Guernsey is the second-largest of the Channel Islands, a calmer, smaller neighbour to Jersey, sitting about 50km off the Normandy coast. It's known for pretty St Peter Port, coastal walks, and easy onward boat trips to the smaller islands of Herm, Sark and Alderney.
Ferries to Guernsey from the UK are run by Brittany Ferries, under its Condor brand, sailing from Poole and Portsmouth. Because the operator network changed in 2025, always check the current timetable for your dates.
Guernsey ferry routes
Poole–Guernsey (England)
- OperatorBrittany Ferries (Condor)
- Duration~3 hours
- Typefast ferry
Portsmouth–Guernsey (England)
- OperatorBrittany Ferries (Condor)
- Duration~7 hours+
- Typeconventional
| Route | Operator | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poole–Guernsey (England) | Brittany Ferries (Condor) | ~3 hours | fast ferry |
| Portsmouth–Guernsey (England) | Brittany Ferries (Condor) | ~7 hours+ | conventional |
Poole is the quicker crossing at around three hours on the fast ferry; Portsmouth is longer but offers conventional sailings with cabins. St Malo and Jersey connections also run at selected times — check the timetable.
Sailing from Poole and Portsmouth
Two English ports serve Guernsey:
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Poole: the quicker crossing at around three hours on the fast ferry — best if you want to spend less time at sea
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Portsmouth: a longer crossing of around seven hours or more on a conventional ship, with the option of overnight sailings and cabins
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Choosing: Poole wins on speed; Portsmouth can be easier to reach and better for an overnight, cabin-based trip
The island: what to expect
Guernsey is smaller and quieter than Jersey, centred on the harbour town of St Peter Port — one of the prettiest in the Channel Islands, with steep streets, a marina and Castle Cornet guarding the harbour.
The island has 27 bays and beaches, clifftop coastal walks, and a rich history including the German occupation of World War II. From St Peter Port, short boat trips reach the tiny neighbouring islands of Herm, Sark and Alderney.
The ships and onboard
The Poole route uses a fast ferry — such as Condor Voyager — for the quick three-hour crossing, while the Portsmouth route uses a conventional ship like the Commodore Clipper, with more space and overnight comfort.
On the longer crossings you'll find restaurants, bars, duty-free shopping, and seat or cabin upgrades. The conventional ships are the better choice if you want to rest on an overnight sailing.
Travel documents
Guernsey is part of the Common Travel Area but not the UK or the EU. British citizens don't need a passport to travel from the UK, but a valid photo ID is required, and rules can vary by operator.
If your trip connects via St Malo or mainland France, bring a passport — and EU entry rules, including the EES system, apply on the French side.
Booking and travel tips
A few practical things to know:
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Book ahead: summer and school holidays are busy, and space is limited
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Vehicles: cars are carried, with no baggage charges when you drive on — though Guernsey's lanes are narrow
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Pets: carried on the routes, with rules varying by operator
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Photo ID: always required, even without a passport from the UK
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Island-hopping: Jersey and the smaller islands can be combined, but check seasonal sailings before booking hotels
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs the ferry to Guernsey?
Brittany Ferries, under its Condor brand, runs the main Guernsey routes from Poole and Portsmouth, following a change in the island network in 2025.
How long is the ferry to Guernsey?
Around three hours from Poole on the fast ferry, or about seven hours or more from Portsmouth on the conventional ship.
Which is the fastest ferry to Guernsey?
Poole to Guernsey, at around three hours on the fast ferry.
Do I need a passport for Guernsey?
Not for British citizens travelling from the UK, but you must carry valid photo ID. Bring a passport if your trip connects via St Malo or mainland France.
Can I visit Herm and Sark from Guernsey?
Yes — short boat trips run from St Peter Port to Herm, Sark and Alderney, though sailings are seasonal.