France
Boulogne-sur-Mer to Cork Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Hauts-de-France
Arrives
Cork
Munster
Hibernia LineAt a glance
The Boulogne-sur-Mer to Cork ferry takes about 21h 30m–24h, with 6 listed sailings between 13:30 and 22:00. It is operated by Hibernia Line.
- First sailing
- 13:30
- Last sailing
- 22:00
- Sailings listed
- 6
- Crossing
- from 21h 30m
Boulogne-sur-Mer to Cork ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13:30 | 12:30 | 24h | Hibernia LineAkka | Mon |
| 17:30 | 16:00 | 23h 30m | Hibernia LineAkka | Wed |
| 20:30 | 19:00 | 23h 30m | Hibernia LineAkka | Fri |
| 22:00 | 18:30 | 21h 30m | Hibernia LineSt Patrick | Tue |
| 22:00 | 18:30 | 21h 30m | Hibernia LineSt Patrick | Thu |
| 22:00 | 21:00 | 24h | Hibernia LineSt Patrick | Sat |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Boulogne-sur-Mer – Cork crossing
The evening you leave France is the part of this route worth planning around. Most Hibernia Line departures from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Cork go late — 22:00 on three nights of the week — which means a full last day on the continent rather than a morning spent driving to a port.
The timetable, and why the length varies
Departures run Monday to Saturday. Akka sails Monday at 13:30, Wednesday at 17:30 and Friday at 20:30; St Patrick takes Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 22:00. Because France is an hour ahead of Ireland, the clock times flatter the crossing: the Tuesday and Thursday St Patrick runs are the quickest at about 21 hours 30 minutes, while the Monday Akka and the Saturday St Patrick both take a genuine 24 hours, landing in Ringaskiddy on Sunday evening.
Before you drive to Le Portel
The terminal address is Voie supérieure B, 62480 Le Portel — not central Boulogne, though the town is only about 2 km away. Be there two hours before departure. Check-in shuts at 45 minutes and that cut-off is enforced. Bring a passport or EU identity card, and expect the ships to be cashless.
Booking a berth is compulsory
Every traveller needs a cabin or a Pullman reclining seat before boarding is allowed. Pullman seats are the cheaper option but are not sold for infants or children, so families are effectively booking a cabin. Campervans may bring two 11 kg gas cylinders at most, shut off, with fridges out of use for the crossing.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- En-suite cabins: inside, outside, 2 and 4 berth, Deluxe
- Pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible cabins
- Pullman reclining seats in a shared lounge
- Restaurant, bar and lounges; Wi-Fi sold on board
- Cars, campervans, caravans, motorbikes, trailers and bicycles
- Cashless ships — card payment only
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Ships on the Boulogne-sur-Mer – Cork route
2 ships work this crossing across 6 listed sailings, most often Akka.
Akka
Hibernia Line
3 sailings on this route
St Patrick
Hibernia Line
3 sailings on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Boulogne to Cork ferry depart?
Monday to Saturday. Akka leaves at 13:30 on Mondays, 17:30 on Wednesdays and 20:30 on Fridays; St Patrick leaves at 22:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Why do some crossings take 24 hours and others 21?
France runs an hour ahead of Ireland, so the clock difference hides part of it. The Tuesday and Thursday St Patrick sailings take about 21 hours 30 minutes; the Monday Akka and Saturday St Patrick sailings take a full 24 hours.
Where exactly is the ferry terminal?
Voie supérieure B, 62480 Le Portel — on the southern side of Boulogne-sur-Mer, about 2 km from the town centre, right by the A16.
How early do I need to arrive?
At least two hours before departure. Check-in closes 45 minutes before sailing and late arrivals can be denied boarding.
What documents do I need?
Your booking confirmation and a valid passport or EU national identity card.
Can I pay with cash on board?
No. The ships are cashless and take card payments only. Wi-Fi is also a paid extra.
How long does the crossing take?
About 21h 30m on the fastest service.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Hibernia Line) for current fares.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by Hibernia Line.
How often does the ferry run?
There are 6 departures on operating days, with the first at 13:30 and the last at 22:00.
What's the fastest crossing option?
The quickest option takes about 21h 30m. Crossing time depends on the operator and vessel — compare sailings from Hibernia Line above.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A same-day return is tight on this route — the crossing takes about 21h 30m each way. Most travellers stay at least one night. Check the return sailings before planning a day trip.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Cork
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Cork.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Boulogne-sur-Mer or Cork
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 8, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 8, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Boulogne-sur-Mer on the map
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