Guernsey Pulls Ahead of Jersey in UK Ferry Traffic

Guernsey has for the first time become the most popular Channel Island for ferry travel from the UK, capturing 55% of all passengers between April and October, according to IRN Ferry data.

A total of 112,255 passengers travelled from Portsmouth and Poole to Guernsey over this period, compared with 92,023 to Jersey. October figures show Guernsey’s share rising further to 57%, leaving Jersey on 43%.

The surge follows Brittany Ferries’ announcement in September that passenger numbers to Guernsey had increased by nearly a third since its contract with the States began in April. The operator also reported carrying 36,472 more passengers between Saint Malo and Guernsey compared with the same period last year.

Christophe Mathieu, Chief Executive of Brittany Ferries, said: “We have seen a fantastic first summer and consistent growth over the full seven months. For the Bailiwick of Guernsey to welcome well over half of all UK visitors by sea to the Channel Islands is a credit to everyone involved.”

The milestone marks a notable shift in travel patterns, with Guernsey now surpassing Jersey for UK ferry traffic for the first time.