Brittany Ferries to launch new UK-France rail-ferry service

Ferry operator Brittany Ferries announced it will launch a new rail-ferry freight service this month connecting Bayonne in southern France with Poole, via a rail link to Cherbourg.

The announcement came as the company also confirmed the reinstatement of its daily winter passenger and freight service between Poole and Cherbourg.

Christophe Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer of Brittany Ferries, stated that the first trailers using the new rail-ferry service are expected to arrive in June. The service will transport trailers by rail from Bayonne, near the Spanish border, to Cherbourg, where they will then be shipped by ferry to Poole.

The reinstated winter service will run from December 14, 2025, to March 29, 2026, and will be operated by the vessel Commodore Clipper. The route's regular vessel, Barfleur, will return to service from March 29, 2026.

Captain Brian Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of Poole Harbour Commissioners, welcomed the company's continued investment in the Poole–Cherbourg route and its commitment to year-round cross-Channel connectivity.