St Helier is Jersey's capital, built round a harbour on the island's south coast, with Elizabeth Castle standing on a rocky islet just offshore. From Elizabeth Terminal, ferries reach Guernsey, Sark, Carteret, Granville and St Malo on the French coast, plus Poole and Portsmouth in the UK. Around a third of the island's population lives here, and the streets by the harbour hold most of Jersey's shops and restaurants. Jersey Royal potatoes, grown on the island for over 140 years, show up on menus across town, worth trying while you're here.
At the port
All facilities are at Elizabeth Terminal, open from 6am until the last passenger ferry has departed.
- Food
- The ShipyardOpens 2.5 hours before each sailing, serving hot and cold food and drinks, with a licensed bar.
- Shops
- Boatfayre Duty FreeSells alcohol, tobacco, perfume and local gifts.
- Wi-Fi
- Complimentary; select 'Ports of Jersey Public Wi-Fi' from the available networks.
- Access
- Elizabeth Terminal is a corporate member of the Hidden Disability Sunflower scheme and staff are trained to recognise Sunflower lanyards and cards. Three free disabled-badge spaces sit near the terminal entrance, for up to 3 hours in any 12; the main car park opposite allows badge holders up to 5 days at normal charges.
- Parking
- 90 spaces with 24-hour access. Pay by Phone is required daily 8am to 8pm; maximum stay is 5 days.
- Taxi
- A taxi rank sits outside the terminal; availability can be limited during sailings, so pre-booking is recommended.
On arrival
Getting off the boat at Elizabeth Terminal:
- Transit
- Liberation Station, the island's bus station at Liberty Wharf, is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal. LibertyBus runs the year-round, island-wide public bus network from there.
- Taxi
- A taxi rank sits outside the terminal, but availability can be limited during sailings, so pre-booking is recommended.
- Centre
- St Helier town centre is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal.
- Airport
- Bus 22, an express service, runs between Liberation Station in St Helier and Jersey Airport.
- By car
- Car rental firms operate from Jersey Airport rather than the harbour. The harbour's main car park does offer EVie electric car hire, booked through the EVie app, for one-way trips to other A2B locations on the island.
Why visit
St Helier is Jersey's capital, a small waterfront town with history, shops, restaurants and bars packed close together.
- See
- Elizabeth CastleBuilt on a rocky islet off St Helier, the island's main defence for over 400 years. Climb battlements dating to the 1590s and see the grounds where King Charles II took refuge during the English Civil War.
- See
- Jersey MuseumThe town's history museum, also home to the island's Visitor Information Centre.
- Do
- Central MarketA covered market to wander for local produce and flowers.
- Do
- St Aubin's BayA sweep of sand next to the town, good for a walk or a swim.
- Eat
- Jersey Royal potatoesSmall new potatoes grown on the island for over 140 years, earthy and slightly nutty. Best boiled, steamed or roasted with Jersey butter, fresh mint and sea salt.