Affiliate Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. If you book through these links we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Plymouth to Roscoff Cycling: The Complete Bike Ferry Guide 2026
The Plymouth to Roscoff cycling route is one of the finest cycle-touring crossings in Europe — and it’s significantly underrated compared to the more easterly Dover routes. Brittany Ferries welcomes cyclists on all sailings, and the moment you roll off the ramp at Port de Bloscon you are at the starting point of two of the great signed cycle routes of France: La Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1), heading south down the Atlantic coast to Nantes and beyond, and the Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4), heading east along the Channel coast. The V7 cycle route departs directly from the port gate. For cyclists based in Devon, Cornwall, Wales and the South West, there is no better gateway to cycle-touring in France. This guide covers everything: booking, prices, getting to Plymouth by bike, checking in, how your bike is secured, arriving at Roscoff, and the best routes to ride from the port.
Last updated: April 2026 | Information verified from official Brittany Ferries sources
🚲 Plymouth to Roscoff Cycling — Fast Facts
£50+
Passenger + bicycle fare
45 min
Check-in before departure (check e-ticket)
EV1 + EV4
Two EuroVelo routes from Roscoff port
~1km
Port to Roscoff old town
✅ Bikes welcomed on all sailings — Armorique (most crossings) and Pont-Aven (selected Fri + Tue)
✅ Cabin or reserved seat compulsory on overnight sailings — reserved seat from £10 fixed price
✅ Cyclists check in with foot passengers — terminal building, same 45-minute minimum (check your e-ticket)
✅ Priority boarding — cyclists typically board after trucks but before cars at Plymouth
✅ Bike secured on board by crew — tied or strapped to floor, wall or railing on the vehicle deck
✅ Folding bikes in a bag travel free — counted as hand luggage, no supplement
✅ La Vélodyssée (EV1) and V7 depart directly from Port de Bloscon — Roscoff is a purpose-built cycling start point
Brittany Ferries accepts bicycles on all Plymouth to Roscoff sailings. As a cyclist, you travel as a foot passenger with your bicycle — booking a combined passenger and bicycle fare. You do not need a vehicle. Your bike travels in the ship’s vehicle deck while you sleep in your cabin or relax in the lounge.
Plymouth to Roscoff is one of the best ferry crossings in Britain for cycle-tourists, for one simple reason: Roscoff is a purpose-built cycling departure point. La Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) — 1,300km of largely traffic-free cycling from Roscoff to Hendaye on the Spanish border — starts here. So does the V7 route south to Concarneau. The Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) also originates in Roscoff, heading east along the Channel coast through Morlaix, the Pink Granite Coast and eventually to Dunkirk. There is no ferry port in the UK that drops you at the start of more signed cycle routes than Roscoff.
For cyclists based anywhere in Devon, Cornwall, Wales, or the South West, Plymouth Millbay is the obvious port. There are no Dover motorway miles. You pedal to the port, sleep on the ferry, and wake up in Brittany with a full day’s riding ahead.
⚠️ Always book your bike supplement in advance. Bicycle spaces on the vehicle deck are limited. Arriving at Plymouth without a booked bicycle space is a real risk — you may be refused boarding if the sailing is full for bikes. Add your bicycle when you book your passenger ticket on the Brittany Ferries website. For tandems, trailers, and special requests, call 0330 159 7000.
Prices 2026 — Bikes on the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry
The combined passenger and bicycle fare starts from £50 per person — this is the all-in price covering your crossing and bicycle. Pricing is dynamic and varies by date, demand and how far ahead you book. On overnight sailings you must add either a cabin or a reserved seat. The reserved seat (£10, fixed price — never increases) is the cheapest overnight option. Tandems, trailers, and other special bikes cannot be booked online — call 0330 159 7000.
Item
From Price
Notes
Passenger + bicycle
£50+
Combined fare — book early for best prices. Dynamic pricing applies.
+ Reserved seat (overnight)
£10
Fixed price — never increases. Deck 6 recliner. Valid for overnight crossings.
+ 2-Berth Inside Cabin
£55+
Armorique. Bunk beds, ensuite. Private space for gear — recommended for a loaded touring setup.
+ 4-Berth Inside Cabin
£75+
Both ships. Excellent value for two or more cyclists sharing — £18.75 per head in a group of four.
Tandems / trailers
Call
Must be booked by phone — cannot be booked online. Call 0330 159 7000.
Folding bike in a bag
FREE
Counts as hand luggage. No supplement. Must be folded and bagged.
💡 Reserved seat vs cabin: The £10 fixed-price reserved seat covers you for the overnight crossing — it’s a recliner on deck 6. Adequate for the night, but a 2-berth cabin from £55 gives you a proper bunk, an ensuite shower, and space to spread out your panniers and riding gear. After a long ride to Plymouth or a day of connecting travel, arriving at Roscoff properly rested makes a genuine difference to your first day’s riding.
🔋 E-bike batteries: E-bikes are accepted. Standard lithium-ion batteries within normal manufacturer specifications are fine. If you’re carrying an unusually large or aftermarket battery pack, contact Brittany Ferries before travelling to confirm acceptance. Spare or detached batteries carried separately may be subject to additional restrictions — check at the point of booking.
Getting to Plymouth Millbay by Bike
Plymouth Millbay terminal is reachable by bike, by train with your bike, or by combining train and bike. The port address is Millbay, Plymouth PL1 3EW (what3words: ///divide.brick.exam). Here’s how to arrive.
🚲 Cycling to the Port
NCN Route 27 (the Devon Coast to Coast / West Country Way) runs through Plymouth and provides the most practical cycle approach to Millbay. From the city centre the terminal is a short, largely flat ride following Brittany Ferries signs into the Millbay complex. The port entrance on Great Western Road is straightforward to navigate.
There is no dedicated cycle parking at the terminal — you bring your bike directly into the check-in process. Allow time for the port approach roads, which are shared with heavy vehicles.
🚆 Train + Bike to Plymouth
Bringing your bike by train is a popular approach. Plymouth railway station is approximately 30–35 minutes’ walk from the terminal — or a short taxi ride (£5–7). There is no direct bus between the station and the ferry terminal.
Book your bike space on the train in advance — demand is high on summer Fridays and Saturdays to Plymouth. Check Great Western Railway’s bike booking policy before travel. Non-folding bikes cannot travel on most services during peak commuter hours.
🛴 Beryl E-Bikes at the Port
Beryl dockless e-bikes are available at Plymouth Millbay port and near Plymouth railway station. If you’re arriving by train and don’t want to cycle the full distance to the terminal, a Beryl e-bike covers the gap quickly. Useful for a lighter day bag or when you’ve sent your loaded panniers ahead.
Download the Beryl app before travelling. Return the bike to a docking point at the port before checking in.
💡 Park and ride for cyclists: If driving to Plymouth with your bike, Coypool Park & Ride (PL7 4TB) offers free 24-hour parking on the eastern edge of Plymouth. From Coypool you can cycle into the city and down to Millbay — approximately 5–6km on largely urban roads. A practical option for cyclists arriving from Devon and Cornwall who want to avoid city centre driving.
Step-by-Step: Checking In and Boarding at Plymouth with Your Bike
Cyclists at Plymouth check in with foot passengers — not in the vehicle lanes. The process is straightforward and Plymouth’s terminal is simpler and less busy than Portsmouth.
1
Arrive at Plymouth Millbay Terminal — Check Your E-Ticket for the Time
Follow signs from the A38 and city centre to Brittany Ferries at Millbay. Cyclists head to the terminal building — not the vehicle check-in lanes. The standard minimum check-in for passengers at Plymouth is 45 minutes before departure — always check the time shown on your e-ticket as this is the one that applies to your specific sailing. For the 22:00 overnight sailing, aim to arrive by 20:30 at the latest. Arriving earlier gives you the best chance of priority boarding. There is direct access from the terminal building to the ship via a gangway — no bus transfer at Plymouth.
2
Check In at the Brittany Ferries Desk
Go to the Brittany Ferries check-in desk inside the terminal building with your booking reference, valid passport, and bicycle. Staff will confirm your bike is on the booking. Your boarding card is your cabin or reserved seat assignment — it also shows the ship’s Wi-Fi password. Keep it safe throughout the crossing. You will be directed to wait in the terminal with your bike until boarding is announced. The Plymouth terminal has toilets, a bureau de change, a small café, and wheelchair facilities.
3
Passport Control & Security
When boarding is called, make your way to the boarding gate with your boarding card and passport ready. UK Border Force passport control takes place first — have your passport open at the photo page. Security follows immediately: your bags go through an X-ray scanner. Pannier bags will likely need to come off the bike for the X-ray — allow a few extra minutes for this, particularly if you are carrying multiple large bags. Random spot checks may be requested. Cooperate fully and keep everything accessible.
4
Boarding — Cyclists After Trucks, Before Cars
At Plymouth, cyclists typically board after the lorries and trucks but before the cars — which gives you time to get settled on the vehicle deck before it fills. When directed, dismount and push your bike up the loading ramp — the ramp can be wet and metal surfaces are slippery, so take your time. Do not ride up the ramp. Once on board, a crew member will guide you to the bicycle storage area.
5
On Board — Bike Secured, Bags Off, Head to Your Cabin
A crew member will position and secure your bicycle — it will be tied to the floor, a wall fitting, or a railing depending on available space. Crew handle all the securing. Remove every bag from your bike before leaving the vehicle deck — panniers, frame bags, bar bags, anything attached. Take all luggage with you to your cabin or reserved seat. The vehicle deck is sealed once the ship sails and you cannot return to it during the crossing. Note your deck number and nearest exit for the morning.
💡 Terminal tip — use the facilities before going through to boarding: Plymouth Millbay has toilets, a café and a bureau de change in the terminal building. Use everything you need before heading through to the boarding gate — once through security you are committed to the ship. The terminal is also dog-friendly, unusually — dogs are allowed inside the building, with no muzzle required.
Arriving at Roscoff with Your Bike
The overnight sailing arrives at Port de Bloscon, Roscoff between 08:00 and 10:15 local French time — the arrival time varies by up to an hour depending on tidal conditions at Roscoff. This is unique to this route: always plan your first morning flexibly and don’t schedule a tight connection for the moment you dock. France is one hour ahead of the UK year-round.
1
Wake-Up Call and Leaving Your Cabin
On overnight sailings you will receive a wake-up call approximately 60 minutes before arrival — the distinctive piece of music used is ‘Dihun – Le Réveil’ by Carlos Núñez. Leave your cabin with all belongings 30 minutes before docking. Head to the vehicle deck when the PA announcement is made — do not go before the announcement as the deck will still be sealed. Reattach all panniers and bags to your bike before the ramp opens.
2
Walk Your Bike Down the Ramp — It Can Be Slippery
The metal disembarkation ramps at Roscoff can be wet and slippery — take particular care when loaded with panniers, as the centre of gravity shifts significantly. Walk your bike down; do not ride. At Roscoff, cyclists disembark via a ramp-equipped shuttle bus area — vehicle passengers drive directly off the ship. A shuttle bus is available for foot passengers. Once clear of the port vehicle area, remount and ride.
3
French Border Control — Then Straight onto the V7
Passport control is on the French side after disembarking. Have your passport accessible in a jersey pocket or bar bag. Once through border control you are free. The V7 cycle route signage begins immediately outside the port gate. Roscoff old town is approximately 1km from Port de Bloscon — a flat, easy ride to a café and a first croissant before you begin. Allow the vehicle ferry traffic to get ahead before joining the main road out of the port.
⚠️ No train from Roscoff: Several websites incorrectly state that a train connects Roscoff to Morlaix. The line has been closed since 2018 and there are no current plans to reopen it. In July and August, the BreizhGo Ligne 29 bus to Morlaix (35 minutes) allows bikes on board at certain stops and times — useful if you need to reach Morlaix station for onward connections. Outside summer, there is no bike-on-bus service from Roscoff.
What Bikes Are Accepted on the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry?
Brittany Ferries accepts almost all bicycle types on this route. Here’s what to expect for each bike type.
🚲 Standard Bikes
Road bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, gravel bikes — all accepted. Book the passenger + bicycle fare at time of booking. No special preparation needed.
⚡ E-Bikes
E-bikes are accepted — standard bicycle fare applies. Standard factory batteries are fine. Contact Brittany Ferries directly for unusually large or aftermarket battery packs before travelling.
🔄 Tandems
Tandems are accepted but must be booked by phone — they cannot be added online. Call 0330 159 7000. At Roscoff, bicycles and motorbikes board and disembark together — tandems follow the same process.
📦 Folding Bikes
A folding bike in a bag counts as hand luggage and travels free — no supplement required. The cheapest way to take a bike to Roscoff. Must be folded and fully bagged before check-in.
🏕️ Bike + Trailer
Cycle trailers (cargo or child) are accepted but pricing differs from a standard bike. Call 0330 159 7000 to confirm current pricing and availability before booking.
📦 Boxed or Bagged Bikes
Bikes in cardboard boxes or bike bags are accepted. The standard bicycle supplement still applies unless it’s a folded folder small enough to count as hand luggage. A good option for protecting a high-value touring bike during the crossing.
Cycling in France: Rules of the Road
Cycling in western Brittany is a genuine pleasure — quiet lanes, courteous drivers, and world-class signed routes from the moment you leave the port. But France has specific rules for cyclists that differ from the UK. Make sure you know these before you roll off the ramp.
⛑️ Helmets
Not legally required for adults in France, but strongly recommended. Children under 12 must wear a helmet — legal requirement with a fine of up to €750. As a touring cyclist on unfamiliar Breton lanes, wearing a helmet is simply good practice.
🦺 High-Vis Vest
Mandatory for all cyclists outside built-up areas at night or in poor visibility. Fine up to €150. Pack a certified reflective gilet in your panniers — it compresses to nothing and can be critical on unlit Breton lanes at dusk.
💡 Lights and Reflectors
Mandatory at night: white/yellow front light and red rear light, both working. Also required: red rear reflector, white front reflector, and orange reflectors on pedals and wheels. Fines from €11–€38 per missing item.
🔔 Bell
A working bell is mandatory on all bikes in France — audible from at least 50 metres. Fine up to €38. Many touring cyclists remove their bells and forget to refit before crossing. Check yours before boarding.
🎧 No Earphones
Earphones, earbuds and headphones are illegal while cycling in France. Fine €135. Save the podcast for the overnight crossing and enjoy the sounds of western Brittany instead.
🚗 Road Rules
Ride on the right. Two cyclists may ride abreast in daylight but must ride single file at night or when being overtaken. Groups larger than 10 must split. Use cycle paths where they exist — pavement cycling is not permitted.
🍷 Alcohol and cycling: The BAC limit for cyclists in France is 0.5g/l — lower than the 0.8g/l limit in England and Wales. Fine €135. A glass of Breton cider with lunch is fine. Cycling after a generous evening in one of Roscoff’s restaurants is not.
Best Cycling Routes from Roscoff
Roscoff is the starting point of more major signed cycle routes than any other French ferry port. Two EuroVelo routes begin here. La Vélodyssée heads south all the way to the Spanish border. The Vélomaritime heads east along the Channel coast. The V7 departs directly from the port gate. Here’s what each route offers.
La Vélodyssée — EuroVelo 1 — The Atlantic Coast Route
Distance: 1,300km (Roscoff to Hendaye) | Traffic-free: approximately 80% of the route | Signposting: Excellent — fully certified EuroVelo route
La Vélodyssée is France’s great Atlantic cycling route — 1,300km of largely traffic-free riding from Roscoff all the way to Hendaye on the Spanish border, passing through Finistère, the Loire-Atlantique, the Vendée coast, the Charente and the Basque country. From Roscoff, the first stage heads south towards Morlaix (~30km) along a mixture of quiet lanes and managed trails through the early-vegetable fields of the Pays Léonard. Beyond Morlaix, the route largely follows the old railway line — converted to a greenway (voie verte) — and then the Nantes-Brest canal towpath all the way south. These sections are flat, entirely car-free, and extraordinarily peaceful. The whole Brittany section to Nantes is around 400km and is considered the finest stretch of the entire route. Detailed stage maps and GPS files are available at cycling-lavelodyssee.com
Roscoff → Morlaix (30km, Stage 1 EV1)
The opening stage of La Vélodyssée from the port gate, through the Pays Léonard’s market garden country to the viaduct town of Morlaix. Shared with the Vélomaritime out of Roscoff along the V7. Mostly quiet lanes with some gentle gradients. Morlaix makes an excellent first-night stop — a compact, characterful town with a spectacular railway viaduct, a good market, and direct TGV connections to Paris if plans change.
The Nantes-Brest Canal — Roscoff to Nantes (~400km)
After Morlaix, La Vélodyssée follows a converted railway greenway and then joins the Nantes-Brest canal towpath — one of the great cycling corridors of France. Flower-decorated lock keepers’ cottages, Cistercian abbeys, Brittany’s largest lake (Lac de Guerlédan), medieval towns such as Josselin, and the city of Nantes at the finish. Almost entirely flat and largely car-free. The full route takes 10–14 days at a relaxed touring pace and is consistently rated as one of the best cycling holidays in Europe.
The Vélomaritime EV4 — Roscoff to Dunkirk (~1,500km)
The Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) also starts at Roscoff, heading east along the Channel coast to Dunkirk — 1,500km via the Pink Granite Coast, Saint-Brieuc Bay, Mont Saint-Michel, the D-Day beaches, Étretat and the Opal Coast. The early stages from Roscoff follow the V7 and share signage with La Vélodyssée as far as Morlaix. Recommended direction is west to east for prevailing tailwinds. Detailed information at lavelomaritime.com
The Tour de Manche — Roscoff to Plymouth and Back
The Tour de Manche is a signed cross-channel cycling route linking Plymouth and Roscoff — using the ferry crossing as the centrepiece. The full route covers ~700km including both sides of the Channel; the shorter Petit Tour de Manche is ~440km. On the French side, the route passes through Morlaix Bay, along the north Brittany coast, and takes in Mont Saint-Michel. On the English side it follows NCN routes through Devon and Cornwall back to Plymouth. The Plymouth-Roscoff ferry is the literal connecting link of this route — you are, in effect, riding the Tour de Manche the moment you board. Route information at tourdumanche.com
Top Tips for Taking Your Bike on the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry
Book early — bike spaces are limited: The vehicle deck has finite capacity for bicycles. Peak summer sailings, particularly late July and August, can fill up for cyclists well ahead. Add your bicycle supplement when you first book your ticket — don’t leave it as a separate step.
Check your bike before you leave home: Tyres, brakes, gears, chain, lights, and your bell. A mechanical problem in rural Finistère is far more inconvenient than an afternoon in your garage at home. A working bell is a legal requirement in France — many touring cyclists take theirs off and forget to refit before the crossing.
Arrive at Plymouth with time to spare: The minimum check-in is 45 minutes before departure (always check your e-ticket). For the 22:00 overnight sailing, arriving by 20:30 is sensible. Arriving early puts you near the front of the boarding queue and typically means boarding before the cars.
Strip every bag off your bike before security: Panniers, handlebar bags, frame bags, saddle packs — all come off before you go through the security X-ray scanner, and they all go up to your cabin or reserved seat. Nothing left on the bike is accessible once the car deck is sealed for the crossing.
Pack a French cycling kit: Working bell, front and rear lights, orange reflectors on pedals, certified high-vis gilet. These are legal requirements in France, not optional extras, and the fines are real. Takes up almost no room in a pannier.
Take the ramps slowly — both at Plymouth and Roscoff: Metal ferry ramps can be wet, greasy and steep. A loaded touring bike handles very differently to an unloaded one. Walk the bike on and off rather than riding. More than one cyclist has come unstuck trying to ride a laden bike down a slippery ramp.
Get the cabin: The £10 reserved seat covers you legally for the overnight crossing but a cabin makes a meaningful difference to your first day’s cycling. Arriving at Roscoff after a proper night in a bunk, with a shower, versus arriving stiff from a recliner are genuinely different states to begin a touring holiday in.
Let the cars clear the port before you ride: After disembarking at Roscoff, there’s a brief period of heavy vehicle traffic leaving the port. Pull over in the port area, reattach your bags properly, adjust your saddle and mirrors, check your tyres — and let the cars get ahead. The V7 signage is right outside the gate when you’re ready.
Download offline maps before boarding:Komoot and Ride with GPS both have excellent coverage of La Vélodyssée, the Vélomaritime, and the V7. The ship’s Wi-Fi is limited — download your route files before you board so you don’t arrive in Roscoff relying on mobile data.
Plymouth to Roscoff Cycling — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a bike on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Yes — Brittany Ferries accepts bicycles on all Plymouth to Roscoff sailings. You travel as a foot passenger with your bicycle, booking a combined passenger and bicycle fare from £50 per person. Folding bikes in a bag travel free. Tandems and trailers must be booked by phone on 0330 159 7000.
How much does it cost to take a bike on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry in 2026?
The combined passenger and bicycle fare starts from £50 per person. Pricing is dynamic and varies by date and demand — book early for the best rates. On overnight sailings you must also add either a reserved seat (£10 fixed price) or a cabin (from £55 for a 2-berth inside). Folding bikes that are bagged travel free as hand luggage.
Do I need to book my bike in advance?
Yes — always book your bicycle supplement when you book your passenger ticket. Bicycle spaces on the vehicle deck are limited. Arriving at Plymouth without a booked bike space risks being refused boarding, particularly on busy summer sailings. Add the bicycle at the point of booking on the Brittany Ferries website.
What check-in time do I need for a bike at Plymouth?
The standard minimum is 45 minutes before departure — always check the time shown on your e-ticket as this is the one that applies to your specific sailing. For the 22:00 overnight Armorique sailing, aim to be at the terminal by 20:30 at the latest. Arriving early puts you near the front of the cyclist boarding queue and means you typically board before the cars.
What time does the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry arrive?
Overnight sailings arrive at Roscoff between 08:00 and 10:15 local French time. The arrival time varies by up to an hour depending on tidal conditions at Roscoff — unique to this route. Always plan your first morning’s ride with a flexible start time. France is one hour ahead of the UK year-round.
Is my bike safe on the vehicle deck during the crossing?
Yes. Crew secure all bicycles before the ship sails, tying or strapping them to fixed deck points. The vehicle deck is a secure sealed area not accessible to other passengers during the crossing. Remove all bags and luggage from your bike before leaving the deck — take everything with you as you cannot return once underway.
What cycling routes leave from Roscoff?
Roscoff is the starting point of La Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1), which runs 1,300km south to Hendaye on the Spanish border. The Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) also originates in Roscoff, heading east along the Channel coast to Dunkirk (~1,500km). The V7 cycle route to Concarneau departs from the port gate. The Tour de Manche uses Roscoff as the French endpoint of the cross-channel cycling circuit linking Plymouth and Roscoff.
Can I take an e-bike on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Yes — e-bikes are accepted on the Plymouth to Roscoff route. The standard passenger + bicycle fare applies. Standard factory-fitted lithium-ion batteries within normal manufacturer specifications are fine. If you have an unusually large or aftermarket battery pack, contact Brittany Ferries on 0330 159 7000 before travelling to confirm acceptance.
Continue Planning Your Plymouth to Roscoff Trip
🛏️
Cabins Guide
Every cabin grade on Armorique and Pont-Aven — reserved seat to Commodore
Book your passenger + bicycle ticket together at Brittany Ferries. Add your bicycle at time of booking — don’t leave it as a separate step. Spaces are limited and early booking gets the best fares.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We also use affiliate links, please see our privacy policy.
