Getting to Alderney
By far the most preferred way to get to Alderney is to fly direct from Southampton (see Aurigny below) although it is possible to fly via Guernsey from London Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester.
Aurigny's Dornier planes, which are used on the direct services from Southampton and Guernsey to Alderney, only seat max 19 pax and get very booked up in advance for the summer period so do be sure to plan your travel as early as possible.
Here on the island there was major excitement in December 2022 when we heard from the States of Guernsey that our runway and airport is to get a major overhaul. Unfortunately as these things take time there is now a lot of work to be done and therefore it is not due to be completed until at least half way through 2025. We are keeping everything crossed that things go to plan!
Book your flights with Aurigny direct from Southampton or Guernsey and from several airports in the UK via Guernsey (Aurigny.com).
Alternatively, if you wish to travel to Alderney by boat from Guernsey, Alderney Ferry Services operate “Causeway Explorer” a 12 seater boat, between Guernsey and Alderney, and are now taking bookings for March to October 2023 (Alderneyferryservices.co.uk)
Travelling by boat from the UK means going with Condor Ferry from Poole to Guernsey and then either the 1 hour trip from Guernsey to Alderney with Alderney Ferry Services, or a short 15 minute flight from Guernsey with Aurigny.
For many years there has been no real car ferry although it is possible to travel on the Alderney Shipping/Channel Seaways boat (predominantly a cargo service) the 6/7 hour crossing is only advisable to those who have good sea legs!
Aurigny (www.aurigny.com Tel: 01481 267267)
Aurigny flies directly to Alderney from Southampton and Guernsey only, using 19 seater Dornier planes. Flights do get very booked up especially at busy times. Car parking is available at Southampton airport and the train station is a two minute walk from the airport terminal. You can also fly with Aurigny via Guernsey from Manchester, Bristol and London Gatwick. Dogs cannot be booked online as there are limits to how many dogs can travel on a plane so call them about booking your dog a seat before booking your own travel.
Alderney Shipping/Channel Seaways (www.alderneyshipping.com Tel: 01481 823211)
Alderney’s shipping service bringing goods from Poole and Guernsey to the island. Though the trip is not for the faint-hearted, prior to the pandemic it was possible to travel on this service with a vehicle or as a foot passenger, check with them if this service is still available. The outbound service usually leaves Poole on Monday evenings, arriving into Alderney on Tuesday mornings, and the return trip departs Alderney on Wednesdays in the afternoon.
Alderney Ferry Services (www.alderneyferryservices.co.uk)
Running this service for the second year after a very successful 2022 'Causeway Explorer' is now operating between March to October for 2023. New for 2024 regular services from Alderney to Cherbourg. Contact and book with them via their website www.alderneyferryservices.co.uk.
Steve Porter and True Blue (07967 598669)
A new addition to Alderney’s limited travel options… Steve offered an invaluable service to islanders during the covid pandemic, offering limited seats on his boat True Blue. Primarily a charter fishing boat operator, Steve responded to demand for a charter service coming direct to the island from the UK when direct air services were suspended. The service has been subject to strict Border Agency requirements when bringing people to the island who were going straight into self-isolation and were finding it difficult to get home. Especially good for those needing to bring animals with them, the service seems to be continuing, albeit on an ‘on demand’ basis. The trip from Poole takes approximately 3hrs and costs vary depending upon the number of people travelling. Contact Steve for more information.