Poole - Cherbourg

The shortest crossing to France West of Dover. Sailings between Poole and Cherbourg can once again be taken via the popular mv Barfleur (from 27th January 2011) or by the hsc Normandie Vitesse (summer season only) allowing you to reach the Norman port in just 2¼ hours. There is are up to three return passenger sailing per day plus additional freight only crossings undertaken by the mv Cotentin.

In 1985 Brittany Ferries purchased Truckline Ferries, a two ship freight only operation between Poole and Cherbourg. In June 1986 the route was opened up to passengers for the first time using the mv Cornouailles. The service was called 'Les Routiers' giving a value for money service, operating up to 2 return crossings a day on the shortest route west of Dover. In 1999 the Truckline banner was abandoned and the service began trading under the Brittany Ferries name. In 2010 the conventional ferry, mv Barfleur, was withdrawn from the route, leaving a summer only high speed passenger service. However, due to popular demand, it was announced in December 2010 that the mv Barfleur would return to service on the 27th February 2011.

In 2008 414,000 passengers travelled between Poole and Cherbourg, and in 2009 333,000 passengers.