Ferries to Ireland
Cherbourg - Rosslare
The direct ferry link from Normandy to Ireland - no need to cross Great Britain
- 4 sailings a week with Brittany Ferries - year-round from Rosslare Europort
- Direct crossing in around 15-18 hours across the Celtic Sea to southeast Ireland
- Overnight crossing with cabins, restaurants and onboard shop - arrive in Ireland rested
Cherbourg – Rosslare
Direct from Normandy to Ireland - no need to cross Great Britain
The Cherbourg - Rosslare route connects the historic Normandy port with the southeast of Ireland, with no detour through Great Britain. At around 15 to 18 hours, the crossing is the ideal choice for anyone travelling directly from mainland Europe to Ireland, wanting to avoid British border formalities, or simply preferring a comfortable overnight sailing.
Since Stena Line withdrew at the end of September 2025, Brittany Ferries operates the route alone, with four departures a week. Depending on the season, different ships from the fleet are deployed, including the modern E-Flexer ferries Salamanca and Santoña as well as the year-round Cotentin. On board you will find cabins for a restful night, restaurants and comfortable lounges. Once you land at Rosslare Europort, you are well placed for Dublin, the southeast coast, Cork or the Ring of Kerry.
- Crossing time
- approx. 15-18 hrs
- Operator
- Brittany Ferries
- Frequency
- 4x per week
Next departures
Route guide
Cherbourg - Rosslare ferry at a glance
Everything about the Cherbourg - Rosslare route with Brittany Ferries: getting to the terminal in Cherbourg, check-in times, onboard facilities, vehicle and pet rules, and continuing your journey from Rosslare Europort.
Getting to the Cherbourg terminal
The ferry departs from the Terminal Transmanche on the Quai de Normandie in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. If you're coming from Paris or elsewhere in France by car, follow the N13 from Caen and then the D901 into Cherbourg; the port is well signposted throughout town. A free car park for both short- and long-stay parking sits right in front of the terminal, though you leave your vehicle there at your own risk.
If you're travelling as a foot passenger, the SNCF railway station in the town centre is about a ten-minute taxi ride from the terminal, with train connections to Caen, Rennes and Paris - useful if you're arriving from further afield, including via Eurostar into Paris. An inexpensive shuttle also runs between the station and the terminal.
Check-in and departure
Allow enough time at the port: Brittany Ferries requires you to be checked in at least 45 minutes before departure, whether you're travelling with a vehicle or on foot. If you're travelling with a pet, arrive at the terminal at least 90 minutes beforehand so the animal and paperwork can be checked without rushing. Carry valid ID - a national ID card or passport is fine - along with your booking confirmation.
On board
Several ships operate the route: the modern E-Flexer ferries Salamanca and Santoña, as well as the year-round Cotentin. Since this is an overnight crossing, it's worth booking a cabin; Brittany Ferries offers inside and outside cabins up to four-berth. On board the E-Flexer ships Salamanca and Santoña, you'll find two restaurants, a tapas bar, an onboard shop and video-on-demand entertainment.
Payments on board are made in euros - both France and Ireland are in the eurozone, so there's no foreign currency to worry about. You can settle onboard purchases easily by card.
Vehicles, bikes and pets
Cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles can all be brought along. The fare depends on vehicle length, so give the exact dimensions, including any roof-mounted equipment, when booking. If you're travelling by camper, our motorhome guide covers the details.
Pets can only travel if accompanied by a vehicle; foot passengers, cyclists and motorcyclists cannot bring a pet along. Register your pet when booking. On the E-Flexer ships Salamanca and Santoña, pet-friendly cabins and a limited number of kennels are available; the Cotentin has no pet cabins, so dogs stay in the vehicle for the crossing on that ship. Our pets and animals guide sets out all the rules for travelling with a pet.
Arriving in Rosslare and onward travel
Rosslare Europort sits at the end of the N25 in southeast Ireland. By car, you'll reach Dublin via the N11 and M11, and Cork or Waterford via the N25, making the port a good starting point for the southeast coast. Without your own car, the train is a comfortable option: the railway station is just a few minutes' walk from the terminal, with several trains a day to Dublin Connolly taking around three hours. Bus Éireann coaches also serve the port.
Tickets and fares
Brittany Ferries offers the crossing in tiered fares: the low-cost Economy ticket is non-refundable, the popular Standard ticket can be changed free of charge up to around two weeks before departure, and the flexible Flexi fare lets you rebook right up until close to departure and get back most of the fare if you cancel. Booking early gets you the best price. The booking window shows current prices for your travel date.
FAQ Cherbourg - Rosslare
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Cherbourg – Rosslare ferry route
Which ferry company operates the Cherbourg – Rosslare route?+
Since the end of September 2025, the route has been served exclusively by Brittany Ferries. Stena Line withdrew from the route after a strategic realignment, having operated the link for around eleven years.
How often does the ferry sail from Cherbourg to Rosslare?+
Brittany Ferries operates the route with four departures a week, year-round. Departure times vary depending on the day of the week and the ship in service; sailings from Cherbourg typically leave in the late afternoon or evening for the overnight crossing.
How long does the crossing take?+
Depending on the ship in service, the crossing from Cherbourg to Rosslare takes between 15 and 18 hours. It is an overnight sailing, so you arrive in Ireland well rested if you book a cabin.
How much does the Cherbourg to Rosslare ferry cost?+
Prices vary by season, vehicle type and booking time. The booking window shows the current starting price for your travel date. Booking early is the best way to get the lowest fare, as prices rise the closer you get to the departure date.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, you can bring a car, motorhome, caravan, motorbike or bicycle. When booking, give the exact vehicle dimensions, including any roof box or roof rack, as the fare is based on vehicle length. Details on travelling with a motorhome are in our motorhome guide.
What cabins and facilities are on board?+
On the long overnight crossing, booking a cabin is worth it. Brittany Ferries offers inside and outside cabins with shower and WC, up to four-berth cabins; alternatively, you can choose a seat in the reclining lounge.
On board the E-Flexer ships Salamanca and Santoña, you'll find two restaurants, a tapas bar, an onboard shop and video-on-demand entertainment.
Where is check-in and how early do I need to be at the port?+
Check-in takes place at the Terminal Transmanche, Quai de Normandie in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. Whether travelling with a vehicle or on foot, check in at least 45 minutes before departure; if you're travelling with a pet, allow at least 90 minutes. You'll need valid ID (national ID card or passport) and your booking confirmation.