Brittany Ferries Review 2025 UK to France & Spain Ferry Leader
The leading ferry operator connecting the UK to France and Spain with a modern fleet of 10 vessels. Excellent for Spanish destinations and comfortable overnight journeys.
Quick Facts
Executive Summary
Brittany Ferries stands as the premier ferry operator connecting the UK to Continental Europe, with particular strength in routes to France and Spain. Founded in 1973, this French-owned company has built a reputation for reliable service and comfortable vessels over five decades of operation.
The company operates a modern fleet of 10 vessels serving key routes from Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Poole to destinations including Santander, Bilbao, Roscoff, St Malo, Cherbourg, and Le Havre. With recent investments in newer vessels like the Salamanca (2022) and Santoña (2021), Brittany Ferries offers contemporary amenities and environmental efficiency.
Particularly strong for Spanish routes with four dedicated vessels, Brittany Ferries excels in long-haul overnight journeys with cruise ferry amenities. The company's strategic focus on sustainability and fleet modernization positions it well for future European ferry travel demands.
Routes & Coverage
UK Departure Ports
- • Portsmouth
- • Plymouth
- • Poole
Continental Destinations
- • Santander, Spain
- • Bilbao, Spain
- • Roscoff, France
- • St Malo, France
- • Cherbourg, France
- • Le Havre, France
- • Cork, Ireland
Popular Routes
Spain Routes
- • Plymouth to Santander (2x weekly, Mar-Nov)
- • Portsmouth to Bilbao
- • Portsmouth to Santander
France Routes
- • Plymouth to Roscoff
- • Portsmouth to Le Havre
- • Portsmouth to Cherbourg
- • Poole to St Malo
Fleet & Vessels
Modern Fleet
Total vessels in service
Spain Specialists
Vessels dedicated to Spanish routes
Newest Addition
MS Salamanca entry year
Key Vessels
Flagship Vessels
- Pont-Aven: Popular flagship vessel
- Santoña (2021): Newest with modern amenities
- Salamanca (2022): LNG-powered, environmentally friendly
- Galicia: Modern vessel for Spanish routes
Environmental Features
- • LNG engines on modern vessels
- • Fleet renewal project ongoing
- • Sustainable technology investments
- • Reduced environmental footprint
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓ Leading operator for UK-Spain routes
- ✓ Modern, environmentally-friendly fleet
- ✓ Comprehensive UK-France coverage
- ✓ 50+ years of operational experience
- ✓ Comfortable overnight cruise ferry amenities
- ✓ Strong sustainability initiatives
Considerations
- – Limited routes compared to some competitors
- – Seasonal variations on some routes
- – Premium pricing for newer vessels
- – Long journey times to Spanish destinations
- – Weather-dependent services
Booking Information
Best Time to Book
- • Book 2-3 months in advance for best rates
- • Early booking discounts available
- • Peak season: July-August
- • Shoulder season offers better value
Booking Channels
- • Official website: brittany-ferries.co.uk
- • Phone bookings available
- • Travel agent partnerships
- • Mobile app bookings
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