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How to Book Brittany Ferries for a Ferry Ride (Step-by-Step Guide)

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If you’re planning a scenic sea journey between the UK, France, Spain, or Ireland, choosing to book Brittany Ferries is one of the most comfortable and enjoyable ways to travel. As a frequent ferry traveler, I’ve found that a little preparation goes a long way in securing the best routes, prices, and onboard experiences.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire booking process—step by step—so you can confidently plan your ferry adventure.

Why Choose Brittany Ferries?

Before diving into the booking process, it’s worth understanding why this ferry operator stands out:

  • Direct routes between the UK, France, Spain, and Ireland

  • Comfortable cabins and reclining seats

  • Pet-friendly travel options

  • Onboard restaurants, lounges, and entertainment

  • Generous luggage allowance (especially useful for road trips)

If you’re traveling with a car, campervan, or even a bicycle, ferry travel can be far more convenient than flying.

Step 1: Decide Your Route and Travel Dates

The first step to book Brittany Ferries is identifying:

  • Departure port

  • Arrival port

  • Travel dates

  • One-way or return journey

Popular routes include:

  • Portsmouth to Caen

  • Plymouth to Roscoff

  • Portsmouth to Santander

  • Cork to Roscoff

Travel Tip:

If your dates are flexible, you’ll have a better chance of securing lower fares. Midweek sailings are often cheaper than weekend crossings.

Step 2: Visit the Official Website

Always book directly through the official Brittany Ferries website. This ensures:

  • Transparent pricing

  • Flexible ticket options

  • Easy amendments

  • Direct customer service support

On the homepage, you’ll find a booking engine where you can enter:

  • Number of passengers

  • Vehicle details (if applicable)

  • Pet requirements (if traveling with animals)

  • Cabin preference

Click “Search” to view available sailings.

Step 3: Compare Sailing Options

After entering your details, you’ll see available sailings with:

  • Departure and arrival times

  • Crossing duration

  • Ship name

  • Ticket price

Longer overnight crossings typically offer better value when you book a cabin, as you save on hotel accommodation.

Things to Compare:

  • Day vs overnight crossing

  • Economy vs Flexi fares

  • Cabin vs reclining seat

  • Peak vs off-peak pricing

If comfort matters, I strongly recommend booking a private cabin for overnight trips.

Step 4: Choose Your Fare Type

When you book Brittany Ferries, you’ll usually see multiple fare categories:

1. Economy Fare

  • Cheapest option

  • Limited flexibility

  • Change fees may apply

2. Standard Fare

  • Moderate flexibility

  • Some amendments allowed

3. Flexi Fare

  • Most flexible

  • Often refundable

  • Free amendments

If your travel plans are uncertain, paying slightly more for flexibility can save you stress later.

Step 5: Select Accommodation and Extras

Now comes the fun part—customizing your onboard experience.

Accommodation Options:

  • Inside cabin (no window)

  • Outside cabin (sea view)

  • Deluxe cabin

  • Reclining seat lounge

For daytime crossings under 6 hours, a lounge seat is usually sufficient. For overnight journeys, a cabin dramatically improves comfort.

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Pre-booked meals

  • Travel insurance

  • Pet cabins or kennels

  • Priority boarding

Pre-booking meals often works out cheaper than paying onboard.

Step 6: Enter Passenger Details

You’ll need to provide:

  • Full names (as per passport)

  • Date of birth

  • Nationality

  • Vehicle registration (if applicable)

Double-check spellings carefully. Errors can delay boarding.

Step 7: Review and Pay

Before finalizing, review:

  • Sailing times

  • Fare type

  • Cabin selection

  • Vehicle details

  • Total price

Payment options usually include:

  • Debit card

  • Credit card

  • Occasionally PayPal

Once payment is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your booking reference.

When Is the Best Time to Book Brittany Ferries?

From experience, here’s what works best:

Book Early If:

  • Traveling in summer (June–August)

  • Sailing during school holidays

  • Bringing a large vehicle or campervan

  • Needing a pet-friendly cabin

Last-Minute Deals:

Occasionally available in low season, but risky during peak travel months.

For summer crossings, I recommend booking at least 3–4 months in advance.

Tips to Save Money on Your Booking

Here are practical strategies I use:

  • Travel midweek instead of weekends

  • Avoid peak holiday periods

  • Choose inside cabins instead of sea-view cabins

  • Sign up for the ferry company newsletter for promotions

  • Compare nearby ports for better pricing

Sometimes sailing from Plymouth instead of Portsmouth (or vice versa) can result in noticeable savings.

What Happens After Booking?

After you book Brittany Ferries, you should:

  • Download or print your confirmation

  • Check passport validity (especially post-Brexit travel rules)

  • Arrive at port at least 45–90 minutes before departure

  • Follow vehicle check-in instructions carefully

Boarding is usually smooth and well-organized, especially if you arrive early.

Final Thoughts

Booking a ferry isn’t just about transportation—it’s part of the journey. Whether you’re road-tripping through France, heading to northern Spain, or exploring Ireland, taking the ferry adds a relaxed, scenic start to your adventure.

To successfully book Brittany Ferries, focus on:

  • Early planning

  • Comparing fare types

  • Choosing the right accommodation

  • Booking directly through the official website

With these steps, you’ll secure the best sailing for your trip—and start your journey stress-free.