Ferry company
Brittany Ferries
The ferry company for direct sailings from France and Spain to Ireland - routes, ships, check-in, pets and fares
- Three direct routes to Ireland from Cherbourg, Roscoff and Bilbao - no detour via Great Britain
- Cruise ferries Salamanca, Santoña, Galicia, Cotentin, Pont-Aven and Armorique with cabins
- Check-in at least 45 minutes before departure, 90 minutes with a pet - animals travel by vehicle only
About Brittany Ferries
Table of Contents
About Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries is the trading name of BAI Bretagne Angleterre Irlande S.A., based in Roscoff in Brittany. The company was founded by the Breton farmer Alexis Gourvennec to bring Breton vegetables directly to Britain; the first crossing from Roscoff to Plymouth took place on 2 January 1973 aboard the cargo ship Kerisnel. Today the company operates passenger and freight routes between France, Great Britain, Spain, Ireland and the Channel Islands.
Ships on the Ireland routes
On the Cherbourg-Rosslare route, Brittany Ferries deploys the modern E-Flexer ferries Salamanca and Santoña along with the year-round Cotentin; the ship in service varies by sailing. Across the Bay of Biscay between Bilbao and Rosslare sail the Salamanca-class ships, including Galicia, Salamanca and Santoña, with en-suite cabins, two restaurants, a tapas bar, an onboard shop and video-on-demand. On Roscoff-Cork the flagship Pont-Aven alternates with the smaller Armorique; the Pont-Aven has a heated indoor pool, restaurants, bars, shops, a cinema and free Wi-Fi. Because all three routes sail overnight, a cabin or a seat in the reclining lounge is part of any Brittany Ferries booking.
Routes to Ireland
Brittany Ferries sails all three direct routes from mainland Europe to Ireland, with no need to travel through Great Britain: Cherbourg - Rosslare links Normandy overnight with the south-east of Ireland and is the classic route for travellers from continental Europe; Roscoff - Cork runs seasonally from Brittany to the south of the island; Bilbao - Rosslare crosses from northern Spain over the Bay of Biscay. The number of sailings per week, crossing times and dates for your travel day are on the route pages and in the timetable; an overview of all the mainland routes is on the page Ferries from France to Ireland.
Check-in, vehicles and pets
Brittany Ferries requires you to be checked in at least 45 minutes before departure, whether travelling by vehicle or on foot; in Bilbao the check-in desk opens around six hours before the crossing. Travelling with a pet, allow at least 90 minutes so the animal and its documents can be checked. Cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles are all carried; the fare depends on vehicle length including roof boxes. Pets travel by vehicle only: the E-Flexer ships and the Pont-Aven offer a limited number of pet-friendly cabins and dog kennels, while on the Cotentin dogs stay in the car for the crossing. More in the guides Motorhome and Dogs and pets.
Tickets
Brittany Ferries offers three fare types: the cheap Economy ticket is non-refundable, the Standard ticket can be changed free of charge up to around two weeks before departure, and the Flexi fare lets you rebook right up until shortly before departure and get most of your fare back if you cancel. Prices are dynamic, and booking early pays off especially for summer sailings with a cabin. The booking screen shows the final total; see the prices page for an overview.
FAQ Brittany Ferries
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about Brittany Ferries and the direct ferries to Ireland
Which routes does Brittany Ferries sail to Ireland?+
Three direct routes from mainland Europe: Cherbourg - Rosslare from Normandy, Roscoff - Cork from Brittany (seasonal) and Bilbao - Rosslare across the Bay of Biscay.
Which ships sail to Ireland?+
Between Cherbourg and Rosslare the E-Flexer ferries Salamanca and Santoña plus the Cotentin, between Bilbao and Rosslare the Salamanca-class ships Galicia, Salamanca and Santoña, and between Roscoff and Cork the flagship Pont-Aven alternating with the Armorique.
When do I need to check in with Brittany Ferries?+
At least 45 minutes before departure, whether by vehicle or on foot; travelling with a pet, be at the terminal at least 90 minutes beforehand. Have your ID and booking confirmation ready.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles travel on all three routes. The fare depends on vehicle length, so give the exact dimensions including roof boxes. Details in the guide Motorhome.
Does Brittany Ferries carry pets?+
Yes, but only travelling by vehicle, not as a foot passenger. The E-Flexer ships and the Pont-Aven have a limited number of pet-friendly cabins and dog kennels, while on the Cotentin dogs stay in the vehicle. Everything on this in the guide Dogs and pets.
Where can I find the timetable and prices?+
Departures are listed in the timetable; the overnight routes only run on certain days of the week. Prices depend on travel date, vehicle, cabin and fare type - the prices page explains how to compare them.