Ferries Plymouth

When planning your trip on the ferry from Plymouth on Ferryhopper, you can take advantage of fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. Generally, infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free, while children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices.

Brittany Ferries serves the ferry routes from Plymouth to Roscoff in France and Santander in Spain seasonally, usually from March to the end of October.

Plymouth to France

You can travel to France on the Plymouth - Roscoff ferry from April to November, with 1-2 daily crossings, 6 days a week. The journey takes 5 hr 15 min to 9.5 hr and ferry ticket prices start at about € 44.

Plymouth to Spain

The Plymouth - Santander ferry to Spain is operated from March to November with 2 weekly crossings. The ferry trip normally takes 20-21.5 hr and tickets are priced from € 170.

Brittany Ferries serves routes from Plymouth to Roscoff in France and Santander in Spain.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry from Plymouth?

When traveling with Brittany Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight.

The duration of the ferry trip from Plymouth ranges from 5 hr 15 min to 21.5 hr, depending on your destination. Here are indicative travel times for each route:

• Plymouth - Roscoff: from 5 hr 15 min to 9 hr 30 min
• Plymouth - Santander: from 20 hr to 21 hr 30 min

Which is the fastest route from Plymouth?

The fastest route is from Plymouth to Roscoff in France, with the journey taking as little as 5 hr 15 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route from Plymouth?

The cheapest route is usually Plymouth - Roscoff, with ticket prices starting from € 44. By comparison, fares to Santander start at approximately € 44.

Prices vary depending on the season, vessel, accommodation, vehicle type and availability. Booking early is recommended for summer crossings, particularly if you need a cabin or vehicle space.

Which destination should I choose?

Choose your destination according to your travel plans:

• Roscoff is best for travelling to Brittany and western France. It offers the shortest and cheapest crossings, with sailings on most days during the high season.
• Santander is a convenient choice for northern Spain, the Pyrenees and destinations further south. The crossing takes around 20-21.5 hr and normally runs 1-2 times a week, but it can save a long drive through France.

What other factors should I consider?

Keep the following points in mind when planning your trip:

• Seasonality: the Plymouth - Roscoff route usually operates from April to November, while Plymouth - Santander normally runs from March to November. Services may be less frequent near the beginning and end of the season.
• Travel time and comfort: there are no high-speed ferries on these routes. Roscoff is considerably faster, while the overnight Santander crossing offers cabins and reclining seats for the longer journey.
• Departure times: Roscoff has daytime and overnight sailings on selected dates. Santander generally has only 1-2 weekly departures, so its timetable may determine your travel dates.
• Vehicles: both routes have car decks, but vehicle places can sell out during the summer. Book early if you are taking a car, caravan, motorhome or motorcycle.
• Luggage and pets: check the operator’s latest luggage and pet rules before booking. Pet accommodation can vary by vessel and may include kennels, pet-friendly cabins or travel in your vehicle.

How much does it cost to bring my car from Plymouth?

The cost of transporting a vehicle depends on the route, type (car, motorcycle, caravan, etc) and your travel dates. Indicatively, prices start at about €65 to transport a car, €15 for a motorbike and €140 for a caravan.

Can I take my caravan on the ferry from Plymouth?

Yes, the conventional ferries operating from Plymouth have car decks suitable for transporting vehicles including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, caravans and motorhomes.

What documents do I need for my car?

If you are travelling by ferry from Plymouth with a vehicle,you will need to bring

• Your valid driving licence
• The vehicle’s V5C registration certificate
• Proof of motor insurance

If you are travelling with a hired or leased vehicle, you will also need written authorisation, such as a VE103 certificate.

Brittany Ferries serves the routes from Plymouth with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Armorique and Pont-Aven, designed for long-distance travel. On board, you will find air-conditioned lounges, spacious outer decks with sea views, restaurants, cafés and bars, family-friendly entertainment, duty-free shops and kiosks, as well as pet facilities and car decks.

On the longer routes to Spain, you may also find wellness facilities for spa, massage and beauty treatments, and an indoor swimming pool with a leisure area.

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, when travelling on the ferry from Plymouth, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers. Depending on the ferry, you can choose from:

• Standard inside and outside cabins
• Deluxe cabins and suites with a double bed, extra amenities and a sea view
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins feature a desk, toiletries, and an ensuite bathroom.

How much is a cabin on the ferry?

Prices for cabins on the ferry from Plymouth start at around €90. The final cost depends on the type of cabin, route and travel dates.

What type of seats can I book?

On the ferry from Plymouth, you can typically book numbered reclining seats. These airplane-style seats are in an air-conditioned lounge and ideal for stretching out during the trip.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, on the routes from Plymouth, you can book a deluxe cabin from the Commodore Suites. These premium cabins on Brittany Ferries vessels typically have extra room, a double bed and additional amenities and services such as a TV, Wi-Fi access, tea- and coffee-making facilities, complimentary breakfast and access to the exclusive C-Club Lounge.

Accessibility

The ferries from Plymouth are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts to move between decks, adapted seating and amenities in common areas, as well as wheelchair accessible cabins with adapted amenities.

Brittany Ferries also offers boarding assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the operator at the time of booking for further details.

Can you take pets on the ferry from Plymouth?

Yes, pets are welcome on the ferry from Plymouth, provided you include them in your booking. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead. The ferries have designated walking areas, however, pets are not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or dining areas.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

When travelling with Brittany Ferries from Plymouth, your pet can either stay in a pet-friendly cabin or in the onboard kennels. On the shorter crossing from Plymouth to Roscoff, you also have the option of keeping your pet in your vehicle.

If you opt to leave your pet in your vehicle, it is recommended that you leave a window slightly open for ventilation.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, Brittany Ferries offers a Wi-Fi service on its ferries from Portsmouth, with a range of data bundles available to suit your needs.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, on all ferries you will find children’s play areas, cinema and TV lounges, disco clubs and video game areas. The ferries from Plymouth to Santander tend to have a wider range of onboard entertainment options, such as music performances and whale and dolphin watching with wildlife officers.

What documents do I need?

On the ferry from Plymouth to France and Spain, you will be crossing the international border between the UK and the EU, so you will need a valid passport. Depending on your nationality and the length or purpose of your stay, you may also need a visa.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets from Plymouth on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Plymouth as your port of departure, along with your destination and travel dates
2. Add passengers, pets and vehicles
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices
4. Complete your booking securely online

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper allows you to manage your booking, check updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

Ferries to Roscoff and Santander depart from Plymouth International Port at Millbay Docks. If you are travelling on foot or with a vehicle, you should normally check in at least 1 hr before departure. If you are travelling with a pet, arrive at least 1.5 hr before departure so there is enough time to check the animal’s documentation.

At check-in, you will need to present your booking reference or travel document and valid passport. Vehicle passengers should remain in the assigned lane and follow the port team’s boarding instructions. Foot passengers usually wait in the terminal lounge until boarding begins.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

With Brittany Ferries, you can book your Plymouth ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

Plymouth is a waterfront city in Devon, on the southern shores of England, with a strong maritime heritage. Among the city’s main attractions are the historic Barbican, Sutton Harbour, the National Marine Aquarium and Plymouth Hoe, which offers views across Plymouth Sound. The city is also an excellent starting point for exploring Dartmoor and the beaches of South Devon and Cornwall.

For more information on things to see and do, take a look at our Plymouth travel guide.

Best time to book

The ferry routes from Plymouth to France and Spain operate seasonally, so it’s recommended to book 2-3 months in advance. If you are travelling during the peak summer months, major holidays, weekends or with a vehicle, it’s best to book even earlier, since cabins, pet-friendly accommodation and car deck spaces are limited and often sell out.

During quieter periods, in spring and autumn, you may find availability a few weeks before departure, although the Plymouth routes may become less frequent outside summer.

Keep in mind that Brittany Ferries usually offers early bird tickets on selected sailings and that fares depend on availability, so last-minute bookings are not always the cheapest choice.

Arrival

For a relaxed start to your ferry trip from Portsmouth, you should aim to arrive at the port at least 1 hr before departure as a foot passenger and around 1.5 hr in advance when travelling with a vehicle or pet, particularly during the summer.

Allow additional time for traffic, passport control and vehicle queues. Always follow the check-in deadline in your booking confirmation, as it may vary by sailing.

Additional travel tips

• The English Channel and Bay of Biscay can be choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking suitable seasickness medication before the crossing.
• For a more comfortable journey on overnight sailings to Roscoff, book a cabin. On the longer Plymouth - Santander crossing, booking a cabin or reclining seat is required.
• Keep essential items with you, as access to the vehicle deck is normally restricted while the ferry is at sea.
• If you are travelling with a pet, reserve your pet accommodation as soon as possible and arrive early to go through the pet reception at the port during check-in.

Where is Plymouth's port?

The Plymouth International Port is Millbay Docks, the city’s main terminal for international ferry services to Spain and France. The port is around 1.5 km from the city centre and the coach station on Armada Way, while the Plymouth railway station is about 3 km away.

At the ferry terminal, you will find basic traveller amenities, such as vending machines, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, an information desk and waiting areas. Cafés, shops, hotels and restaurants can be found around the Millbay area and the nearby city centre.

How to get to Plymouth port

• By car: from Exeter and the north, follow the A38 towards Plymouth, leave at the A374 and follow the signs for the Continental Ferry Port.
• By bus: Plymouth Citybus route 34 connects Royal Parade in the city centre with Millbay Road, stopping at Caroline Place, a short walk from the port entrance. There is no direct public bus from Plymouth railway station to the ferry terminal.
• By train: you can reach the port by taxi in around 5-10 min or walk in approximately 30-35 min.
• By coach: National coach services arrive at the Plymouth Coach Station and from there you can get to the port in 5-10 min by taxi or 25 min on foot.
• By taxi: taxis are readily available in the city centre, with the ride from the railway station and many central locations taking 5-10 min, depending on traffic.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Plymouth, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.