Ferry to Plymouth

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Plymouth in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Plymouth connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Roscoff - Plymouth, Santander - Plymouth, St Malo - Plymouth.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Plymouth are provided by leading carriers like Brittany Ferries.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Plymouth feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Plymouth.

Plymouth is currently served by 6 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry operators including Brittany Ferries.

Plymouth is well-connected by road via the A38 Devon Expressway, linking to the M5 motorway network, with journey times of approximately 3.5 hours from London by car. The city boasts regular train services from London Paddington (around 3 hours), Bristol (2 hours), and other major cities, with Plymouth station located just a mile from the ferry terminal. For those arriving from further afield, Exeter Airport is the closest major airport, about 45 miles away with good road connections. The ferry terminal itself is easily accessible by taxi or local bus services from the train station, and several long-stay parking options are available nearby for those traveling by car.

Nestled on England's southwestern coast, Plymouth seamlessly blends maritime heritage with modern urban charm. This historic port city has played a pivotal role in British naval history and serves as an important gateway for ferry travel to France and Spain. With its stunning waterfront, rich seafaring legacy, and vibrant cultural scene, Plymouth offers visitors the perfect mix of historical exploration and contemporary coastal living.

Plymouth enjoys a mild maritime climate, making it a year-round destination, though summer months (June to August) offer the warmest weather with temperatures typically reaching 18-22°C. May through September provides the most pleasant conditions for exploring the waterfront and enjoying outdoor activities. The city comes alive during August with the British Firework Championships and the annual Ocean City Blues 'n' Jazz Festival. Winter visits (November to February) offer quieter streets and lower accommodation rates, though some attractions may have reduced hours. Ferry services operate year-round, with more frequent sailings during the peak summer season, making spring and early autumn ideal for combining good weather with less crowded ferry crossings.

Plymouth serves as a key departure point for exciting ferry journeys across the English Channel and beyond. Travelers can sail to Roscoff in Brittany, France in approximately 6 hours, opening up the charming towns and rugged coastlines of northwestern France. The longer crossing to Santander, Spain (about 20 hours) rewards passengers with access to northern Spain's beautiful beaches, mountains, and distinctive cuisine. The Scilly Isles are another popular destination, offering pristine beaches and subtropical gardens just a few hours away by seasonal ferry. Many of these routes feature spectacular ocean views, with opportunities to spot dolphins and seabirds during the crossings, making Plymouth an excellent starting point for exploring Western Europe by sea.

Plymouth's historic Barbican district enchants visitors with its cobbled streets, Elizabethan houses, and the famous Mayflower Steps marking where the Pilgrims departed for America in 1620. The National Marine Aquarium, the UK's largest, showcases mesmerizing ocean life just steps from the ferry terminal. For stunning views, head to Plymouth Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake allegedly played bowls before defeating the Spanish Armada, and climb Smeaton's Tower lighthouse for panoramic vistas across Plymouth Sound. The city's dining scene excels in seafood – try the freshly caught fish at the waterfront restaurants along Sutton Harbour or sample a traditional Cornish pasty from one of the local bakeries. The Royal William Yard, a beautifully restored naval victualling yard, now houses upscale restaurants and boutiques in a spectacular waterfront setting.

Plymouth's Gin Distillery, established in 1793, is the oldest working gin distillery in England and still produces 'Plymouth Gin' using the original recipe that became the official gin of the Royal Navy. The city's harbor was the departure point for the Mayflower's famous voyage in 1620, carrying the Pilgrims who would later establish Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. During World War II, Plymouth endured some of the heaviest bombing in the UK outside London, with the city center almost completely rebuilt in the distinctive post-war architectural style. The famous Plymouth Breakwater in the Sound took 28 years to build and contains over 4 million tons of rock, creating one of the world's most impressive man-made harbors.