Condor Ferries passenger ferry serving the Channel Islands
UK–Channel Islands–France ferry operator

Condor Ferries

Travel between Poole, Portsmouth, Guernsey, Jersey and St Malo on a mix of fast ferries and conventional passenger-and-vehicle services.

Poole & Portsmouth Channel Islands St Malo
Plan your Channel Islands crossing

Search Condor Ferries tickets

Choose your ports, travel date and passenger details to compare currently available sailings.

Condor timetables vary by season, tide, operating day and vessel. Confirm the exact ports, calling pattern and check-in deadline shown for your selected sailing.

Condor Ferries passenger and vehicle ferry
Channel Islands passenger and vehicle ferry service
About the operator

A Channel Islands lifeline with fast and conventional ferries

Condor Ferries has linked the Channel Islands with mainland Britain and France for decades. Founded in 1964, the company grew from a small inter-island and French service into a network carrying island residents, visitors, cars and freight between Guernsey, Jersey, the south coast of England and Brittany.

The present network combines two different styles of ferry travel. High-speed Condor Voyager is used for faster leisure-focused journeys such as Poole and St Malo connections, while conventional ships including Condor Islander provide longer year-round passenger, vehicle and freight services from Portsmouth. That distinction matters when comparing journey time, cabin availability and onboard comfort.

Brittany Ferries is Condor’s majority owner and is responsible for the current Channel Islands operating programme. The Condor consumer site still sells the Guernsey/Jersey routes and remains a useful passenger-facing identity, so FerryEU retains a separate Condor guide while making that integration clear.

Planning note: Channel Islands timetables are strongly seasonal and can also be influenced by tides and operational changes. Treat published frequency figures as a guide and use the live booking result for your actual date.

UK, islands and Brittany

Condor Ferries routes

The route pattern changes through the year. These cards describe the principal passenger links currently promoted by Condor, using published peak-period timings and frequencies only as a planning guide.

France connectionFast crossing
BrittanySt Malo
to
Channel IslandsGuernsey

St Malo gives Guernsey a direct link to Brittany. Published journey information is around two hours to two hours 35 minutes depending on the sailing and calling pattern.

  • Strong seasonal frequency in the summer programme
  • Convenient for French road trips and Brittany holidays
  • International travel rules apply even though the crossing is short
Compare St Malo–Guernsey sailings
Illustrative network

Selected current routes at a glance

This schematic summarises the three representative current route groups described above. It is not a complete network map or timetable; the live operator booking result is definitive.

For planning with Condor Ferries, use the map to compare the representative route groups above, including Poole–Guernsey, Portsmouth–Guernsey, St Malo–Guernsey. It is most useful for judging which departure or arrival point best fits the rest of the journey rather than as a substitute for the live timetable.

After choosing the most practical route, compare the live Condor Ferries sailing for departure time, calling pattern, passenger requirements and the facilities or accommodation shown for that service. The complete itinerary and arrival location can matter more than a small difference in the headline fare.

Tides, seasonal schedules, vessel availability and weather can change departure times or calling patterns. Verify the exact route shown in the live booking result.

Condor Ferries route map
Illustrative Condor Ferries route map. Routes and operating patterns can change; check the live timetable for your date.
Ports and places

Ports worth building a Channel Islands trip around

Condor's mainland ports create very different itineraries. Poole suits Dorset and southwest England, Portsmouth is the conventional overnight gateway, and St Malo opens the route into Brittany and western France.

Poole Harbour and Dorset coast
Fast-ferry gateway

Poole

Poole is the main high-speed UK departure point in Condor's current passenger programme. It is convenient for Dorset, the Jurassic Coast and road connections across southern England.

Explore UK ferry destinations
Portsmouth waterfront and ferry port
Conventional gateway

Portsmouth

Portsmouth supports the longer year-round Islander service. Its motorway and rail links make it practical for travellers coming from London, the Midlands and much of southern Britain.

Browse UK port destinations
Historic walled city of St Malo in Brittany
Brittany gateway

St Malo

The ferry terminal sits beside one of Brittany's most distinctive walled cities. St Malo is useful for onward journeys to Rennes, Mont-Saint-Michel, the north Brittany coast and western France.

Explore French ferry destinations
Choose the mainland port around the whole journey

Poole is faster for many leisure trips, while Portsmouth can suit overnight travel, larger vehicles and year-round schedules. St Malo can remove a long drive if your holiday continues into Brittany or western France.

Seat upgrade or private cabin

Seats, lounges and cabins

The right accommodation depends heavily on the vessel. Voyager is a fast-ferry experience built around seating and lounge upgrades; Islander and Clipper add private cabins for the longer conventional crossings.

Premium ferry cabin with private accommodation
Private cabins are most valuable on overnight and long conventional sailings.
Horizon Lounge aboard Condor Voyager
Upgraded lounges offer a quieter alternative to standard seating on supported services.

Standard seating

Standard seats are included with the passenger fare on Voyager and are generally unallocated, allowing travellers to choose an available seat after boarding.

Best considered forShorter high-speed journeys and value-focused travel

Horizon Lounge

Horizon Lounge adds selected reclining seating and a calmer dedicated space. Availability and pricing depend on the vessel and crossing.

Best considered forPassengers wanting more comfort without a private room

Club Class

Club Class provides an upgraded lounge environment with more exclusive seating and onboard benefits on relevant passenger vessels.

Best considered forCouples and travellers valuing a quieter premium space

Inside and outside cabins

Conventional ferries can offer two-, three- and four-berth en-suite cabins, with inside, outside and higher-category options depending on the ship.

Best considered forOvernight Portsmouth crossings and families needing privacy

Pet-friendly cabins

Condor Islander and Commodore Clipper offer designated pet cabins. They must be reserved in advance and are subject to strict animal-access rules.

Best considered forPassengers travelling with dogs on conventional sailings

Accessible accommodation

Accessible cabins and suitable seating exist on the conventional vessels, but capacity is limited. Discuss assistance requirements when making the booking.

Best considered forPassengers needing adapted facilities or lift access
Accommodation tip

Do not assume every Condor sailing has cabins. Check the assigned vessel first: a fast-ferry crossing and an overnight conventional sailing can have completely different accommodation choices.

Bring your own transport

Vehicles, bicycles, pets and accessibility

Condor's car-ferry network makes it practical to arrive in the islands with your own vehicle, but vehicle dimensions, pet rules and assistance arrangements need to be correct before check-in.

Motorhome boarding a passenger ferry
Motorhomes and caravans need accurate height and length details in the booking.
Bicycle traveller preparing for a ferry
Foot passengers can book bicycles in advance, with limited spaces available on each sailing.
Passengers travelling with dogs on a ferry
Pet arrangements differ between domestic Channel Islands travel and international routes to France.

Cars, motorhomes and caravans

Condor accepts leisure vehicles on appropriate car-ferry services. Book the correct height and total length, including roof loads, rear carriers and anything being towed.

  • Cars up to 3.1m high can be booked online in the published vehicle guide
  • Extra-high or unusually long motorhomes may require the contact centre
  • Commercial vehicles and commercial goods use Condor Freight arrangements

Bicycles and motorcycles

Foot passengers can take a bicycle free of charge when it is booked in advance, subject to limited space. Motorcycles are carried as vehicles and secured by the crew on the car deck.

  • Bicycles should be added to the reservation before travel
  • Bikes are walked onboard and placed in a designated storage area
  • Some connecting services have different bicycle restrictions

Travelling with pets

Pets must be declared in advance. Domestic travel between the UK and Channel Islands has different rules from international journeys involving France.

  • Vehicle passengers can leave pets in the vehicle on suitable services
  • Pet cabins are available on Islander and Clipper
  • France travel must comply with the applicable pet travel scheme

Reduced mobility and assistance

Condor asks passengers to explain assistance needs when booking and again at check-in so suitable boarding, vehicle-deck positioning or seating can be arranged.

  • Clear check-in at least 90 minutes before departure when boarding assistance is required
  • Islander and Clipper have lifts from the vehicle deck
  • Voyager uses ramps between the car deck and passenger area
Before you reach the port

Check-in, documents and boarding

Condor crossings are straightforward when the right information is entered in advance. The main practical risks are arriving after check-in closes, using the wrong vehicle dimensions, or overlooking the extra requirements for France and pet travel.

Recommended travel sequence

  1. When booking
    Enter every passenger, vehicle and pet correctly

    Use the correct names, vehicle dimensions and pet details. Add any bicycle or assistance requirement before travel.

  2. At least 24 hours before
    Complete required passenger information

    Condor asks passengers to complete Advance Passenger Information where required before travel. Recheck the sailing update and departure port.

  3. 90–120 minutes before
    Aim to arrive comfortably ahead of closure

    Port guidance recommends substantially more time than the bare minimum, especially for vehicles, first-time travellers and passengers needing assistance.

  4. 60 minutes before
    Vehicle check-in closes

    Car and other vehicle passengers should be through the check-in booths before the published cut-off. Late arrivals may be refused travel.

  5. 40–60 minutes before
    Foot-passenger check-in closes

    Generic guidance is 40 minutes, while Condor's foot-passenger advice gives a longer cut-off for departures from France. Follow the time shown for the booked sailing.

Is this the right crossing?

When Condor Ferries can be a practical choice

Condor is especially useful when the Channel Islands are the destination rather than merely a stop on a wider European journey. Taking your own car can remove the need for airport transfers and rental vehicles, while a bicycle can be an effective way to explore the compact island road networks.

The biggest planning decision is often not simply the fare, but which mainland port and vessel type best fits the trip. Poole and Voyager can provide a much faster journey, while Portsmouth and Islander offer a more conventional overnight experience with cabins and greater freight resilience.

For France, St Malo is a strong gateway to Brittany. International documentation, pet rules and check-in requirements are more important than on domestic UK–Channel Islands journeys, so compare the complete travel conditions as well as the departure time.

Common planning questions

Condor Ferries FAQs

Where does Condor Ferries currently sail?

Condor's passenger network links Poole and Portsmouth with the Channel Islands and connects Guernsey and Jersey with St Malo in France. Inter-island Guernsey–Jersey sailings also appear, although the direct Condor schedule is more limited than in some previous years.

How long is the ferry from Poole to Guernsey?

Condor currently promotes Poole–Guernsey from around three hours on the high-speed service during the peak travel period. The actual duration depends on the date, sea conditions and whether the sailing has another call.

What is the difference between Poole and Portsmouth services?

Poole is mainly associated with high-speed Voyager, while Portsmouth supports the longer conventional Islander service. The Portsmouth crossing is much longer but can offer cabins, more conventional ferry facilities and year-round resilience.

Can I take a car, motorhome or caravan?

Yes, subject to deck availability and the selected service. Enter the vehicle's full height and length including roof boxes, bicycle carriers and anything being towed. Extra-high or unusually long motorhomes may require booking through Condor rather than online.

Can I take a bicycle?

Yes. A foot passenger can add a bicycle to the booking without a separate bicycle fare, but spaces are limited and advance reservation is important. Condor asks cyclists to walk the bicycle onboard and follow the crew's storage instructions.

Are cabins available on Condor Ferries?

Cabins are available on conventional vessels such as Condor Islander and Commodore Clipper, with inside, outside, superior, pet-friendly and accessible options depending on the ship. High-speed Voyager is primarily a seated ferry with lounge upgrades rather than overnight cabins.

How early should I arrive?

Vehicle check-in generally closes 60 minutes before departure. Foot-passenger check-in is generally 40 minutes, although Condor's guidance for France departures can require longer. Arriving 90 minutes or more ahead is sensible when travelling with a vehicle, needing assistance or using the port for the first time.

Can I travel with a dog or other pet?

Yes, but pets must be booked in advance. Domestic UK–Channel Islands rules differ from international travel involving France. Pet-friendly cabins are available on Islander and Clipper, and pets outside a vehicle or designated cabin are subject to strict access and muzzle requirements.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

Yes. Condor advertises Wi-Fi across its passenger ferries, with a limited free allowance and paid high-speed options. Performance at sea can vary with route, weather and network coverage.

Is Condor Ferries owned by Brittany Ferries?

Brittany Ferries became Condor's majority shareholder in 2024 and took operational responsibility. Current Condor booking terms still identify Condor Limited as the carrier for ferry travel, so Condor remains relevant as the operator identity for these Channel Islands services.

Ready for the Channel Islands?

Compare Condor Ferries sailings and prices

Check current routes, dates, passenger accommodation and vehicle availability for your journey.

Search Condor Ferries Tickets