Plan the crossing from Rosslare to Cherbourg, with departure-port details, Brittany Ferries and onward travel after arrival.
Choose your route, travel dates, passengers and vehicle to compare current sailings and fares. Route selected: Rosslare to Cherbourg. Search all ferry routes.
Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.
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
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.
Travelling the other way? Read the Cherbourg to Rosslare ferry guide.
Compare the direct operators for crossing time, ship facilities, passenger rules and fare flexibility before booking.
Brittany Ferries
Crossing time: about 17–20 hours outbound
Brittany Ferries operates Rosslare–Cherbourg with overnight passenger ferries on its Ireland–France programme. Current route information quotes 17–20 hours outbound and supports vehicles, foot passengers and cabin accommodation.
Use the operator confirmation for the correct check-in area, terminal instructions and arrival deadline. Port procedures can vary by passenger type and sailing.
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.
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.
Rosslare–Cherbourg is long enough that accommodation, dining and ship facilities make a meaningful difference. Compare the entire travel package rather than the ferry fare alone.
A private cabin provides a proper night’s rest before driving in France.
Restaurants, cafés and bars vary by operator and assigned ship.
Reserved or premium seating can be an alternative or supplement to a cabin.
Pet-friendly cabins, kennels or other arrangements depend on operator and vessel.
The assigned ship can change. Treat the live booking result and operator information as definitive for facilities, accessibility, seating, cabins and pet accommodation.
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.
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.
Carry your driving licence, vehicle registration or equivalent documentation, insurance evidence where required and any documents needed for a hired or leased vehicle.
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 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.
For a departure closer to Dublin, compare Dublin–Cherbourg. If your destination is Spain, Rosslare–Bilbao can avoid a long drive south through France.
Compare Ferry RoutesThe shortest sea crossing is not always the best overall journey. Compare departure port, sailing length, operator and onward travel after arrival.
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.
Yes. Both route programmes are designed for vehicle travel, including cars and larger leisure vehicles subject to deck space.
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.
Yes. The route is overnight and cabin accommodation is an important part of most passenger bookings.
Yes on suitable sailings with advance booking. Pet accommodation varies by operator and ship.
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.
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.
Cherbourg to Rosslare ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.
Use the terminal or pier named on your Brittany Ferries confirmation. The published departure is the sailing time; check-in and vehicle acceptance close earlier. If reaching Rosslare by train or bus, allow for the transfer from the station to the harbour and for luggage handling.
Start your onward itinerary at the actual landing point in Cherbourg. Leave time to unload before a timed collection, train or island bus. If the ferry arrives late in the day, check the final public-transport departure or arrange a transfer in advance.
Allow for the overland journey to Rosslare before choosing the ferry. A separately booked flight, train or earlier crossing may not protect you if you miss check-in. Use local times on both sides and check entry rules for each country on your full itinerary. Travel within Europe is not automatically free of document checks.
Channel arrivals suit different parts of France: Calais and Dunkirk for the north and east, Dieppe for Normandy approaches, and Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo or Roscoff for journeys farther west. Check the motorway and toll itinerary after landing.
Select the correct passenger category before comparing Rosslare to Cherbourg fares. A passenger-only boat cannot take a car, and a vehicle ferry may still have limited bicycle or foot-passenger availability. The travel modes shown in the facts panel should be checked against the specific sailing.
For a vehicle booking, give the full height and length including a roof box, rear rack or trailer. Where accommodation is offered, check whether a cabin or seat is required and whether meals are included. Request mobility assistance and any pet space before completing the booking, because these can have separate capacity limits.
Prices depend on the date, passenger mix, vehicle and ticket conditions. Compare the complete return cost and the amendment or cancellation terms. No fixed fare on this guide should replace a dated quote.
Car and motorhome planning · Travelling without a car · Taking a pet
Compare current sailings, passenger fares, vehicle prices and accommodation, then choose the crossing that works best for your journey.
About 17–20 hours
Overnight cabins
Direct to France
