Portsmouth Ferry Port

Operating more routes to France than any other port in the UK, Portsmouth Ferry Terminal is a popular depature point for people travelling to central and southern France. It’s easy to access via the M27 and boasts a range of facilities to make sure your holiday gets off to the best start.

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Portsmouth Ferry Routes

Four routes are operated between Portsmouth and France, with the shortest having a crossing time of just 4 hours.

Portsmouth Ferry to Cherbourg

Brittany Ferries is the sole operator on the crossing between Portsmouth and Cherbourg. Up to 3 sailings run weekly, with the journey taking 4 to 6 hours on average for daytime crossings and 8 to 9 hours for overnight sailings. Tickets can be purchased for under £100 each way including a vehicle (foot passenger fares start at £49).

Portsmouth Ferry to Le Havre

Brittany Ferries operate up to 5 sailings per week on the route to Le Havre. The crossing takes 6 hours for daytime sailings and 10 hours for overnight sailings. The service is a vehicle-only crossing (foot passengers aren’t permitted) and tickets start at around £90 each way.

Portsmouth Ferry to St Malo

Up to 7 sailings per week are run by Brittany Ferries on the crossing from Porstmouth to St Malo. The service accepts foot passengers, making it a more affordable option if you’re making a quick hop over to the continent. Expect the journey to take 9 to 11 on average, regardless of the time of day you travel. Tickets on the route start at £130 each way (including vehicle) if you can book ahead and benefit from early-bird pricing deals.

Portsmouth Ferry to Caen

Just a couple of hours from Paris, Caen is a popular destination for people travelling to the Normany region. Brittany Ferries operate up to 3 sailings daily on the route from Portsmouth during peak season, with the crossing taking 6 to 8 hours. Prices start at just over £100 each way if taking a vehicle and from £49 if you’re travelling as a foot passenger.

Facilities at Portsmouth Ferry Port

Portsmouth International Port welcomes millions of passengers through its terminal each year. Facilities include the Caenos cafe (located in the upstairs area of the terminal building), a convenience store stocking travel essentials, mobile charging points, toilets and a baby changing room. Dogs are permitted everywhere in the port area except the terminal building.

A multi-storey car park is located just a few minutes from the Portsmouth ferry terminal with prices starting at £4 for 1 hour and capped at £13 for a 24 hour period. The port also boasts two EV rapid charging stations located opposite the terminal building.

Getting to Portsmouth

The Portsmouth ferry terminal is located just off the M275 and is a 30-minute walk from two nearby train stations. The Port address is Portsmouth Ferry Terminal, Harbour Offices Continental Ferryport, George Byng Way, Portsmouth PO2 8SP

🚗 By car: From London take the M3 or A3 and continue until you reach the M27. Follow signs for Portsmouth and join the M275 near Cosham, which will take you directly to the port area. Although the port is outside of the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone (CAZ), you should check your route before travelling to avoid being charged if your vehicle isn’t compliant.

🚈 By train: Portsmouth & Southsea station is a 25 minute walk from the port and Portsmouth Harbour station is about a 30-35 minute walk away. Both have direct services from London terminals with a journey time of 90 minutes, as well from destinations such as Cardiff.

Common questions on Portsmouth Ferry Port