Ferry routes serving Guernsey carried 29% more passengers than in 2024, lifting their share of passenger traffic on the main UK and France sea routes to the Channel Islands from 33% to 44%. Passenger numbers between Guernsey and St Malo have grown by 56.5% since 2024, with Brittany Ferries crediting better sailing times, more departures and joint marketing initiatives.
Brittany Ferries took responsibility for Guernsey’s ferry services in 2025 under a 15-year agreement with the States of Guernsey. In the 11 months to 30 September 2026, 102,094 passengers travelled between the Island and St Malo; 36,852 more than in the same period of 2024, the final year of the previous Condor Ferries operation. Services linking Guernsey with the UK also grew, with passenger numbers on the Poole and Portsmouth routes up 13.2%.
Brittany Ferries’ CEO Christophe Mathieu said the improved timetable had played an important role in developing the French market:
“I’m particularly pleased to see the growth in travel between Guernsey and France. Our schedule has enabled us to offer direct sailings with better timings and a greater choice of departures, making it easier for people to travel between the two destinations.
"This is all the more remarkable when you consider the respective populations of both Islands. For the Bailiwick of Guernsey to have welcomed almost half of all sea passengers to the Channel Islands is a credit to everyone involved.”
The growth has sustained well beyond the peak. In the three months to 30 September, Guernsey/St Malo passenger numbers rose 52.9% to 53,906, and September alone was almost double its 2024 level, up 95.9% to 12,806.
Compared with 2025, growth this year has been more modest. Passenger numbers on routes serving Guernsey rose 2.4% in the 11 months, with Guernsey/St Malo holding at its 2025 level (up 0.5%). That consolidates the increase of 2025, when the Guernsey routes grew by 25.8% and means they have now grown in each of the last two years.
Mr Mathieu continued:
“In 2026, we also placed particular emphasis on encouraging visitors from France to stay longer in Guernsey, working in partnership with Visit Guernsey. This has helped to encourage an increase in overnight visits, bringing additional benefits to the Island’s hotels, restaurants and wider hospitality sector.”
The figures also show a clear contrast against the wider market. On the main UK and France routes to the Channel Islands, total passenger numbers in the 11 months were 4.1% lower than in 2024, although over the same period, routes serving Guernsey grew by 28.8%, or 52,037 passengers. As a result, Guernsey’s routes now carry 44% of passengers on these routes, up from 33% in 2024.
Passenger numbers on the Jersey routes remain well below their 2024 levels, particularly on the St Malo route, despite some recovery this year.
Mr Mathieu commented:
“Growth this year has been modest, but that is what consolidating a step change looks like: the increase since 2024 has been confirmed. We have structurally increased volumes to Guernsey compared with the previous operation, while volumes to Jersey remain well below where they were two years ago.
“As I said when we took responsibility for Guernsey’s routes in 2025, this is a long-term commitment – and also a long-term partnership. We will continue to work closely with Visit Guernsey and our industry partners to develop both the French and UK markets, supporting connectivity and bringing further benefits to the Island.”
