Last updated: 4 November 2026

In 2026 the Channel Islands ferry network is split: DFDS runs Jersey’s sailings and Brittany Ferries (owner of the Condor brand) runs Guernsey’s. Both islands link to Poole, Portsmouth and St Malo. Small local boats then carry you on to Sark, Herm and Alderney.

Who runs the Channel Islands ferries now?

Condor Ferries served both islands for about 60 years. That ended when each island tendered its own contract. Jersey signed a 20-year deal with DFDS at the end of 2024. DFDS took over at the end of March 2025. Guernsey signed a 15-year deal with Brittany Ferries, which now owns Condor.

So you book Jersey with DFDS and Guernsey with Brittany Ferries. Older guides that say “book Condor for both” are out of date.

DFDS ferries to Jersey

DFDS uses two high-speed catamarans and one conventional ro-pax on its passenger routes. Both fast craft previously ran between Gibraltar and Morocco.

Levante Jet carries 675 passengers and 151 vehicles. Tarifa Jet is slightly larger, with over 700 passengers and 175 vehicles. Neither calls at Guernsey.

For 2026, DFDS scheduled more than 730 departures between May and August. Most UK departures now leave between 09:00 and 12:00, so fewer dawn starts. DFDS also secured a 07:45 St Malo departure slot. Foot-passenger day trips from Jersey to St Malo started from £32 return.

The Poole fast craft is seasonal. In winter 2025/26 DFDS paused the Poole service, and Levante Jet was due back in late May. Portsmouth runs all year.

Watch: a tour of DFDS Levante Jet

Brittany Ferries to Guernsey

Brittany Ferries took over Guernsey’s passenger and freight services in 2025. Its 2026 schedule offered up to 20 sailings a week.

From November 2026, some Guernsey–Portsmouth sailings run via Cherbourg. On those, you need a valid passport to re-enter the UK. Direct sailings are unaffected.

Freight to the Channel Islands

Most of Jersey’s freight is unaccompanied trailers between Portsmouth and St Helier. In 2025 DFDS bought the veteran freight ship Commodore Goodwill from Condor. It renamed her Caesarea Trader for the Portsmouth and St Malo freight routes, replacing MV Arrow.

DFDS plans newbuilds: an electric fast craft for St Malo (2028), a freight ship (2030) and a ro-pax (2031). Freight ships do not sell passenger berths, so you cannot book them as a “cargo cruise”.

Sark, Herm and Alderney

The small islands rely on local boats. You must show photo ID for inter-island travel.

• Sark: Isle of Sark Shipping sails from St Peter Port in about 45 minutes, several times a day from April to October. Manche Îles Express runs Jersey–Sark in about 80 minutes, several times a week from April to September.
• Herm: Travel Trident leaves the Inter Island Quay in St Peter Port. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.
• Alderney: Alderney Ferry Services links Guernsey up to three times a day in season. Manche Îles Express sails from Diélette in Normandy in summer.

Manche Îles Express also links Granville and Carteret in Normandy with Jersey, Guernsey and Sark in summer.

Can you sail between Jersey and Guernsey?

Only just. Brittany Ferries has run a weekly Guernsey–Jersey sailing since April 2025. DFDS proposed a Stena Vinga inter-island service, but Guernsey rejected it in March 2026. Talks stalled around Jersey’s election. Check both operators before you plan a two-island trip, or fly with Aurigny.

Watch: Portsmouth to Jersey on Stena Vinga

Best time to go

Tips

1. Book Jersey with DFDS and Guernsey with Brittany Ferries. They are separate systems.
2. Choose Portsmouth if you get seasick on fast craft; the larger ship rides swell better.
3. Carry photo ID, and a passport if your sailing calls at France or Cherbourg.
4. Fast craft cancel more often in strong winds. Leave slack in your plans.
5. Book summer car space early; peak sailings fill.
6. Treat all fares here as indicative. Check live prices.

Foire aux questions

Sources: DFDS Jersey route pages; Brittany Ferries/Condor Guernsey route page; Baird Maritime (Oct 2026); Ships Monthly; Jersey Evening Post; Bailiwick Express; Channel 103; sark.co.uk; Travel Trident; Visit Alderney. Checked November 2026.