Ferry from Poole to Cherbourg

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

Brittany Ferries operates the Poole - Cherbourg ferry route with conventional ferries, such as the Barfleur, which feature many modern amenities and services. Onboard, you can expect to find:

• Comfortable air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks with sea views
• Self-service restaurant, cafés and bars serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals
• Entertainment including children’s play rooms and a video games
• Duty-free shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts and travel essentials
• Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of data bundles to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The ferry from Poole to Cherbourg is 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, with at least 48 hr’s prior notice before your journey. For further details, contact the operator.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

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

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

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

Prices for cabins start at around €100.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, in addition to standard deck/lounge and numbered reclining seats, Brittany Ferries offers business-class seats in the C-Club Lounge. These premium seats are in an exclusive lounge and have extra leg room, a table and connectors to keep your devices charged during the trip.

Prices for numbered seats start at around €58 and business-class seats from about €67.

Luggage

When traveling with Brittany Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight, at no extra cost. You can store your luggage in the baggage room on deck 7, which remains closed until 20-30 min before arrival. For more details, contact the reception desk when you board the ferry.

Travelling with pets

You can bring your pet on the ferry from Poole to Cherbourg, provided you include it 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.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

When travelling with Brittany Ferries, your pet can stay in your vehicle. Make sure you bring along any pet supplies you may need for the trip and try to leave a window slightly open for ventilation.

Important: pets must remain in your vehicle during the trip and are not allowed in cabins or any other public areas of the ship, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.

What pet travel documents do I need?

You must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Keep in mind that for dogs, you will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before returning to the UK.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Poole to Cherbourg:

• The port of Poole can get busy, so plan your arrival at least 1.5-2 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure to clear check-in and passport control. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to be there 2-3 hr in advance.
• The Channel can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness tablets before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• When planning your trip, keep in mind that there is a 1-hr time difference between the UK and France.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Cherbourg - Poole ferry well in advance, especially if you want to book a cabin or travel with a vehicle.
• For even more travel options, check out our detailed blog on UK - France ferries.
• From Poole, you can also travel by ferry to Jersey! For more information on all routes, ticket prices and ferry companies, have a look at the Poole ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Poole to Cherbourg

Ferries to Cherbourg 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.

Inside the port terminal, you will find the ferry company’s 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 the port of Poole?

• 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.

Where does the ferry arrive in Cherbourg?

Ferries from Poole typically dock at the Port of Cherbourg (Gare Maritime Transatlantique) in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, on the northern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy. The ferry terminal sits along the harbour, about 2 km from the centre of Cherbourg and the local railway station (Gare de Cherbourg)

At the ferry terminal, you will find traveller amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an ATM, a café, a tourist information desk (during peak season), car rental desks, and an outdoor dog-exercise area. Around the port area, there are shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels and attractions such as the Cité de la Mer.

Onward travel from Cherbourg port

• By taxi: taxis are generally available outside the ferry terminal, with the ride to Cherbourg town centre taking about 5 min, while the railway station is around 10 min away.
• By shuttle bus: a shuttle connects the ferry terminal with Cherbourg SNCF station, usually departing 1 hour after the ferry arrives.
• By train: Cherbourg station has services towards Caen and Rouen, with connections to Paris Saint-Lazare, Rennes and other destinations in Normandy. You can reach the train station in about 10 min by taxi and 50 min on foot.
• By car: follow the N13 towards Caen and the D901 for destinations around the Cotentin Peninsula.
• On foot: you can reach central Cherbourg in approximately 20-30 min on foot.