Aerial view of Rosslare Europort on Ireland’s south-east coast
Ireland → France

Rosslare to Cherbourg Ferry

Compare Brittany Ferries sailings between Rosslare and Cherbourg. Stena Line no longer operates this crossing.

About 17–20 hours 1 current operator Overnight cabins Direct to France
Checked 5 October 2026

Rosslare–Cherbourg operator and vessel update

Stena Line withdrew its Rosslare–Cherbourg service in September 2025. Brittany Ferries continues to serve the crossing; compare its dated sailings, passenger eligibility and vessel facilities. Barfleur is scheduled to begin on this route on 12 October 2026. Wexford is planned for March 2027; it is not the current vessel.

Read the official operator update

Stena Line withdrawal notice · Wexford announcement for 2027

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Choose Ireland as your place of departure, then select Rosslare - Cherbourg in the route list. Enter your travel dates to check sailings and prices. Search all ferry routes.

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Ireland direct to Normandy

A strong alternative to driving through Britain and crossing the Channel

Stena Line withdrew its Rosslare–Cherbourg service in September 2025. Brittany Ferries continues to serve the crossing; compare its dated sailings, passenger eligibility and vessel facilities.

Stena Line withdrew its Rosslare–Cherbourg service in September 2025. Brittany Ferries continues to serve the crossing; compare its dated sailings, passenger eligibility and vessel facilities.

Cars, motorcycles and larger leisure vehicles can be booked. Foot-passenger availability should be checked for the chosen operator and sailing; Brittany Ferries explicitly supports foot travel to and from Rosslare, while passenger arrangements can vary across the wider route calendar.

Rosslare Europort is connected to Ireland by the N25 and rail services, while Cherbourg gives direct access to Normandy, Brittany and routes towards Paris. A cabin is a major part of the overnight journey and should be included when comparing the total fare.

Dublin–Cherbourg is the main direct alternative from Ireland to northern France. Travellers bound for northern Spain can compare Rosslare–Bilbao, while Cork–Roscoff is useful for western France and Brittany.

1 current operator

Ferry operators from Rosslare to Cherbourg

Compare the direct operators for crossing time, ship facilities, passenger rules and fare flexibility before booking.

Departure and arrival ports

Rosslare and Cherbourg ferry ports

Use the operator confirmation for the correct check-in area, terminal instructions and arrival deadline. Port procedures can vary by passenger type and sailing.

Aerial view of Rosslare Europort and ferry berths
Ireland

Rosslare Ferry Port

Rosslare Europort is Ireland’s principal south-eastern continental ferry hub. The N25 connects west towards Waterford and Cork, while the N/M11 corridor runs north towards Dublin.

  • N25 and N/M11 road connections
  • Rail station within the port area
  • Multiple operators use Rosslare—check the correct terminal instructions
Aerial view of Cherbourg ferry port and harbour in Normandy
France

Cherbourg Ferry Port

Cherbourg is a major Normandy ferry gateway on the Cotentin Peninsula. Roads connect towards Caen, Brittany and Paris, while the railway station provides services towards Paris-Saint-Lazare via Caen.

  • Good road access to Normandy and Brittany
  • Rail connections towards Paris
  • Allow extra time for foot-passenger transfer after arrival
Ireland to France travel information

Passports, Schengen border checks and driving documents

This is an external Schengen border crossing because Ireland is not part of the Schengen area. Every passenger should carry the documents required for their nationality and journey and check current France entry rules before departure.

Passport and visa rules

Check that your passport meets France entry requirements and whether you need a visa. Rules differ by nationality, residence status and length or purpose of stay.

Driving in France

Carry your driving licence, vehicle registration or equivalent documentation, insurance evidence where required and any documents needed for a hired or leased vehicle.

Entry/Exit System

The EU Entry/Exit System changes how many non-EU short-stay travellers are processed at Schengen borders. Follow current operator, port and official guidance shortly before travel.

Cherbourg harbour and town in Normandy, France
After arriving in France

Land in Normandy for France, Brittany and routes south

Cherbourg is well placed for the Cotentin Peninsula, Normandy beaches and western France. Caen, Rennes and routes towards Paris can all be reached without the additional Channel crossing required by the landbridge.

Cherbourg & Cotentin Normandy Brittany Paris region Western France

For a departure closer to Dublin, compare Dublin–Cherbourg. If your destination is Spain, Rosslare–Bilbao can avoid a long drive south through France.

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Alternative ferry routes

The shortest sea crossing is not always the best overall journey. Compare departure port, sailing length, operator and onward travel after arrival.

Common planning questions

Rosslare to Cherbourg ferry FAQs

How long is the ferry from Rosslare to Cherbourg?

Stena Line withdrew its Rosslare–Cherbourg service in September 2025. Brittany Ferries continues to serve the crossing; compare its dated sailings, passenger eligibility and vessel facilities.

Which ferry companies sail from Rosslare to Cherbourg?

Stena Line withdrew its Rosslare–Cherbourg service in September 2025. Brittany Ferries continues to serve the crossing; compare its dated sailings, passenger eligibility and vessel facilities.

Can I take a car or motorhome?

Yes. Both route programmes are designed for vehicle travel, including cars and larger leisure vehicles subject to deck space.

Can I travel as a foot passenger?

Foot travel is available on bookable passenger sailings, but availability can differ by operator and date. Brittany Ferries explicitly accepts foot passengers to and from Rosslare.

Are cabins available?

Yes. The route is overnight and cabin accommodation is an important part of most passenger bookings.

Can I take my pet?

Yes on suitable sailings with advance booking. Pet accommodation varies by operator and ship.

Do I need a passport from Ireland to France?

Yes, travellers need the documents required for entry to France. Ireland is outside Schengen, so this is an external Schengen border crossing and the applicable passport, visa and EES rules should be checked before travel.

Is Rosslare–Cherbourg better than the UK landbridge?

It can be, especially if you prefer one long overnight ferry to a combination of Irish Sea ferry, driving across Britain and another Channel crossing. Compare total time, fuel, accommodation and fares.

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