Ireland
Cork to Boulogne-sur-Mer Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Cork
Munster
Arrives
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Hauts-de-France
Hibernia LineAt a glance
The Cork to Boulogne-sur-Mer ferry takes about 21h 30m–23h 30m, with 6 listed sailings between 14:30 and 21:00. It is operated by Hibernia Line.
- First sailing
- 14:30
- Last sailing
- 21:00
- Sailings listed
- 6
- Crossing
- from 21h 30m
Cork to Boulogne-sur-Mer ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | 15:00 | 23h 30m | Hibernia LineAkka | Tue |
| 18:00 | 18:30 | 23h 30m | Hibernia LineAkka | Thu |
| 21:00 | 19:30 | 21h 30m | Hibernia LineSt Patrick | Mon |
| 21:00 | 19:30 | 21h 30m | Hibernia LineSt Patrick | Wed |
| 21:00 | 19:30 | 21h 30m | Hibernia LineSt Patrick | Fri |
| 21:00 | 21:30 | 23h 30m | Hibernia LineAkka | Sat |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Cork – Boulogne-sur-Mer crossing
Leaving Ireland this way removes the part of the journey most drivers dislike: the Dover–Calais landbridge, with its two border crossings, its ferry-plus-motorway timing puzzle and its post-Brexit paperwork. Hibernia Line sails from Ringaskiddy, the Port of Cork's deep-water terminal, straight to Boulogne-sur-Mer on the Côte d'Opale. You board in County Cork and drive off in Hauts-de-France.
When it goes
Six departures a week, Monday to Saturday, in the evening. St Patrick takes Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 21:00; Akka takes Tuesday at 14:30, Thursday at 18:00 and Saturday at 21:00. Arrival into Boulogne is in the evening of the following day — 19:30 on the St Patrick nights, mid-afternoon to early evening on Akka's. Sunday is the layover.
What you are actually booking
Not just a deck space. Hibernia requires every passenger to hold a cabin or a Pullman reclining seat; you cannot sleep in the lounges. On a crossing of 21 to 24 hours that is less of an imposition than it sounds, and cabins come en-suite. Cars, campervans, caravans, motorbikes, trailers and bikes are all carried.
Arriving
The French terminal is at Le Portel, on the southern edge of Boulogne, with the A16 at the gate — Paris, Lille, Brussels and the Dutch and German networks all open directly off it. Immigration and customs are done at the port on arrival, and the operator has exclusive use of the terminal, so there is no queue behind another line's sailing.
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 Cork – Boulogne-sur-Mer 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 Cork to Boulogne ferry leave?
Six evenings a week. St Patrick departs Ringaskiddy at 21:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; Akka departs at 14:30 on Tuesdays, 18:00 on Thursdays and 21:00 on Saturdays. There is no Sunday departure.
How long does the crossing take?
Between about 21 hours 30 minutes and 23 hours 30 minutes depending on the sailing. The St Patrick departures are the quicker ones.
Do I have to book a cabin?
Yes. Every passenger must hold either a private en-suite cabin or a Pullman reclining seat — sleeping in the public lounges is not permitted.
Can I take a car or campervan?
Yes. Cars, motorcycles, caravans, campervans, car-and-trailer combinations and bicycles are all carried. Electric cars travel on the same terms but cannot be charged on board.
Does this route avoid the UK?
Yes — that is the point of it. The ship sails direct from Ireland to France with no UK transit and no landbridge customs formalities.
Where does the ferry arrive in France?
At the Hub Port terminal in Le Portel, on the southern edge of Boulogne-sur-Mer, with direct access to the A16 motorway.
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 14:30 and the last at 21:00.
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.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings operate on selected days, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Same departure port
More ferries from Cork
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Cork or Boulogne-sur-Mer
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
Cork on the map
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