Just off the ferry in Cherbourg and not sure how to reach the station, your hotel, or the rest of your journey? Every year, around 550,000 passengers travel on Brittany Ferries' routes from Cherbourg to Ireland (Rosslare) and England (Poole, Portsmouth), plus close to 156,000 cruise passengers who called at the terminal in 2025. With Celia VTC, your private chauffeur in Cherbourg, this transfer is arranged before your ship even docks.
Arriving by ferry in Cherbourg: what to expect
Unlike a typical airport transfer, a Cherbourg port transfer depends on a crossing schedule, not a flight time: arrivals are often early morning after a night at sea, particularly on the Ireland route. The terminal sits a little away from Cherbourg's town centre, and after a long crossing (up to 20 hours from Rosslare), the last thing you want is to wait on the quay wondering how you'll get to your next stop.
Transport options from the port
Three options exist for leaving the terminal, and here's an honest look at each.
The shuttle bus (line 8) runs in summer, roughly from late June to late August: it links the terminal to the train station in about ten minutes, once an hour. The rest of the year it doesn't run at all, and it's not well suited to a large amount of luggage anyway.
A taxi rank is usually present at the terminal exit. For the port-to-station leg alone, indicative fares range from €8-10 per Brittany Ferries' own port information to €14-17 per other journey estimators. Without a booking, availability is never guaranteed.
With a pre-booked VTC, Celia VTC is waiting for you by name right at the terminal exit, following your crossing's actual schedule, and helping with your luggage.
Why book a VTC rather than hail a taxi
Booking a private chauffeur instead of hailing a taxi on arrival comes down to one simple advantage: certainty. A pre-booked VTC follows your crossing's real schedule, which matters especially on night crossings to Ireland, when taxis are less visible in the early hours. With Celia VTC, you have a single point of contact from start to finish. The Mercedes Vito, with its large luggage space, suits a family disembarking with cruise or Channel-crossing suitcases particularly well; the Toyota C-HR remains well suited to lighter journeys, up to 4 passengers.
Celia VTC is a private chauffeur service based in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, and ferry arrivals are part of its everyday work: punctuality, discretion, and a genuine hand with luggage, at any hour of the day or night.
Where to go from the port
Once you've disembarked, several destinations are possible depending on your journey: Cherbourg-en-Cotentin train station for a connection, your accommodation in or around Cherbourg, a tour of the Cotentin before continuing your route, or a long-distance journey, since Celia VTC covers the whole Manche department and all of France on request. If your trip is a cruise stopover instead, see the dedicated Cherbourg cruise port transfer guide.
Book your transfer as soon as you know your crossing time, and Celia VTC will be on the quay when you disembark.
Your trusted partnerFrequently asked questions
Are taxis always available when the ferry arrives?
A taxi rank is usually present at the terminal exit, and staff can call one for you if needed. Availability is never guaranteed, though, especially on night arrivals, which is exactly why booking a VTC in advance removes that uncertainty.
How much does a taxi cost between the port and Cherbourg station?
Celia VTC doesn't publish an online rate card: contact Celia VTC for an accurate quote based on your actual destination.
Does the shuttle between the port and the station run all year?
No, it's seasonal, generally running from late June to late August. Outside that period, a taxi or VTC are the only options from the terminal.
How far ahead should I book?
As soon as you know your crossing time, you can book. The earlier Celia VTC knows, the more smoothly your pickup can be arranged, including for very early arrivals.