Passenger numbers between Guernsey and St Malo have increased by 56.5% compared with 2024, according to figures released by Brittany Ferries.
The ferry operator, which took responsibility for Guernsey’s services in 2025 under a 15-year agreement with the States of Guernsey, attributed the growth to improved sailing times, more departures and joint marketing initiatives.
In the 11 months to 30 September 2026, 102,094 passengers travelled between Guernsey and St Malo, an increase of 36,852 compared with the same period in 2024, the final year of the previous Condor Ferries operation.
Passenger numbers on services linking Guernsey with Poole and Portsmouth also increased, rising by 13.2% over the same period.
Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu (pictured) said: “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 increase has continued beyond the peak summer period. Between July and September 2026, passenger numbers on the Guernsey–St Malo route rose by 52.9% compared with the same period in 2024, reaching 53,906. September alone saw an increase of 95.9%, with 12,806 passengers travelling on the route.
Growth compared with 2025 has been more modest, with overall passenger numbers on routes serving Guernsey increasing by 2.4% and the St Malo route recording a 0.5% rise.
However, the figures show that Guernsey’s share of passenger traffic on the main UK and France sea routes to the Channel Islands has grown from 33% in 2024 to 44% in 2026.
Across those routes, total passenger numbers were 4.1% lower than in 2024, while routes serving Guernsey recorded growth of 28.8%, equivalent to an additional 52,037 passengers.
Mr Mathieu also highlighted efforts to encourage longer stays by French visitors through a partnership with Visit Guernsey.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
