Ferries to the Channel Islands
Check prices & times »The Channel Islands — Jersey and Guernsey — sit just off the coast of Normandy, closer to France than to Britain. Ferries reach them from the south coast of England, at Poole and Portsmouth, and from St Malo in France, which is the shortest crossing of all.
The operator picture has changed recently: Jersey is now served by DFDS, while Guernsey is served by Brittany Ferries, under its Condor brand. Because the network is still settling, always check the current operator and timetable for your exact route and date. This guide explains the routes and how to choose.
Channel Islands ferry routes
| Route | Operator | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Malo–Jersey (France) | DFDS | ~2 hours | View details » |
| Poole–Jersey (England) | DFDS | ~4 hours | View details » |
| Portsmouth–Jersey (England) | DFDS | ~10 hours | View details » |
| Poole–Guernsey (England) | Brittany Ferries (Condor) | ~3 hours | View details » |
| Portsmouth–Guernsey (England) | Brittany Ferries (Condor) | ~7 hours+ | View details » |
St Malo to Jersey is usually the shortest crossing. From the UK, Poole is generally the quicker south-coast option, and Portsmouth the longer one. Operators and timetables have changed recently — check your exact route before booking.
Jersey or Guernsey?
The two main islands have different characters:
- ● Jersey: the largest island, with the widest choice of beaches, restaurants and a livelier base in St Helier — served by DFDS
- ● Guernsey: smaller and calmer, centred on pretty St Peter Port, with easy onward boat trips to Sark and Herm — served by Brittany Ferries under the Condor brand
- ● Both: can be combined on one trip, but inter-island sailings are seasonal, so check schedules before booking hotels on both
Which port should you sail from?
Your choice of departure port shapes the journey:
- ● St Malo: the shortest crossing, and the logical choice if you're already in France or driving down through Europe — around two hours to Jersey
- ● Poole: usually the quicker south-coast UK option, with fast-ferry crossings
- ● Portsmouth: a longer crossing, but can be easier to reach and offers overnight conventional sailings
- ● Getting there: Poole and Portsmouth also serve the French mainland, so compare if you're weighing a wider trip
The ships and onboard
Crossings use a mix of fast ferries and conventional ships. The fast ferries — such as Condor Voyager and Condor Liberation on the Guernsey routes — make the quick Poole crossings, while conventional ships like the Commodore Clipper run the longer Portsmouth sailings with more space, seating upgrades and cabins on overnight crossings.
Onboard you'll typically find restaurants, bars, duty-free shopping and lounge or cabin upgrades on the longer routes.
Travel documents: do you need a passport?
The Channel Islands are part of the Common Travel Area but are not in the UK or the EU. British citizens don't need a passport to travel from the UK, but you do need a valid form of photo ID, and requirements can vary by operator and route. If your trip includes St Malo or mainland France, bring a passport — and remember that EU entry rules, including the EES system, apply on the French side.
Booking and travel tips
A few practical things worth knowing:
- ● Book ahead: summer and school holidays are busy — the islands are popular, and space is limited
- ● Vehicles: cars are carried on the main routes; no baggage charges when you drive on
- ● Pets: carried on the main routes, with rules varying by operator
- ● Photo ID: always required, even without a passport from the UK
- ● Check the operator: because the network changed in 2025, confirm who runs your exact route and date
Explore Channel Islands ferries
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to the Channel Islands by ferry?
From Poole and Portsmouth in England, and from St Malo in France, to Jersey and Guernsey. St Malo to Jersey is the shortest crossing.
Who runs the Channel Islands ferries?
Jersey is served by DFDS, and Guernsey by Brittany Ferries under its Condor brand, following a change in 2025. Check the current operator for your route.
What's the shortest ferry to the Channel Islands?
St Malo to Jersey, at around two hours — the quickest option if you're travelling from France.
Do I need a passport for the Channel Islands?
Not for British citizens travelling from the UK, but you must carry a valid photo ID. Bring a passport if your trip includes St Malo or mainland France.
Can I visit both Jersey and Guernsey on one trip?
Yes, but inter-island sailings are seasonal, so check the timetable before booking accommodation on both islands.