Ferries to the Channel Islands
Channel Islands ferries at a glance
- Jersey: DFDS from St Malo, Poole and Portsmouth
- Guernsey: Brittany Ferries / Condor Ferries services from Poole and Portsmouth
- Fastest route: usually St Malo to Jersey
- Quicker UK option: usually Poole
How to get to the Channel Islands by ferry
The Channel Islands sit much closer to France than to mainland Britain, but you can reach them by ferry from both sides of the Channel. For most travellers the first decision is which island to visit, Jersey or Guernsey, and the second is whether to sail from the UK or from France.
The shortest crossing is usually St Malo to Jersey, which makes France the logical choice if you are already on the continent or driving down from the Netherlands, Belgium or western Germany. From the UK, Poole is often the quicker south coast departure, while Portsmouth can make sense for a longer crossing, or simply if it is the easier port for you to reach.
This page is the overview. It helps you choose a route and an island, then points you to our detailed guides for the ferry to Jersey and the ferry to Guernsey.
Quick verdict
Choose Jersey if you want the widest choice of beaches, restaurants and a livelier island base. Choose Guernsey if you want a smaller, calmer island with St Peter Port, coastal walks and easy onward trips to Sark and Herm. If you are already in France, St Malo to Jersey is usually the shortest ferry option. From the UK, compare Poole and Portsmouth based on your destination island, sailing date and how far you want to drive.
Map: routes and crossings to the Channel Islands
The map shows the main ferry routes to the Channel Islands from the UK and France. Use it first to compare the St Malo, Poole and Portsmouth corridors, then use the route sections below to decide which crossing makes most sense for Jersey or Guernsey.
Which Channel Island ferry route should you choose?
The best route depends on which island you are visiting and where you are starting from. Use this as a quick decision guide, then check live sailings for your dates.
- Fastest route: St Malo to Jersey, ideal if you are already in France.
- Best from southern England for Jersey: Poole or Portsmouth to Jersey, with Poole usually the quicker sailing.
- Best from southern England for Guernsey: Poole to Guernsey for speed, or Portsmouth to Guernsey if that port suits your journey better.
- Best for island-hopping: combine Jersey and Guernsey, then add Sark or Herm from Guernsey.
- Best if driving from the Netherlands, Belgium or northern France: consider heading to St Malo first, especially for Jersey, but check your total road time.
| Route | Operator / service | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Malo to Jersey | DFDS | The shortest crossing and travellers coming via France | The quickest way onto the islands when you are already on the continent |
| Poole to Jersey | DFDS | A faster UK crossing to Jersey | High-speed sailing from a south coast port that is easy to reach from Dorset and the West Country |
| Portsmouth to Jersey | DFDS | Travellers for whom Portsmouth is the easier port | A longer crossing than Poole, but sometimes the easier overall journey |
| Poole to Guernsey | Brittany Ferries / Condor Ferries | The quicker UK option for Guernsey | Often the fastest way to St Peter Port from the UK |
| Portsmouth to Guernsey | Brittany Ferries / Condor Ferries | A longer UK crossing to Guernsey | Slower than Poole, but can suit you if Portsmouth is the easier port to reach |
| Poole to St Malo via Guernsey | Brittany Ferries / Condor Ferries | Combining Guernsey with a trip to Brittany | Selected sailings link Poole, Guernsey and St Malo, so check your exact dates |
Ferries from the UK to the Channel Islands
UK ferries to the Channel Islands generally leave from Poole and Portsmouth. As a rule, Poole is the faster departure point, with high-speed crossings to both Jersey and Guernsey. Portsmouth tends to be a longer crossing, which can work well if it is the easier port for you to reach, or if the sailing time gives you a calmer overall journey.
UK routes are especially useful for British travellers and for anyone already touring southern England. Sailings are seasonal and times change through the year, so check current availability rather than relying on a fixed timetable.
If you are weighing up a Channel Islands trip against a wider French road trip, it is also worth comparing our guides to ferries to France from the UK and ferries to France from Portsmouth, since Poole and Portsmouth also serve the French mainland.
Ferries from France to the Channel Islands
St Malo is the main French gateway, and St Malo to Jersey with DFDS is usually the shortest crossing to the islands. This is the logical choice for travellers already in France, or driving down from the Netherlands, Belgium or western Germany, though your total journey still depends on how far you have to drive to St Malo.
France can also work for Guernsey, but those options are more date-dependent than St Malo to Jersey. Selected Brittany Ferries / Condor Ferries sailings link Poole, Guernsey and St Malo, and there are also inter-island links to consider if you want to combine Jersey and Guernsey. Check the exact timetable before building a trip around a Guernsey-France connection. If you are pairing the islands with a French trip, our Portsmouth to Saint Malo guide is a useful companion read.
Jersey or Guernsey: which island is better for your trip?
Jersey and Guernsey are close together, but they are not the same trip. Jersey is the easier first choice if you want more beaches, restaurants and a livelier base. Guernsey feels smaller and calmer, with St Peter Port, coastal walks and better access to Sark and Herm.
Choose Jersey if…
- you want the largest Channel Island
- you want more beaches, restaurants and a livelier base
- you want St Helier as a practical place to arrive and stay
- you are sailing from St Malo, Poole or Portsmouth
- you want a straightforward first Channel Islands trip
For route details, see our full guide to the ferry to Jersey.
Choose Guernsey if…
- you want a quieter, smaller-feeling island
- you like St Peter Port, coastal walks, bays and slower travel
- you want to visit Sark or Herm
- Poole to Guernsey works for your UK departure
- you are less focused on the biggest, resort-style island
For route details, see our full guide to the ferry to Guernsey.
Can you island-hop between Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Herm?
Yes, you can combine the islands, but do not assume daily, year-round connections. Jersey and Guernsey can be linked by ferry, while Sark and Herm are best reached from Guernsey rather than directly from the UK.
This works well for a longer Channel Islands holiday, but check the schedules before booking hotels. As a practical warning: do not build a tight same-day connection that depends on one ferry transfer unless the operator timetable clearly supports it. Inter-island links can change by season, and the Jersey and Guernsey route networks are not as simple as one operator serving everything.
Taking your car to the Channel Islands
One of the main reasons to take the ferry is that you can bring your own car and luggage. That gives you more freedom on Jersey and Guernsey, especially if you want to reach beaches, coastal paths and quieter places outside the main towns.
- Driving is on the left, as in the UK.
- Roads can be narrow, particularly away from the main roads.
- Sark and Herm are not normal car destinations, so check local rules if you are island-hopping.
- Foot passengers can still manage well if you are staying near St Helier or St Peter Port and using buses and taxis.
If you are travelling with a dog, check the operator rules in advance and see our guide to travelling with pets on ferries.
When to book Channel Islands ferries
- Summer is the busiest time, so popular sailings fill up.
- School holidays and weekends can sell out earlier than you expect.
- Vehicle spaces are limited, especially on peak sailings.
- Prices vary by route, date, vehicle, passenger count and fare type.
- Check the operator timetables before booking your accommodation.
- Stay flexible around weather and seasonal schedule changes.
Channel Islands ferry operators
The Channel Islands ferry picture has changed in recent years, so it is worth being clear about who runs what now:
- Jersey is served by DFDS, with crossings from St Malo, Poole and Portsmouth.
- Guernsey is served through the Brittany Ferries / Condor Ferries Channel Islands network, with routes from Poole and Portsmouth and selected links to St Malo and Jersey.
Because the two islands are no longer best explained as one simple Condor network, always check the current booking page for your exact route and date, especially if your trip involves both islands. You can read more about the change in our note on why Jersey selected DFDS.
The Channel Islands by ferry
The photos below give an impression of the Channel Islands routes, ports and ferries. Vessel use and operators have changed in recent years, so use the route sections above for the current Jersey and Guernsey ferry choice rather than treating older ferry photos as a live fleet list.
Practical questions before you book
What is the fastest ferry to the Channel Islands?
St Malo to Jersey is usually the shortest crossing, which makes France the quickest starting point if you are already on the continent.
Which is the quicker UK ferry, Poole or Portsmouth?
Poole is generally the faster UK departure for both Jersey and Guernsey. Portsmouth crossings tend to be longer, but can still make sense if Portsmouth is easier for you to reach.
Who operates ferries to Jersey and Guernsey?
Jersey is served by DFDS. Guernsey is served through the Brittany Ferries / Condor Ferries Channel Islands network. Condor is no longer the single explanation for both main islands.
Can I visit both Jersey and Guernsey on one trip?
Yes, but inter-island sailings are seasonal and the route network can change, so check the timetable before committing to tight connections or hotel bookings on both islands.
Can I take my car to the Channel Islands?
Yes, the main Jersey and Guernsey routes carry cars. Driving is on the left and roads can be narrow, especially away from the main towns.
Do I need my passport for the Channel Islands?
The Channel Islands are not part of the UK or the EU. Identity requirements vary by operator and route, so carry valid photo ID or a passport and check your operator's current rules before travelling.
Our verdict: the best way to reach the Channel Islands
- For the shortest ferry crossing, start with St Malo to Jersey.
- If you are travelling from the UK, compare Poole and Portsmouth, with Poole usually the quicker option by sea.
- If you are choosing between islands, Jersey is the easier first choice, while Guernsey is calmer and better suited to a slower, island-hopping trip.
- If you want to combine several islands, check inter-island sailings before booking accommodation.
When you are ready for route specifics, see our full guides to the ferry to Jersey and the ferry to Guernsey.
Tips for ferry travellers
