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.
Taking a Motorbike on the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry: The Complete 2027 Guide
For motorcyclists in Devon, Cornwall, Wales, and the South West, the Plymouth to Roscoff motorbike ferry is one of the finest ways to get to France. You depart Plymouth Millbay, spend the night aboard the Armorique or Pont-Aven, and ride off the ramp in Roscoff into the heart of western Brittany — with some of the most rewarding riding roads in Europe just minutes from the port. No motorway miles, no ferry queue at Dover, no fighting through eastern France. Just Devon to Brittany in a single overnight sailing. This guide covers everything you need: prices, booking, check-in at Plymouth, how your bike is secured on the car deck, what to bring, and riding in France once you’re there.
Last updated: October 2026 | Prices and information checked against official Brittany Ferries sources
🏍️ Motorbike Ferry Fast Facts — Plymouth to Roscoff
£58
From (solo rider + bike)
45 min
Check-in closes before departure (check your e-ticket)
7½–11¼ hrs
Overnight crossing time
✅ Motorbikes accepted on all sailings — Armorique (most crossings) and Pont-Aven (Thursdays from Plymouth, Sundays from Roscoff in 2027)
✅ Daytime option available — the Friday 08:30 from Plymouth arrives Roscoff 15:00 French time (plus Saturday and Sunday daytime sailings in peak weeks). No cabin required.
✅ Crew secure your bike with ratchet straps and foam pads — no tools needed from you
✅ Overnight sailings: a cabin or reserved seat is compulsory — you cannot travel overnight without one — a £10 reserved seat is a valid option
✅ No pets with motorcyclists — Brittany Ferries only takes pet bookings with a car
Why Plymouth Is the Best Ferry Port for Motorcyclists
For riders based anywhere south and west of Birmingham, Plymouth Millbay is the logical departure point. You’re not fighting your way to Portsmouth or Dover — the A38 brings you straight into Plymouth from the M5, with the ferry terminal just minutes from the city centre. Riders from Cornwall are virtually on the doorstep; those from Wales can reach Plymouth without touching a motorway if they choose their route right.
The bigger advantage is where you arrive. Roscoff sits at the western tip of Brittany, so you land right where the best riding starts. From Port de Bloscon, the D58 drops you straight into the Breton countryside within minutes. The Parc naturel régional d’Armorique is 45 minutes south. The Crozon peninsula, widely regarded as one of the finest rides in France, is reachable before lunch. The routes towards Quimper, Douarnenez, and the coast roads of Finistère are all significantly closer from Roscoff than from any other Channel ferry port in France.
The crossing itself is perfectly suited to motorcyclists. Most sailings use the Armorique — a well-appointed cruise ferry with comfortable cabins, restaurant, bar, and boutique. In 2027 the larger Pont-Aven — Brittany Ferries’ flagship and the largest ship in its fleet — sails overnight on Thursdays from Plymouth and by day on Sundays from Roscoff. Depart Plymouth at 22:00 or 22:30, sleep in your cabin, and wake up to Brittany. Overnight crossings take 7½–11¼ hours, arriving at 08:00 local time on most mornings, or 10:15 after the Saturday-night sailing because of that night’s sailing pattern (in the peak weeks of 24 July – 29 August the Friday sailing arrives at 07:00). Either way, you have a full day of riding ahead.
The route is also strong on price. Solo riders with a bike can book from £58 one way. Two-up touring trips start from £106. Add a cabin or reserved seat for the overnight crossing and you still arrive in France at a fraction of the cost of a tunnel crossing with a rental car.
Motorbike Ferry Prices 2027 — Plymouth to Roscoff
Brittany Ferries prices Plymouth to Roscoff motorbike ferry tickets per vehicle booking, covering the bike and up to two passengers. Fares vary by date and how far in advance you book. The prices below are one-way starting fares — the lowest we found. For overnight sailings, a cabin or reserved seat is compulsory — you cannot travel overnight without one: add a reserved seat (£10, fixed price) or a cabin. Daytime sailings need neither — use the lounges and decks for the 5–7 hour crossing. Cabin prices are the lowest we found — price and availability depend on when you travel and how far ahead you book.
Ticket Type
From Price
What’s Included
Solo rider + motorbike
£58
1 passenger + 1 motorbike. Cabin or reserved seat added separately for overnight sailings.
Rider + pillion + motorbike
£106
2 passengers + 1 motorbike. Cabin or reserved seat added separately for overnight sailings.
2 passengers + sidecar or 2 bikes
£130
2 passengers with a sidecar outfit, or 2 passengers on 2 motorbikes.
+ Reserved seat (overnight)
£10
Fixed price. Reclining seat (deck 9 on the Pont-Aven). Valid alternative to a cabin on overnight sailings.
+ 2-Berth Inside cabin
£57+
Overnight from £57+ (Pont-Aven) or £71+ (Armorique, £32+ daytime). No window, bunk beds, ensuite. Private and comfortable for solo or two-up.
+ 4-Berth Inside cabin
£77+
Overnight from £77+ (Pont-Aven) or £93+ (Armorique, £42+ daytime). Bunk beds, ensuite. Excellent per-head value for groups of riders sharing.
+ 4-Berth Commodore cabin (Pont-Aven)
£177+
Private balcony, twin beds + sofabed, TV with Video-on-Demand, breakfast or hot drinks, minibar — genuinely memorable start to a touring trip.
💡 Cabin vs reserved seat for riders: The reserved seat (£10 fixed price) is the budget option — a reclining seat for the overnight crossing. For solo riders who ride hard days, a 2-berth inside cabin from £57+ gives you a proper bunk, ensuite shower, and a good night’s sleep before a full day in the saddle. That’s the more practical choice for most touring motorcyclists. Four riders sharing a 4-berth cabin from £77+ pay around £19.25 each — exceptional value. Book 6–12 months ahead for the best prices and cabin availability in peak season.
⚠️ No pets on motorbike bookings: Brittany Ferries does not permit pets to travel with motorcyclists. If you want to bring a dog, cat or ferret, you need a car — your pet then travels in your vehicle, a pet-friendly cabin, or the Pont-Aven’s kennels. No exceptions. See our full pet travel guide for details.
Ready to Book Your Motorbike on the Ferry?
Motorbike spaces — especially on peak summer sailings — sell out quickly. Book early to secure your crossing and get the best fare.
How to Book Your Motorbike on the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry
Booking a motorbike on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry is done through Brittany Ferries’ website, in the same booking flow as a car — just with motorcycle selected as the vehicle type. The process takes a few minutes online.
1
Select “Motorcycle” as Your Vehicle Type
Choose Plymouth as your departure port and Roscoff as your destination. Select Motorcycle as your vehicle type. You’ll be asked for your registration number, make and model. Be accurate — the ship’s loading team use this to plan placement on the car deck. Enter the correct number of passengers: 1 for solo, 2 for rider and pillion. Multiple bikes can be booked together — each bike is added as a separate vehicle in the booking process, with its own passenger count.
2
Choose Your Sailing — Day or Night
This is the big choice on this route. Overnight sailings (most leave at 22:00 or 22:30; the Thursday Pont-Aven at 20:30) arrive Roscoff at 08:00 local time on most mornings, or 10:15 after the Saturday-night sailing because of that night’s sailing pattern (in the peak weeks of 24 July – 29 August the Friday sailing arrives at 07:00). Daytime sailings — the Friday 08:30 Armorique from Plymouth (arriving 15:00), plus Saturday 15:00 and Sunday 08:30 in the peak weeks; from Roscoff, the afternoon Armorique sailings and the Sunday 09:45 Pont-Aven. No cabin or seat required on daytime sailings. For overnight sailings, add a reserved seat (£10 fixed) or cabin during the booking process.
3
Check Your Confirmation — Note the Check-In Time
Brittany Ferries issue an e-ticket — no paper tickets. Save your confirmation email and have the booking reference accessible at check-in. Always check the check-in time shown on your e-ticket — this is the time that applies to your specific sailing. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for vehicles, including motorbikes — aim to arrive an hour earlier, but always verify on your ticket. For peak summer sailings, most experienced riders aim for 90 minutes before departure.
4
Sidecars and Group Bookings
Sidecar outfits use the £130 tier (2 passengers + sidecar). Two riders travelling together on separate bikes also use this tier. For groups of three or more bikes, each bike must be booked as a separate transaction or contact Brittany Ferries on 0330 159 7000 for group arrangements. Tandems cannot be booked online — call Brittany Ferries directly.
Check-In at Plymouth Millbay with a Motorbike
Plymouth Millbay terminal is straightforward to reach — from the A38 follow Brittany Ferries signs into the Millbay complex. The terminal address is Millbay, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3EW (what3words: ///divide.brick.exam). Motorbike check-in at Plymouth follows the same process as other vehicle passengers.
1
Arrive — Check Your E-Ticket for the Exact Time
Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for vehicles, including motorbikes — aim to arrive an hour earlier — always check the time shown on your e-ticket, as that’s the one for your sailing. Check-in usually opens 2 hours before sailing; you can generally wait in the queue if you arrive a little earlier, as long as there isn’t another sailing before yours. For the 22:00 overnight sailing, arriving by 20:30 gives a sensible buffer. Most experienced riders on this route arrive 90 minutes before in peak season. There is no height gauge at Plymouth Millbay — proceed directly to the check-in booths.
2
Check-In Booth — Documents Ready
Join the vehicle check-in lanes and follow signs to the Brittany Ferries booths. Have your booking reference and passport ready — you do not need to remove your helmet at the check-in booth, but your face must be clearly visible. You’ll be issued a boarding card which also serves as your cabin key if you’ve booked a cabin. Keep it away from your mobile phone — it demagnetises easily. The first digit of your cabin number is your deck number.
3
Security, Passport Control and Holding Lanes
After the check-in booth you’ll pass through passport control. Remove your helmet for the passport check — your face must be visible to the officer. After passport control, proceed through security and into the motorcycle holding area. Keep your helmet, gloves and all riding gear on while in holding lanes and on the loading ramp — surfaces can be wet and there is vehicle movement around you. Brittany Ferries require helmets to be worn whenever your bike is in motion.
4
Boarding — Take Your Time on the Ramp
When directed to board, ride with care — loading ramps at Plymouth can be wet and greasy. Brake gently and avoid sudden steering inputs. Crew will guide you to your parking position. Motorcycles are typically loaded first at Plymouth, which means you’re settled on the car deck before the cars arrive. Once positioned, a crew member will secure your bike immediately using ratchet straps and foam pads.
🚨 Disable your alarm before leaving the deck: An overnight crossing takes up to 11 hours. Ship movement will trigger an armed motorcycle alarm — and once the vehicle decks are closed, nobody can silence it. Disable your alarm or engage transport mode before you leave the car deck. Check your owner’s manual at home before sailing day if you are unsure how. This is the single most common problem on overnight motorbike crossings and it is entirely avoidable.
How Your Bike is Secured on the Car Deck
For many riders taking the Plymouth to Roscoff motorbike ferry for the first time, the car deck is the biggest unknown. Your bike spends up to 11 hours on a closed vehicle deck while the ship crosses the English Channel, which can be lively in a westerly. Brittany Ferries has a well-established crew-led process, and it is genuinely reliable.
🔧 Ratchet Straps and Foam Pads
A trained crew member secures your bike using heavy-duty ratchet straps fixed to deck shackles, with thick foam pads placed between the strap and your seat to prevent marking or damage. You do not need to supply your own straps — Brittany Ferries provide everything. If you carry your own ratchet straps and prefer to use them, you can, but the crew will inspect the result before leaving the deck.
🏍️ Sidestand, First Gear and Chocks
Your bike is parked on the sidestand where possible — this creates a wider base than the centrestand. Leave your bike in first gear before dismounting. Where appropriate, wheel chocks are used for additional stability. The crew are experienced with all types of machine — sports, adventure, cruiser, touring outfits and large sidecar combinations.
📝 Before You Leave the Deck
Note your deck number and nearest door or lift number before you leave — you’ll need these to find your bike quickly on arrival at Roscoff. Take care as you move towards the exits — other vehicles may still be boarding and space between parked vehicles is limited. Take everything you need for the crossing: overnight bag, documents, chargers, any medications. Take your helmet if your panniers don’t lock. The vehicle decks are closed once the ship has sailed. On arrival, wait for the announcement before returning to the deck — do not start your engine until instructed by crew.
⚠️ Luggage and Panniers
Remove everything you need overnight before leaving the deck. Soft panniers are generally fine — the strapping process won’t disturb them — but anything loose or poorly attached can shift during a rough crossing. Hard locking panniers are the most secure option; lock them before leaving. Do not leave valuables in luggage on the car deck overnight.
💡 Seat protection tip: Brittany Ferries use foam pads under straps as standard, but riders with custom or premium seats sometimes carry a small piece of neoprene or folded microfibre cloth for extra peace of mind. It takes up no space in a jacket pocket. If you’re using your own ratchet straps, never over-tighten — excess tension against a foam seat can crack the seat pan or break a hinge on cheaper seats.
Onboard the Armorique and Pont-Aven
Once you’ve left the car deck and found your cabin or reserved seat, both ships have everything you need for a comfortable crossing. The Armorique operates most Plymouth to Roscoff sailings — a well-appointed cruise ferry with restaurant, bar, boutique, and cinema. The larger Pont-Aven sails on Thursdays from Plymouth and Sundays from Roscoff in 2027. For the full deck-by-deck breakdown of both ships, see our onboard facilities guide.
🛏️ Cabins and Reserved Seats
Your cabin is assigned at booking — the boarding card is your key. Cabins open once you board. Soap, towels and linen are provided in all cabins. Ship plans are displayed on the walls of each deck to help you locate your cabin. On overnight sailings you will receive a wake-up call approximately 60 minutes before arrival — leave your cabin with all belongings 30 minutes before the ship docks. For those without a cabin, public showers are available on board and Sleep Packs (pillow, blanket, eye shade, earplugs) can be purchased. Continental 2-pin sockets in all cabins — bring a UK adaptor.
Armorique: Le Restaurant (self-service, deck 7) and Le Café (deck 6). Pont-Aven: Le Flora (à la carte), La Belle Angèle (self-service), Le Café du Festival, and piano bar Le Fastnet. A Food Pass is available: Small £25, Medium £40, Large £50 — see our prices and booking guide. Head for dinner early after boarding — the restaurant fills up quickly after departure.
📶 Wi-Fi and Data
Free Wi-Fi: 1 hour (Armorique), 90 minutes (Pont-Aven). Paid packages available. Turn off mobile data roaming before boarding — offshore maritime networks are not covered by UK roaming allowances. Connect to ‘Brittany Ferries Connected’. If the login page doesn’t appear, visit getwifi.no. Wi-Fi is around 10% cheaper when added to your booking — see our prices and booking guide.
🎒 Rider Bag — What to Carry Upstairs
Pack a small bag before boarding: passport, boarding card, phone and charger, any medications, a change of clothes and comfortable shoes. A pair of trainers makes a real difference after a full day in boots. Heavy riding gear can stay on or with the bike in locked panniers — but bring your helmet if you’re leaving it loose. An evening on the bar deck in full leather touring kit is less fun than it sounds.
🍺 Morning arrival and French BAC limits: France’s blood alcohol limit for all drivers including motorcyclists is 0.05% BAC — lower than the 0.08% limit in England and Wales. An overnight arrival in Roscoff at 08:00–10:15 local time means you may still be within the influence of drinks consumed the evening before. Plan moderately — a clear head is also better for your first hours on Breton roads, which can be narrow and unfamiliar.
Arriving at Roscoff — Off the Ferry and on the Road
The Armorique and Pont-Aven dock at Port de Bloscon, Roscoff 29680. An announcement will be made when motorcyclists may return to the car deck — do not start your engine until directed by crew. Overnight arrivals reach Roscoff at 08:00 local time on most mornings, or 10:15 after the Saturday-night sailing because of that night’s sailing pattern (in the peak weeks of 24 July – 29 August the Friday sailing arrives at 07:00). The Friday 08:30 daytime sailing arrives at 15:00 local time.
1
French Border Control
Passport control is completed on the French side after disembarking at Roscoff. Have your passport accessible in a jacket pocket or tank bag — you don’t want to be removing gloves and opening panniers at the booth. On your first trip under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), your fingerprints and photo are taken here — there’s nothing to do before you sail and no fee. There can be delays queuing for immigration in peak season — have your passport ready and allow extra time if you have a morning connection or meeting planned. The process is generally quick outside summer peaks. A ramp-equipped shuttle bus transfers foot passengers from ship to terminal; vehicle passengers drive off directly.
2
First Stop After the Port
Pull over somewhere safe before you hit the D58. Check your bike over: straps removed (crew should have done this), luggage secure, tyre pressures. Fit a headlight beam deflector if your headlight dips left — French law requires you not to dazzle oncoming drivers. Modern bikes with flat or symmetric beams may not need one, but check before you go. Get a coffee in Roscoff town, a few minutes’ ride from the port, reset your sat nav, and begin.
3
Time Difference and Arrival Planning
France is 1 hour ahead of the UK year-round. The ship runs on UK time throughout the crossing. An 08:00 Roscoff arrival is 07:00 UK time — factor this into your plans. Arrival is 08:00 on most mornings but 10:15 after the Saturday-night sailing — check your e-ticket and build in flexibility for first-day connections.
🗺️ First rides from Roscoff: The D58 south out of Port de Bloscon puts you into open Breton countryside within 10 minutes. The D785 south through the Parc naturel régional d’Armorique is one of the finest roads in western Brittany — narrow, hedge-lined, genuinely engaging. The Crozon peninsula is around 90 minutes south-west and is consistently rated one of the best motorcycle destinations in France. For those heading further: Quimper is 1.5 hours, Vannes 2.5 hours, and the Loire Valley 3.5 hours.
Documents You Need to Ride a Motorbike in France
Riding in France requires a specific set of documents carried with you at all times. Gendarmerie stops are not uncommon on popular routes — having everything in order avoids fines and unnecessary delays on day one.
📋 Full Documents Checklist
Valid passport — required at ferry check-in and French border control
Full motorcycle driving licence — correct category for your bike
V5C registration document — original or certified copy
Proof of insurance valid in France — check your policy before travel
Booking confirmation / e-ticket for the ferry crossing
UK identifier — plates showing “UK” required. “GB” no longer valid since September 2021
🪪 Driving Licence — Do I Need an IDP?
No — a current UK photocard driving licence is recognised in France. You do not need an International Driving Permit for short visits post-Brexit.
If you still hold an old-style paper licence (green or pink), you’ll need an IDP or to upgrade to a photocard licence. IDPs are available from shops displaying a PayPoint sign for £5.50, issued immediately.
🔵 UK Identifier — “GB” No Longer Valid
Since September 2021, all UK vehicles in the EU must display a “UK” identifier. “GB” ovals or stickers are no longer valid.
If your number plate already incorporates the UK flag and “UK”, no separate sticker is needed. If your plate shows GB, or no identifier, attach a UK sticker to the rear of the bike or a pannier where clearly visible. Fines apply in France for non-compliance.
💡 Insurance for France
Check your policy before travel. Many UK motorcycle policies provide only third-party cover in the EU post-Brexit, even if you have comprehensive cover in the UK. Consider a European extension or specialist touring policy if needed.
A Green Card (International Motor Insurance Certificate) is no longer compulsory in France, but is useful as proof of cover if stopped. Ask your insurer — it’s free and immediate to arrange.
📑 Headlight beam deflector: French law requires that you do not dazzle oncoming drivers. Many older bikes have a left-biased beam and will need a headlight beam deflector sticker applied over the lens. Modern bikes with flat or symmetric beams typically don’t need one — shine yours at a wall in the dark to check. Deflector kits are widely available for around £3–5. The requirement is to not dazzle; if your beam dips left, treat fitting one as mandatory.
Preparing Your Bike for the Trip
Western Brittany has exceptional riding roads — but a workshop day at home before you go is always more convenient than a roadside repair in Finistère. A properly prepared bike lets you focus on the riding rather than the maintenance.
🔩 Pre-Trip Service and Check
Check or service before departure:
Tyres — tread depth, sidewall condition, pressures. Adjust for touring load per manufacturer guidance.
Chain — clean, lubricate, check tension
Brakes — pad thickness, fluid levels
Lights — all bulbs including brake light
Fluids — oil, coolant, brake fluid
Suspension — preload adjusted for loaded touring weight
🧰 Essential Toolkit and Spares
A compact selection of spares can save a trip:
Basic toolkit for your bike’s fastener types
Spare brake and clutch levers — most common breakage from a drop
Spare bulbs for your headlight type
Electrical tape and cable ties
Chain lube and water repellent spray
Tyre repair kit or inner tube
A spare key — keep it separate from the main key
🧳 Luggage — Hard vs Soft
Hard luggage is the gold standard — waterproof, lockable, quick-detach. For multi-night tours, hard panniers make loading into B&Bs and hotels much simpler.
Soft luggage is more affordable and flexible but needs waterproof liners — even “waterproof” bags can fail in sustained rain. Whatever you use, ensure it cannot drop into the rear wheel. Load low and symmetrically. Do a short test ride fully loaded before leaving home.
🧥 Riding Gear for Brittany
Brittany’s weather changes quickly, particularly on the coast. Prepare for everything:
Laminate or Gore-Tex suit — no oversuit needed when rain arrives
Waterproof touring boots or waterproof socks
Two pairs of gloves — different weights for different conditions
Thin mid-layer for early mornings or exposed coast roads
Clear visor if riding with tinted — you may need it before dawn or at dusk
💡 Onboard tip — change of clothes: Pack a pair of lightweight trousers, a t-shirt or fleece, and comfortable shoes into your overnight bag. An evening exploring the bar deck and restaurant in comfort beats sitting in full touring kit for hours. Your riding gear can stay locked with the bike or folded into your bag — it doesn’t need to come into the cabin.
The Return Journey — Roscoff to Plymouth
The return sailing from Roscoff to Plymouth mirrors the outbound in reverse. Most return sailings leave Roscoff in the afternoon and arrive in Plymouth the same evening — Thursday 15:00, Friday 16:30, Saturday to Monday 14:30 — plus the Sunday 09:45 Pont-Aven. In the peak weeks (24 July – 29 August) some times change, with a Saturday 08:30 and a Saturday 23:00 overnight instead of the Saturday 14:30. Check your e-ticket for your exact sailing.
⏰ Roscoff Check-In
At Port de Bloscon, check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for vehicles — aim to arrive an hour earlier, and check your e-ticket for the exact time. Follow Brittany Ferries signs to the vehicle check-in area. Your passport will be checked by French border control before you board. Allow extra time if you are riding from further into Brittany — the D58 and approaches to Roscoff can be busy, especially on summer Sundays.
🛂 UK Border Control on Arrival
Passport control is completed on arrival at Plymouth Millbay. UK Border Force may ask about goods you’re returning with — standard UK import allowances apply. If you’ve spent time in France and are bringing back wine, spirits, or duty-free goods, be aware of current personal import limits. Check gov.uk for the most current figures before you travel home.
Once You’re in Brittany — What You Need to Know
Roscoff drops you straight into western Brittany — some of the finest motorcycling in France is within an hour of the port. But riding in France has its own rules, some of which differ significantly from the UK. A gendarmerie stop on the D785 on day one is not the start to a touring trip anyone wants. Here’s what you need to know before you ride.
🚦
Road Rules & Safety
The common mistakes UK riders make in Brittany
🚀
Speed Limits & Radar Detectors
French speed limits by road type, the strict law on radar warning devices and wet weather reductions.
🎂
Age Limits
Minimum age requirements for different engine sizes and licence categories in France
📋
Essential Info
Hi-viz requirements, tolls, emergency equipment, BAC limits, filtering rules and more for Brittany touring
Can I take a motorbike on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Yes — Brittany Ferries accepts motorbikes on all Plymouth to Roscoff sailings, on both the Armorique and Pont-Aven. You book online as a vehicle, selecting Motorcycle as the vehicle type. Your bike is stored in the car deck and secured by trained crew using ratchet straps and foam pads. Multiple bikes can be booked together in one booking, each with their own passenger count.
How much does it cost to take a motorbike on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Prices start from £58 for a solo rider plus motorbike, £106 for rider and pillion on one bike, and £130 for two passengers with a sidecar outfit or two separate bikes. These are vehicle and passenger fares — add a reserved seat (£10 fixed price) or cabin separately for overnight sailings. Daytime sailings, such as the Friday 08:30 from Plymouth, require no cabin or seat. Prices vary by date and season; book early for the best fares.
Do I need a cabin for the overnight Plymouth to Roscoff motorbike crossing?
On overnight sailings, a cabin or reserved seat is compulsory — you cannot travel overnight without one: a cabin (from £57+ for a 2-berth inside, the lowest price we found) or a reserved seat (£10 fixed price). On daytime sailings — such as the Friday 08:30 from Plymouth or the Sunday 09:45 Pont-Aven from Roscoff — neither is required — use the lounges and decks for the crossing. Most riders on overnight crossings choose a cabin rather than a reserved seat — a proper bunk and shower makes a significant difference before a full day of riding.
Does Brittany Ferries strap your motorbike down on the Plymouth to Roscoff crossing?
Yes — a trained crew member at Plymouth secures your bike using heavy-duty ratchet straps fixed to deck shackles, with thick foam pads under the straps to protect your seat. Wheel chocks are used where appropriate. You don’t need to supply your own straps, though you can if you prefer. The crew will check the result before you leave the vehicle deck. The process is the same on both the Armorique and Pont-Aven.
What check-in time do I need for a motorbike at Plymouth?
At Plymouth Millbay, check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for vehicles, including motorbikes — aim to arrive an hour earlier, and always check the time shown on your e-ticket, as that’s the one for your sailing. For the 22:00 overnight Armorique sailing, arriving by 20:30 gives a sensible buffer. Most experienced riders on this route arrive 90 minutes before in peak summer season when queues are longer.
What time does the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry arrive?
Overnight sailings arrive at Roscoff at 08:00 local time on most mornings, or 10:15 after the Saturday-night sailing because of that night’s sailing pattern (in the peak weeks of 24 July – 29 August the Friday sailing arrives at 07:00). The Friday 08:30 daytime sailing from Plymouth arrives at 15:00 local time. Check your e-ticket and build in flexibility for your first morning’s plans. France is 1 hour ahead of the UK year-round.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to ride in France from Plymouth?
No. If you hold a current UK photocard driving licence, you do not need an IDP to ride in France. Your UK licence is recognised post-Brexit. If you only hold an old-style paper licence, you’ll need either an IDP or to update to a photocard before travelling.
Can I take a motorbike and sidecar on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Yes — Brittany Ferries accepts motorbike and sidecar outfits on Plymouth to Roscoff sailings. Select the sidecar option during online booking. The 2-passenger sidecar pricing tier starts from £130. The crew are experienced with non-standard configurations and will position and secure your outfit on the car deck. Contact Brittany Ferries on 0330 159 7000 if you have questions about your specific setup.
Continue Planning Your Plymouth to Roscoff Trip
🛏️
Cabins Guide
Every cabin grade on Armorique and Pont-Aven — from reserved seat to Commodore with balcony
Ready to Book Your Motorbike on the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry?
Motorbike spaces on summer sailings sell out quickly. Book early to secure your crossing and get the best fare — and wake up in Brittany ready to ride.
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.
