Ferries Poole

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

Ferry from Poole to the Channel Islands

Poole - Jersey

You can travel by ferry from Poole to Jersey seasonally, typically from April to the end of September, with 2-5 weekly crossings. The journey with the high-speed catamarans operated by DFDS takes 4.5 hr and ferry ticket prices start at around € 46.4.

Ferry from Poole to France

Poole - Cherbourg

The Poole - Cherbourg ferry route is operated year-round by Brittany Ferries, with 7 weekly crossings. The journey on the conventional cruise ferries usually takes 4 hr 45 min and ticket prices start from about € 44.

There are 2 companies serving the ferry routes from Poole:

• Brittany Ferries operates the international ferry route from England to Cherbourg in France with a fleet of conventional cruise ferries.
• DFDS serves the ferry connection from Poole to Jersey in the Channel Islands with high-speed catamarans.

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

Each ferry operator has its own luggage policy:

• When traveling with Brittany Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight.
• On DFDS ferries, you are allowed to bring up to 50 kg of luggage.

The duration of the ferry trip ranges from 4 hr 30 min to 4 hr 45 min, depending on your destination. Here are indicative travel times for each ferry from Poole:

• Poole - Jersey: about 4 hr 30 min
• Poole - Cherbourg: around 4 hr 45 min

Which is the fastest route from Poole?

The fastest route to the Channel Islands is Poole - Jersey, with crossings taking around 4.5 hr. If you are headed for France, the Poole - Cherbourg ferry takes 4 hr 45 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route from Poole?

The cheapest route is usually Poole - Cherbourg, with foot-passenger tickets starting at around € 44. Fares vary depending on the season, vessel type and availability, so booking early is recommended for summer crossings.

Which destination should I choose?

Choose your destination based on your onward travel plans:

• Cherbourg is the better choice for trips to Normandy or continuing through mainland France. The crossing takes around 4 hr 45 min on conventional cruise ferries.
• Jersey is ideal for a Channel Islands break, with the crossing being slightly faster on the high-speed catamarans, taking around 4.5 hr.

Your choice may also depend on sailing frequency and departure times. Check the latest timetable to find the crossing that best fits your plans.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning your ferry trip from Poole, keep the following points in mind:

• Seasonality: the Jersey route generally operates from spring to autumn, while Cherbourg is normally served throughout the year. Frequencies and fares may change between peak and off-peak periods.
• Travel time vs price: Jersey is the faster destination, while Cherbourg usually offers cheaper starting fares.
• Departure times: there is usually 1 crossing per day on each route, so the schedule could influence your choice as much as the journey time.
• Vehicles: ferries on both routes have car decks, but vehicle spaces can sell out quickly during summer. Booking ahead is recommended.
• Luggage and pets: check the operator’s luggage allowance and pet policy before booking, as the rules and available pet facilities vary by vessel.

How much does it cost to bring my car on the ferry from Poole?

The cost depends on the route, vehicle type and travel dates, with prices starting at around €110 to €25 for a car, €40 to €60 for a motorbike and €135 to €200 for a caravan or motorhome.

Important: on busier sailings to Cherbourg some vehicles may be parked in an open area on deck.

Can I take my campervan on the ferry from Poole?

Yes, the conventional ferries and high-speed catamarans operating from Poole have car decks that can accommodate larger vehicles, such as caravans and motorhomes.

What travel documents do I need for my vehicle?

When travelling on the ferry from Poole with a vehicle, you will need to bring

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

For a hired or leased vehicle, you will also need written authorisation, such as a VE103 certificate.
 

The ferries from Poole to Jersey are equipped with many modern amenities and services for a comfortable journey. On board, you will typically find:

• Seating in air-conditioned lounges and on outer decks
• Cafés and bars
• Family-friendly entertainment, including play areas
• Duty-free shops and kiosks
• Pet-friendly amenities
• Car decks

The conventional cruise ferries travelling to France have a broader range of amenities, such as restaurants and video game areas.

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers on the Poole - Cherbourg ferry. Typically, you have a choice between:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities

All cabins feature a desk, toiletries, and an en-suite bathroom.

Note: there are no cabins on the high-speed catamarans serving the Poole - Jersey route.

How much is a cabin on the ferry?

Prices for a cabin on the Poole - Cherbourg ferry start at around €100. The final price depends on cabin type and travel dates.

What type of seats can you book

On the DFDS catamarans, you can book standard economy seats, as well as premium seats in the business-class lounges. These reclining seats have extra legroom and include complimentary drinks and snacks.

When travelling with Brittany Ferries, you can choose from standard deck/lounge, numbered reclining seats, and premium business-class seats in the C-Club Lounge.

These premium seats are in an exclusive lounge and have extra legroom, a table and USB connectors to keep your devices charged during the trip.

Numbered seats cost from around €58, while starting prices for business-class range from €67 to €87, depending on the route.

Accessibility

The ferries from Poole are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts to move between decks, and adapted amenities in common areas. On the longer routes to France, the ferries also feature a limited number of wheelchair accessible cabins.

Both ferry operators, Brittany Ferries and DFDS, offer boarding assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your ferry is schedule to depart.

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

Can you take pets on the ferry from Poole?

Yes, pets are generally welcome on the ferries from Poole, provided you include them in your booking.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

The pet accommodation options on the ferries from Poole differ from one company to another

• Brittany Ferries: your pet can stay in your vehicle for the trip to France.
• DFDS: you can either keep your pet with you in the pet-friendly areas onboard, or you can keep it in your vehicle.

Make sure you bring along any pet supplies you may need for the trip and if you leave your pet in your vehicle, leave a window slightly open for ventilation.

What travel documents do I need for my pet?

The pet documents you need to bring depend on your destination:

• France: dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an official vet or valid pet passport issued in the EU or Northern Ireland. The animal must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. Dogs must also receive tapeworm treatment from a vet 1-5 days before returning to England.
• Jersey: pets travelling directly from the UK do not need a pet passport, Animal Health Certificate or specific vaccinations. However, you must include the pet in your ferry booking and comply with DFDS’s transport conditions.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, the ferries from Poole have a Wi-Fi hotspot so you can stay connected during the trip. Brittany Ferries typically offers a range of data bundles to suit your needs, while access on DFDS ferries is usually free.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

On conventional cruise ferries, such as the Barfleur by Brittany Ferries, you will typically find a wide range of entertainment options, which include duty-free shops and games areas, outer decks and a sun deck, and indoor lounges for relaxing during the crossing.

The high-speed catamarans, such as the Levante Jet operated by DFDS, have a more limited range of entertainment options, such as a duty-free Sea Shop, a small Pirate Island children’s play area and panoramic sea views from the passenger lounge.

What travel documents do I need?

On the Poole - Cherbourg ferry you will be crossing the international border between the UK and France, 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.

The Poole-Jersey ferry route is within the Common Travel Area, so you do not normally need a passport, but you must carry an accepted form of photographic identification, such as a passport or driving licence.

How to book ferry tickets

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

1. Select Poole 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

Check-in takes place at the relevant operator desk or vehicle lane at Poole ferry terminal. Keep your booking reference and travel documents ready for inspection.

• Poole - Cherbourg: you should check in at least 1 hr before departure if you are travelling as a foot passenger or with a vehicle and 1.5 hr if you are travelling with a pet.
• Poole - Jersey: vehicle and bicycle check-in closes 1 hr before departure, so you it is recommended to arrive at least 1.5 hr in advance.

If you are travelling on foot, you check in inside the passenger terminal, and if you are bringing your vehicle, follow the signs to your operator’s vehicle lanes. Boarding arrangements may change according to the vessel and port conditions, so follow the crew’s instructions.

Important: allow additional time during summer, at weekends or when travelling with a vehicle, pet or excess luggage.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

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

Poole is a coastal town in Dorset, known for its large natural harbour, sandy beaches and historic Old Town. The popular Sandbanks peninsula lies to the east, while boats connect the town with Brownsea Island and its nature reserve. Poole is also a convenient base for exploring the Jurassic Coast and nearby towns such as Bournemouth and Wareham.

Find information on things to see and do in our Poole travel guide.

Best time to book

The best time to book your Poole ferry tickets depends on when you plan to travel.

• High season: for travel from June to September, booking 2-3 months ahead is recommended. The seasonal high-speed service to Jersey and vehicle spaces on both routes can fill quickly.
• Shoulder season: for crossings in April-May or September-October, booking 3-4 weeks ahead is usually sufficient. Keep in mind though, that the ferries can get busy for major holidays and long weekends.
• Low season: demand is normally lower from November to March, so tickets for available sailings may be booked closer to departure. However, during this period schedules are often reduced and some routes do not operate.

As a rule of thumb, booking your ferry tickets early gives you a better choice of departure times, fares, cabins and vehicle spaces, particularly during the summer. Additionally, by booking early you may also benefit from special promos and early-bird ticket prices.

Arrival at the port

You should allow enough time for check-in, document checks and boarding”

• Foot passengers: arrive at least 1 hr before departure.
• Passengers with vehicles or pets: arrive around 1.5 hr minutes before departure.

During the summer high season, the port can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive even earlier.

Additional travel tips

Keep these practical points in mind:

• Prepare for document checks: keep your ticket, booking reference and identification within easy reach rather than packed in your luggage.
• Check the forecast: high-speed crossings to Jersey can be more sensitive to wind and rough seas. If you are prone to seasickness, consider suitable medication after consulting a pharmacist or doctor.
• Book cabins and vehicle space early: cabin and car-deck availability can be limited during summer, so book your tickets as soon as you confirm your travel dates.
• Allow for traffic: roads around Poole can be busy during summer weekends and school holidays, so leave extra time for the journey to the terminal.

Where is Poole's port?

Ferries to the Channel Islands and France leave from the Port of Poole passenger ferry terminal in Hamworthy. The port is around 2 km from Poole town centre and Poole railway station, and about 20 km from Bournemouth Airport.

Poole has one passenger ferry terminal, but the ferries use different berths, so follow the signs and check your ticket or the port information screens for the correct check-in lane.

What facilities are available at the port?

Inside the port terminal, you will find a check-in and information desk, a café, toilets, showers, baby-changing facilities and luggage trolleys. There is also a paid car park directly opposite the foot-passenger terminal.

How to get to Poole port

• By car: from London and Southampton, follow the M3, M27 and A31 towards Poole, from Bristol take the A350 south and from Exeter, follow the A35 east. Once you reach Poole, follow the signs for the ferry port and New Harbour Road South.
• By train: Poole railway station is approximately 2 km from the ferry terminal. You can walk there in 30-35 min or complete the journey by taxi in around 5-10 min..
• By bus or coach: Poole Bus Station, served by local buses and National Express coaches, is beside the railway station. There is no dedicated public bus running directly to the passenger terminal, so allow around 30 min to walk or take a short taxi ride.
• By taxi: you can reach the port by taxi ride from Poole railway station and the town centre in 5-10 min, while the ride from Bournemouth Airport takes 30-40 min.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Poole, 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.