Royan-Soulac ferry Le Verdon-Royan ferry - prices and timetable
Would you like to explore Europe's largest estuary, the Gironde, with its natural and cultural treasures? Would you like to venture onto the Médoc peninsula or the Côte de Beauté without having to go round the coast? Bordeaux ? Are you looking for a practical, affordable and environmentally friendly way to cross this estuary?
The tub is your ideal solution.
This ferry, which facilitates passage between the two shores, carries passengers, vehicles and bicycles. With the Royan-Le Verdon and Royan-Soulac lines, you'll save time, reduce your ecological impact and enjoy the beauty of an unspoilt landscape.
This article will tell you all about the specifics, timetables and costs of these sea crossings, as well as some of the must-see attractions in the area. For vacations, weekends or business trips, the ferry is the perfect choice for an exceptional crossing of Gironde estuary.
This article will tell you all about the specifics, timetables and costs of these sea crossings, as well as some of the must-see attractions in the area. For vacations, weekends or business trips, the ferry is the perfect choice for an exceptional crossing of Gironde estuary.
Crossing schedule Le Verdon ↔ Royan (May 2025 - March 2026)
| Period | Departure Le Verdon | Departure Royan |
|---|---|---|
| May 27 → June 25, 2025 (daily) | 7.15am - 9am - 10.30am - 12pm - 1.45pm - 3.15pm - 5pm - 6.30pm - 7.45pm | 7.45am - 9.45am - 11.15am - 12.45pm - 2.30pm - 4pm - 5.45pm - 7pm - 8.15pm |
| 26 → June 30, 2025 (daily) | Continuous shifts from 7.15 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Continuous shifts from 7.45 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. |
| July 1 → July 4, 2025 (daily) | 7.15am - 9am - 10.30am - 12pm - 1.45pm - 3.15pm - 5pm - 6.30pm - 7.45pm | 7.45am - 9.45am - 11.15am - 12.45pm - 2.30pm - 4pm - 5.45pm - 7pm - 8.15pm |
| July 5 → August 24, 2025 (daily) | Continuous shifts from 7:15 a.m. (Saturday 6:30 a.m.) to 8:30 p.m. | Continuous shifts from 7:45 am (Saturday 7:15 am) to 9 pm |
| August 25 → August 31, 2025 (daily) | Continuous shifts from 7.15 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Continuous shifts from 7.45 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. |
| September 1 → 21, 2025 (daily) | 7.15am - 9am - 10.30am - 12pm - 1.45pm - 3.15pm - 5pm - 6.30pm - 7.45pm | 7.45am - 9.45am - 11.15am - 12.45pm - 2.30pm - 4pm - 5.45pm - 7pm - 8.15pm |
| Sep. 22 → Oct. 16, 2025 | Mon-Fri: 7.15am - 9.30am - 11.45am - 1.45pm - 3.30pm - 5.15pm - 6.45pm Sat/Sun/Holidays : 8h - 9h45 - 11h45 - 13h45 - 15h30 - 17h15 - 18h45 | Mon-Fri: 7.45am - 10am - 12.15pm - 2.15pm - 4pm - 5.45pm - 7.15pm Sat/Sun/Holidays : 8:30 am - 10:15 am - 12:15 pm - 2:15 pm - 4 pm - 5:45 pm - 7:15 pm |
| Oct. 17 → Nov. 2, 2025 (daily) | 7.15am - 9.15am - 10.30am - 12pm - 1.45pm - 3.30pm - 5.15pm - 7.15pm | 7.45am - 9.45am - 11am - 12.30pm - 2.15pm - 4pm - 5.45pm - 7.45pm |
| Nov. 3, 2025 → March 31, 2026 | Mon-Fri: 7.15am - 9.30am - 11.45am - 1.45pm - 3.30pm - 5.15pm - 6.45pm Sat/Sun/Holidays : 8h - 9h45 - 11h45 - 13h45 - 15h30 - 17h15 - 18h45 | Mon-Fri: 7.45am - 10am - 12.15pm - 2.15pm - 4pm - 5.45pm - 7.15pm Sat/Sun/Holidays : 8:30 am - 10:15 am - 12:15 pm - 2:15 pm - 4 pm - 5:45 pm - 7:15 pm |
Understanding the Royan-Le Verdon and Royan-Soulac maritime links
Crossings overview
Linking the two shores of the Gironde estuary, Europe's largest, maritime connections Royan-Le Verdon and Royan-Soulac are operated by ferries belonging to the Gironde department. These trips, lasting around 20 minutes, carry passengers, vehicles and bicycles, offering a unique opportunity to admire the seascape, including the famous Cordouan lighthouse.
Important connections for residents and tourists
Essential for locals and tourists alike, these sea crossings offer a fast alternative for crossing the estuary without the detour to Bordeaux, saving time and fuel while reducing CO2 emissions. They also stimulate economic development and tourism in the surrounding areas, offering easy access to a variety of shops, services, leisure activities and accommodation.
Distinction between the two routes
The Royan-Le Verdon and Royan-Soulac are distinguished by their frequency, pricing and destinations. The first, very popular, offers up to 30 daily trips in summer and 7 in winter, linking Royan to Le Verdon-sur-Mer, the threshold of the Médoc peninsula. Fares range from 17 euros for one car and 2.50 euros per adult in low season, to 32 euros for one car and 4 euros per adult in high season. The less regular Royan-Soulac service operates up to 4 rotations in summer and 2 in winter, linking Royan to Soulac-sur-Mer, a town renowned for its exceptional heritage. Crossing costs range from 25 euros for a car and 3 euros per adult in low season, to 40 euros for a car and 5 euros per adult in high season. Royan, at rue de la Galiote 17 200 ROYAN.
Detailed timetable
Seasonal schedules and possible changes
Timetables for the Royan-Le Verdon and Royan-Soulac routes vary according to season and day. They may be adjusted according to weather and sea conditions, or during special events. Check the Département de la Gironde website regularly or subscribe to SMS alerts to stay informed of any changes.
Departure frequency: summer vs. off-season
Departure frequency for the Royan-Le Verdon and Royan-Soulac crossings varies with the season. In summer, crossings are more frequent, with departures every 50 minutes for Royan-Le Verdon, and every hour for Royan-Soulac.
In winter, the number of crossings decreases, with 7 to 9 daily rotations for Royan-Le Verdon, and 2 to 4 for Royan-Soulac. Detailed timetables are available on the Royan Infos or Arces sur Gironde websites.
Boarding tips
Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to board the Royan-Le Verdon or Royan-Soulac ferries. Reservations are not possible, except for groups of more than 10 people or vehicles longer than 6 meters.
Plan your trip to avoid peak travel times, especially in summer. Follow on-board safety rules by staying in your vehicle, wearing a mask, and respecting social distancing.
Special arrangements for public holidays
On bank holidays and public holidays, Royan-Le Verdon and Royan-Soulac ferry schedules may vary or be suspended. There are no crossings on December 25 and January 1. Always check the timetable on the Département de la Gironde website or contact customer service on 05 56 90 59 18 before travelling.
Reduced rates or special offers may be available during the low season or school vacations.
Bac Royan-Soulac, Bac Le Verdon-Royan : Fares and ticketing options
Breakdown of fares by type of passenger and vehicle
Royan-Soulac ferry, Le Verdon-Royan ferry - Fares for the Royan-Le Verdon and Royan-Soulac crossings vary according to passenger profile (adult, young person aged 13 to 25, child aged 4 to 12, beneficiary of social tariffs such as RSA, AAH, ASPA) and vehicle type (car, motorcycle, bicycle, camper van, caravan, HGV). They are also adjusted according to seasonality (high or low season), the route taken (Royan-Le Verdon or Royan-Soulac) and direction (outward or return). See details on the Département de la Gironde website or via [Royan Infos] or [Arces sur Gironde].
Subscriptions and loyalty cards
For preferential rates, opt for a subscription or loyalty card. Subscriptions, valid for 12 months, are aimed at regular bin users (residents, workers, students), offering significant savings. Loyalty cards, intended for occasional use (tourists, vacationers, visitors), are rechargeable and entitle the holder to discounts. Purchases can be made at ticket offices or on the Département de la Gironde website.
Possible discounts and special rates
Explore the discounts and special fares available under certain conditions: free travel for children under 4, disabled people (and their carers), electric vehicles and bicycles. Take advantage of reduced fares for groups of more than 10 people, vehicles over 6 meters, same-day return trips, and during the low season or school vacations. Details and conditions on the Département de la Gironde website or via [Royan Infos] or [Arces sur Gironde].
Accepted payment methods
You have several options for paying for your crossing: cash, credit card, cheque, vacation voucher or direct debit. Payment can be made at the ticket office, at the toll booth, or online. You can also use your season ticket or loyalty card. To request an invoice or proof of payment, contact customer service on 05 56 90 59 18 or by e-mail at bacs@gironde.fr.
Conclusion
It's clear that choosing the ferry to cross the Gironde estuary is a practical, economical and environmentally friendly option. Whether you live in the region or are visiting, the ferry links between Royan-Le Verdon and Royan-Soulac are an excellent way to explore the treasures of both shores. These include the legendary Cordouan lighthouse, the picturesque Médoc peninsula and the splendid Côte de Beauté. You're free to choose the crossing that best suits your needs in terms of route, season, fare and timetable, by enquiring via the official websites or by contacting customer service directly. Feel free to explore the surrounding area: Meschers sur Gironde, La Palmyre and its festival, Saint Georges de Didonne, for example.
Don't delayboard the ferry for a memorable crossing!
FAQ - Bac Royan-Soulac, Bac Le Verdon-Royan
Where to take the ferry to Soulac-sur-Mer?
Departure for Soulac-sur-Mer is from Port Bloc in Verdon-sur-Mer. The crossing of the Gironde estuary takes about 30 minutes and leads to Royan.
What are the timetables for the Le Verdon Royan ferry?
Ferry timetables between Le Verdon and Royan vary according to the time of year and the day. According to the official Gironde ferry website, here are the current timetables valid from Friday March 29 to Monday May 6, 2024:
- Departures from Verdon (Monday to Sunday): 7.50am, 9.35am, 11.05am, 12.35pm, 2.15pm, 4.00pm, 5.30pm, 7.15pm
- Departures from Royan (Monday to Sunday): 8:20am, 10:05am, 11:35am, 1:05pm, 2:45pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm, 7:45pm
How do I book a ferry in Royan?
It is important to note that for the Royan ferry, crossings are not subject to reservation. Passengers must present themselves at the boarding gate 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Where to take the ferry to Royan?
To reach Royan by ferry, boarding points are located in Verdon and Royan. In Verdon, boarding is at 19, avenue du Phare de Cordouan 33 123 LE VERDON-SUR-MER; in Royan, at rue de la Galiote 17 200 ROYAN.
