Ferries to the Channel Islands

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Jersey and Guernsey are British Crown Dependencies — not part of the UK, not part of France, and outside the EU — sitting closer to the Normandy coast than to England. Getting there by ferry is the obvious choice for anyone who wants to bring a car, travel with luggage, or simply prefer the sea to a cramped regional aircraft. One operator — Condor Ferries — runs all the main scheduled crossings from Britain.

Condor Ferries: the only scheduled operator from Britain

Condor Ferries holds the dominant position on Channel Islands routes, operating from two UK mainland ports:

• Poole to Guernsey and Jersey — the shorter crossing option, with fast ferries reaching Guernsey in around 3 hours and Jersey in 4–4.5 hours. Poole is on the Dorset coast, about 2 hours from London by train or car.
• Portsmouth to Guernsey and Jersey — slightly longer on paper but may suit travellers from London or the South East; crossing times to Guernsey are around 6–7 hours by conventional ferry. This route often operates overnight, making it a practical option — you go to sleep and wake up in the islands.

Condor operates two main types of vessel: high-speed catamarans (branded as Condor Liberation and similar) which are significantly faster but do not run in rough sea states, and the conventional Condor Commodore Clipper which is slower but more reliable in heavy weather. In winter, timetables thin considerably and there are periods when bad weather can cause multi-day disruption.

Crossings from France

The Channel Islands are close enough to France that French connections are also practical, particularly for the smaller islands.

• St Malo (Brittany) to Jersey: Condor Ferries operates this route, with a crossing of around 1h 15min by fast ferry. An excellent option if you are combining Normandy or Brittany with Jersey.
• Carteret and Granville (Normandy) to Jersey and Guernsey: Seasonal passenger ferry services from these small Normandy ports bring you very close to the islands — Carteret to Jersey is around 1 hour. These services are typically operated by Manche Îles Express, which runs small passenger vessels (no cars) from multiple Normandy ports seasonally.
• Cherbourg to Jersey: Less frequent but possible by Condor in some seasons.

If you are on a touring trip through Normandy and Brittany, the French connections are far more convenient than backtracking to England.

Island-hopping: Jersey to Guernsey

Condor Ferries runs inter-island services between Jersey and Guernsey, typically as part of longer routes. The crossing takes about 1 hour by fast ferry. This makes it very practical to combine both islands on a single trip without returning to the mainland.

Sark, the tiny car-free island, is reached by small passenger ferry from Guernsey (around 45–60 minutes from St Peter Port). Alderney has an airport but the sea connections are from Guernsey. Herm is just 20 minutes from St Peter Port by small boat.

Taking a car to the Channel Islands

Condor Ferries carries cars on both the Poole and Portsmouth routes to Jersey and Guernsey. Booking vehicle space in advance is essential, especially in July, August and over bank holidays when both islands see very heavy visitor traffic. The fast catamaran services also carry cars, but vehicle capacity is lower than on the conventional ferry.

Jersey and Guernsey are both small islands — Jersey is about 16 km by 9 km — and while having a car is useful for the countryside and beaches, it is not essential for shorter stays, and getting a car on the ferry adds both cost and booking complexity. See taking a car on a ferry for practical guidance on check-in procedures and vehicle requirements.

Passport and customs

The Channel Islands are not part of the UK customs territory, nor the EU. This means you should technically declare goods bought on the islands when returning to the UK (different VAT and duty-free rules apply). British and Irish citizens can travel on a valid passport; a driving licence is not sufficient for the ferry, though some routes may accept a national identity card for EU nationals. Always check the current position with the ferry operator and the relevant island's border authority before travelling, as rules can change.

Coming from France, you are crossing from an EU country to a non-EU, non-UK territory — standard Channel border checks apply on departure and arrival.

Booking and fares

Book directly via Condor Ferries' website. Fares vary significantly by season, how far in advance you book, and whether you have a vehicle. Summer peak fares can be steep relative to the short distance; book several months out for the best prices. Condor also offers package deals including accommodation, which can represent good value if you are not set on a specific hotel.

See how to book ferries for a general guide to the booking process and what information you will need to hand.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry from Poole to Jersey?

By Condor Ferries fast catamaran, approximately 4–4.5 hours. The conventional ferry from Portsmouth to Jersey takes around 10–11 hours overnight.

Do I need a passport to travel to Jersey or Guernsey from the UK?

A valid passport is required. The Channel Islands are British Crown Dependencies but outside the UK customs territory, and the ferry operators require passport documentation for all passengers.

Can I get a ferry from France to Jersey?

Yes. Condor Ferries runs from St Malo to Jersey in around 1h 15min. Smaller passenger-only services (no cars) also run seasonally from Normandy ports including Carteret and Granville via Manche Îles Express.

Are there ferries to Sark?

Yes, but only via Guernsey. Small passenger ferries run from St Peter Port in Guernsey to Sark in around 45–60 minutes. Sark has no cars — the island is traffic-free.