Motorcycle Ferry Guide: UK to Brittany
A practical guide for motorcyclists travelling from the UK to Brittany, with route ideas, arrival tips and planning advice for your stay at Burlaouen.
Travelling to Brittany by motorcycle is part of the adventure. A ferry crossing gives you time to relax before the riding begins, and arriving in western France puts you within reach of some of the country’s most enjoyable roads.
Which French ferry port is best for Brittany?
Saint-Malo (via Brittany Ferries)
A popular arrival point for riders heading into Brittany. From Saint-Malo, Burlaouen is a highly scenic 2-hour ride inland through rural France.
Check Portsmouth to St Malo ferries →Roscoff (via Brittany Ferries)
A very useful option for riders arriving from the south-west of England (Plymouth) or Ireland (Cork). It gives you a quieter start in northern Brittany before you ride south. It's roughly a 1.5-hour ride to Burlaouen.
Check Plymouth to Roscoff ferries →Caen, Cherbourg or Le Havre
These can be good alternatives depending on your departure port. They usually involve a longer ride (3.5 to 4.5 hours) after arrival, but the journey through Normandy and western France can be enjoyable in its own right.
View all Brittany Ferries routes →The Eurotunnel (LeShuttle)
The fastest way across the Channel at just 35 minutes. Motorcycles do not need to be strapped down; simply park on the side stand and leave it in gear. From Calais, it is about a 6-hour motorway ride to reach us in Central Brittany.
Book the Eurotunnel for motorcycles →Ferry tips for motorcyclists
- Book early if you are travelling during school holidays or popular summer weekends.
- Arrive with enough time to check in calmly. You are usually responsible for securing your own bike on the ferry—leave it on the side stand and in gear.
- Keep a small bag with your essentials (passport, V5C, insurance, tickets) handy for the crossing.
- Pack waterproofs where you can reach them easily after disembarking.
- Plan your first fuel stop before you leave the port.
Your ride from the port to Burlaouen
There is no need to rush straight onto major toll roads. Brittany rewards riders who leave time for village stops, quiet D-roads and scenic detours. Once you are settled at Burlaouen, you can use it as a base for relaxed day rides across Central Brittany.
Before you book your ferry, make sure you have the right accommodation locked in for your group size. We have the Wooden Cabin for solo riders or couples, the Wooden House for up to 3 people, and the Stone Gîte for groups of up to 4. Both houses include access to covered garage parking.
For route ideas after you arrive, visit our Central Brittany motorcycle routes guide. If you want to know