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.
Skip to: Portsmouth Routes | Port Facilities | Getting to Portsmouth
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).
ℹ️ Find out more on ferries to Cherbourg from Portsmouth
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.
ℹ️ Find out more on ferries to Le Havre from Portsmouth
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.
ℹ️ Find out more on ferries to St Malo from Portsmouth
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.
ℹ️ Find out more on ferries to Caen from Portsmouth
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.
Book tickets from Portsmouth to Cherbourgh from £95
Book a ferry to Le Havre with Brittany Ferries from £89
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.
Book early-bird tickets to St Malo from £130
Book Portsmouth ferries to Caen from £102
Common questions on Portsmouth Ferry Port
Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for all routes from Portsmouth. Foot passengers and any people travelling with pets should aim to check-in 90 minutes before departure.
Ferry services to St Malo, Cherbourg, Le Havre and Caen are all available from Portsmouth.
The crossing to St Malo takes around 9 to 11 hours on average with Brittany Ferries.
The average journey time by ferry from Portsmouth to Caen is between 6 and 8 hours.
A multi-storey car park is located within a few minutes walk of the terminal building. Parking costs £13 for each 24 hour period.
Brittany Ferries permits foot passengers on ferries to Caen, Cherbourg and St Malo, but not on crossings to Le Havre.
PORTSMOUTH FERRIES FROM
£89*
- 5+ sailings weekly from Portsmouth to Le Havre
- 6 hour journey time
*Early bird price one-way