Crossing the Channel: The Best Route from England to Normandy
If you’re following Easy Company’s path through Europe, you’ll eventually face the same challenge they did: crossing the English Channel.
Their journey was tense, stormy, and historic—boarding C-47s in the dark before D-Day. Yours doesn’t have to be that dramatic.
But it can still feel meaningful. And practical.
Why the Ferry Is the Smart Choice
Flying sounds faster—but it’s not. And the Eurostar? Cool, but not very direct.
Here’s the better way: take the morning ferry from Portsmouth to Normandy.
- 🛳️ The fast ferries to Caen or Cherbourg take around 4 hours
- 🕖 The 7:00am sailing gets you into Normandy by lunchtime
- 👣 You can have your boots on Omaha Beach by early afternoon
Compare that to flying, where airport transfers, security, and post-flight trains from Paris easily stretch into an all-day ordeal. Or the Eurostar, which still requires multiple transfers and ends far from the beaches.
With the ferry, you:
- Skip the airports
- Land closer to the coast
- Enjoy sea breezes, coffee, and a quiet deck
It’s not Easy Company’s exact route, but it captures the same spirit: a quiet departure, a bold arrival, and the anticipation of what lies ahead.
How to Take the Ferry from Portsmouth to Normandy
🚢 Check ferry routes and schedules (Brittany Ferries)
📍 Portsmouth Ferry Terminal on Google Maps
⏱️ Best departure: 7:00am sailing
📸 Arrival options: Caen (Ouistreham) or Cherbourg—both within 1 hour of major D-Day sites
💡 Pro Tip: Book early during the summer and reserve a seat or cabin for max comfort
Walk in Their Footsteps—Without the Jet Lag
This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about tone. The ferry lets you ease across the Channel with purpose. You step onto the beaches not rushed or tired, but ready to reflect on the ground you're walking.
And isn’t that the point?
For more travel strategies, site-by-site histories, and step-by-step help planning your trip, check out the Band of Brothers Travel Guide.
👉 Get it now on Amazon
👉 Learn more at bergsandburgs.com
Photo credits: Thanks to James Skeffington and the photographers at Unsplash.