
Do you need a cabin?
On a long overnight sailing, we would normally treat a cabin as part of the journey rather than an optional luxury. The ability to sleep properly can transform how useful an overnight ferry is, particularly if you have a significant onward drive after arrival.
Cabin ranges vary by ship. Current Brittany Ferries accommodation includes standard cabins plus higher grades and specialist options on some ships, including pet-friendly, accessible and allergy-friendly cabins. Book early when a particular cabin type matters to you.
PETS
Taking a dog or other pet
Pet arrangements need to be part of the route decision before you book. Brittany Ferries says pets may travel in the vehicle, a kennel or a pet-friendly cabin, but the options depend on the ship and route and space can be limited, particularly in summer.
Dogs must be on a lead and muzzled when outside the vehicle or their designated pet accommodation, subject to assistance-dog exceptions. You also need to meet the legal documentation, microchip, rabies and return-to-UK requirements.
BOOKING
When should you book Brittany Ferries?
There is no magic date that guarantees the cheapest fare. The stronger reason to book early is often choice: popular travel dates, convenient sailing times and specific cabin or pet accommodation can become constrained.
If your dates are flexible, compare nearby departures and consider the total cost of the trip rather than the ferry fare alone. An overnight cabin may replace a hotel; a cheaper eastern Channel crossing may add substantial fuel, charging and road time.
CLUB VOYAGE
Is Club Voyage worth considering?
Club Voyage is Brittany Ferries’ paid travel club for frequent travellers. The operator currently advertises savings of up to 35% on eligible France sailings, alongside cabin and onboard benefits, but exclusions and conditions apply.
Whether membership pays depends on how often you travel and the fares you would otherwise buy. Club Voyage bookings are also relevant to Brittany.co.uk readers because sales made using Club Voyage are not commissionable through our current affiliate programme; our route advice is therefore not designed to push membership either way. Check the operator’s current membership terms before joining.
CHECK-IN & DRIVING
Plan the port as carefully as the crossing
Your ferry departure time is not the time to arrive at the terminal. Build check-in into the itinerary and allow contingency for traffic. Our Route Finder uses a check-in allowance before the scheduled sailing and increases it when travelling with a pet.
The onward drive matters too. Arriving directly in Saint-Malo or Roscoff can save substantial road mileage compared with an eastern Channel crossing, while the easiest UK departure port can pull the calculation the other way.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Does Brittany Ferries sail directly to Brittany?
Yes. Portsmouth to Saint-Malo and Plymouth to Roscoff are the principal direct UK-to-Brittany routes. Schedules vary by date and season.
Which Brittany Ferries route is best for Brittany?
Saint-Malo is generally strongest for eastern Brittany and Roscoff for western Brittany, but your UK starting point and final destination can make a Normandy route competitive.
Do I need a cabin on Brittany Ferries?
It depends on the sailing. For a long overnight crossing, a cabin can make the journey much more restful. Cabin availability and types vary by ship and sailing.
Can I take my dog on Brittany Ferries?
Yes on eligible sailings, subject to pet travel rules and availability. Accommodation may be in your vehicle, a kennel or a pet-friendly cabin depending on ship and route.
Is Brittany.co.uk part of Brittany Ferries?
No. Brittany.co.uk is an independent UK travel guide. We may earn a commission from eligible bookings made through affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Where should I check current Brittany Ferries prices and times?
Use Brittany.co.uk to compare the journey and route, then confirm the current timetable, availability, fare and booking conditions directly with Brittany Ferries.