Traveling from Plymouth to Roscoff by ferry is more than just a transportation choice—it’s the beginning of your French adventure. Swapping airport queues for sea views, this route offers a relaxed, comfortable, and scenic crossing from southwest England to the charming coast of Brittany.

If you’re considering this route, here’s everything you need to know—from booking to arrival.

Why Choose the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry?

Flying might be faster, but the ferry delivers a travel experience that feels like part of the holiday itself.

Key Advantages:

• No luggage restrictions compared to budget airlines

• Travel with your car, making Brittany exploration easier

• Pet-friendly options available

• Comfortable cabins and onboard facilities

• Direct arrival into coastal Brittany

For families, road-trippers, and slow-travel enthusiasts, the ferry offers flexibility and comfort that flights simply can’t match.

Route Overview

The Plymouth to Roscoff ferry route connects Devon in southwest England with northern Brittany in France. The crossing typically takes:

• Day sailing: Around 6–9 hours

• Overnight sailing: Approximately 8–10 hours

Schedules vary seasonally, so checking timetables in advance is essential—especially in peak summer months.

Booking Your Ferry Ticket

Booking early often secures better pricing, particularly during:

• Summer holidays

• Bank holiday weekends

• School breaks

Ticket Options Include:

• Foot passenger tickets

• Vehicle + passengers

• Cabins (standard to premium)

• Reserved seating

If you’re taking a car, compare prices across different sailing times. Overnight crossings sometimes offer better value when factoring in accommodation savings.

Boarding at Plymouth

Plymouth’s ferry terminal is easy to access from major roads in Devon and Cornwall. Arriving early is recommended:

• Vehicles: Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure

• Foot passengers: 60 minutes before departure

Check-in is straightforward, and once onboard, you’re free to explore the ship.

Onboard Experience

The ferry is equipped to ensure your crossing is comfortable and enjoyable.

Facilities Typically Include:

• Restaurant and café

• Bar and lounge areas

• Duty-free shopping

• Outdoor deck space

• Private cabins (on overnight sailings)

• Wi-Fi access (may incur a charge)

Cabin or No Cabin?

For overnight sailings, booking a cabin is highly recommended. Even a basic inside cabin provides:

• A private bathroom

• Comfortable beds

• Quiet rest during the crossing

For day sailings, lounge seating or reserved recliners are usually sufficient.

What to Pack for the Crossing

Even in summer, sea crossings can feel cool—especially on deck.

Essentials to bring:

• Light jacket or windbreaker

• Travel pillow (if not booking a cabin)

• Snacks (though food is available onboard)

• Entertainment (book, tablet, headphones)

• Motion sickness remedies if prone

Sea conditions are usually manageable, but checking the weather forecast beforehand can help you prepare.

Arriving in Roscoff

Roscoff is a charming Breton port town with cobbled streets, granite houses, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Disembarkation is typically smooth and well-organized.

Once you step off the ferry, you’re immediately in Brittany—no long transfers required.

From Roscoff, You Can Easily Reach:

• Morlaix (20 minutes by car)

• Brest (1 hour)

• Quimper (1.5 hours)

• The Pink Granite Coast

If you’re traveling without a car, public transport links are available, though schedules can be limited outside peak seasons.

Exploring Brittany After Arrival

One of the biggest advantages of the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry is having your own vehicle ready to explore rural Brittany.

Highlights include:

• Coastal drives along dramatic cliffs

• Traditional Breton villages

• Local seafood restaurants

• Historic towns and medieval architecture

• Beautiful sandy beaches

The region is less crowded than southern France, offering a more authentic and laid-back atmosphere.

Best Time to Travel

The route operates year-round, but experiences vary by season.

Summer (June–September)

• Best weather

• More frequent sailings

• Higher demand and prices

Spring & Autumn

• Quieter travel

• Mild temperatures

• Often better ferry deals

Winter

• Limited sailings

• Peaceful but cooler

• Ideal for off-season travelers

If you prefer fewer crowds and better value, May and September are excellent months to travel.

Is the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry Worth It?

Absolutely—especially if you value:

• Convenience

• Comfort

• Scenic travel

• The flexibility of having your own vehicle

While flights may save a few hours, the ferry transforms travel into part of the holiday. Watching the English coastline fade into the horizon and waking up (on overnight sailings) to the sight of Brittany’s rugged shores is a unique experience.

For road-trippers heading to western France, families traveling with lots of luggage, or anyone who dislikes airport stress, the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry offers a practical and enjoyable alternative.

Final Travel Tips

Before you go:

• Book early for summer sailings

• Consider an overnight crossing to maximize time

• Bring entertainment and warm layers

• Check passport and travel documentation requirements

• Allow extra time for boarding during peak season

Taking the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff isn’t just transportation—it’s a gentle transition from England to France, setting the tone for a memorable Brittany adventure.

Bon voyage!