Alternative Channel Ferry Routes with Brittany Ferries
Travel Guides
June 25, 2026
Alternative Channel Ferry Routes with Brittany Ferries
While the Dover to Calais ferry remains the most famous channel crossing, travelers are starting to realise that alternative ferry routes offer remarkable advantages. Whether you're seeking better connections to your final destination or simply want a quieter start to your holiday, the southern coastline of the UK provides numerous gateways to France, available with Brittany Ferries.
This guide explores eight alternative ferry routes worth considering for your next trip away, each offering unique convenience factors and charm.
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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 seeking to avoid the congestion of Dover while accessing Normandy and beyond.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Prices From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | 16 | DFDS Seaways | $43 |
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 is an underrated Norman gem with excellent road connections to many parts of France. You can reach Paris in around 2 hours and 30 minutes, the Côte d'Albâtre beaches and Normandy’s D-Day beaches. 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 particularly scenic, offering beautiful views of the English coast and the dramatic Normandy cliffs.
Plymouth to Roscoff
The Plymouth to Roscoff ferry crossing with Brittany Ferries represents the westernmost ferry route from England to France, connecting the southwest English coast with the dramatic shores of Brittany. This is the preferred 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 | $48 |
Why choose the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff: For residents and visitors of southwest England, Plymouth has a noticeable advantage: you don't need to drive across the entire country to Dover. The crossing is an overnight journey, allowing you to depart in the evening and arrive refreshed in France, effectively saving a night's accommodation.
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 harbors, this is the most convenient route.
Alternatively, if you don't mind a longer journey, please read our guide on traveling to Spain with Brittany Ferries. We also recommend reading our guide on the top tips and tricks for international travel.
Plymouth to St Malo
The Plymouth to St Malo ferry is another crossing operated by Brittany Ferries. While it’s one of the longer routes between England and France, it drops you at perhaps the most iconic destination 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 | $73 |
Why choose the ferry from Plymouth to St Malo: St Malo is one of Brittany's crown jewels, best known for its medieval walled city perched on a tidal island. Arriving in St Malo eliminates the need for onward travel from Roscoff, dropping you into one of France's most atmospheric destinations.
The city serves as 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 ferry crossing itself provides an authentic nautical experience, and for those combining a beach holiday with cultural exploration, the convenience factor is exceptional.
To find out more about places you can explore, check out the must-see tourist sites in France.
Poole to Cherbourg
The Poole to Cherbourg ferry with Brittany Ferries offers a superb middle-ground crossing, connecting the Dorset coast with the Norman peninsula. This route has gained popularity over recent years as travelers seek 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 | $32 |
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 travelers.
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 while 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, offering a longer crossing than Cherbourg but landing directly in one of France's most remarkable destinations.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 hours | 4 | Brittany Ferries | $79 |
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 after arrival. 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 particularly appealing for those combining beach holidays with historical exploration, as St Malo literally offers both in abundance.
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, comfortable journey from southern England to northern France, with onboard cabins, dining, and vehicle transport available.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 hours | 19 | Brittany Ferries | $32 |
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 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 travelers 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 | $56 |
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, the crossing represents the eastern gateway from Portsmouth, offering direct access to Normandy's largest port and providing excellent connections throughout France.
| Average Crossing Time | Weekly Sailings | Operator(s) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 hours and 30 minutes | 7 | Brittany Ferries | $32 |
Why choose the ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre: Le Havre is Normandy’s main commercial port, offering a modern ferry terminal and convenient onward connections. Located just 2 hours from Paris via direct motorway, it provides 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, 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.
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.