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Portsmouth to Cherbourg Ferries

Book a Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry from just £95 one-way. Brittany Ferries run up to 3 sailings per week to the French port, which is at the northern end of the Cotentin peninsula.

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Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry crossing with sunset

Ferry crossings from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

With easy access from the motorway and also boasting a train station at the harbour, Portsmouth is a great departure point for your journey to France. The ferry crossing to Cherbourg is a relatively direct route across the channel, taking you to the very north of the Cotentin peninsula. Cherbourg itself is a town steeped in naval history and is well worth exploring before continuing your holiday in France.

Brittany Ferries is the only operator that provides sailings on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg route, with crossings taking between 4 and 8 hours in total depending on whether it’s a daytime or overnight sailing.

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Book a ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

from £95

Portsmouth – Cherbourg Ferry Timetable & Sailings

Brittany Ferries operates up to 3 sailings per week on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg crossing. Please note that foot passengers are now allowed on this service.

Check-in closes 45 minutes before the departure time, with the crossing taking 4 to 6 hours on daytime sailings and around 8 to 9 hours for overnight sailings. All departure/arrival times listed in the Portsmouth-Cherbourg timetables below are local times and are subject to change based on weather/tidal conditions.

Portsmouth to Cherbourg Timetable (November to March)

Nov – MarDepartureArrival
Friday08:0115:01
Sunday23:0008:00

Portsmouth to Cherbourg Timetable (April to October)

Apr – OctDepartureArrival
Monday22:0008:00
Wednesday22:0008:00
Friday14:0019:00

Cherbourg to Portsmouth Timetable (November to March)

Nov – MarDepartureArrival
Tuesday15:3020:00
Sunday21:4606:16

Cherbourg to Portsmouth Timetable (April to October)

Apr – OctDepartureArrival
Tuesday15:3019:30
Thursday12:0016:00
Sunday23:3007:00

Facilities on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg Route

Brittany Ferries use the Santoña, Galicia and Salamanca for overnight sailings and the Cotentin ship for dayime crossings on the Portsmouth-Cherbourg route.

The Contentin features a restaurant, duty free shop, free Wi-Fi in all public areas and a bar with TV lounge to keep you entertained.

The Santoña, Galicia and Salamanca are greener ships with the fleet and offer a Spanish style of travel with tapas meals and Spanish decor throughout. There’s lots to keep the family entertained with a children’s play area, sundeck, video on demand throughout each ship (including the cabins), boutique shops and private lounges.

Cabins are compulsory on all overnight sailings on the route between Portsmouth and Cherbourg. All 2 berth cabins have twin or double beds, video on demand, tea/coffee making facilities and an ensuite. 4 berth cabins have twin and bunk-style beds, ensuite facilities and optional laminate flooring (for those travelling with pets).

Wheelchair accessible cabins are available on all ships servicing overnight crossings. These cabins also feature an alarm and telephone.

Common questions on ferries to Cherbourg from Portsmouth

How long is the ferry between Portsmouth and Cherbourg?

Daytime sailings from both Portsmouth and Cherbourg take 4 to 6 hours. Overnight sailings from Portsmouth take 8 to 9 hours, compared to around 8.5 hours from Cherbourg. Seasonal variations to schedules may apply, resulting in departure and arrival times changing.

How much does the ferry cost from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?

Ferry tickets cost from £95 one-way for a daytime sailing to Cherbourg. Prices for overnight sailings to Cherbourg are higher as you’ll be required to book a cabin (prices start at around £75), taking the cost to around £170+.

How early should I arrive at the Portsmouth ferry port?

Most passengers should aim to check-in a mininum of 1 hour before departure. If you’re travelling with a pet you should check in 1.5 hours before depature at both Portsmouth and Cherbourg ferry terminal.

Can I leave my car at Portsmouth?

Brittany Ferries operate a vehicle-only crossing between Cherbourg and Portsmouth. Therefore you should not look to park and leave your car at Portsmouth as you will not be permitted to board the ship.

Do I have to get a cabin?

There’s no requirement to get a cabin for daytime sailings on the route, however there is an option to book one if you’d like some privacy. Cabins are compulsory for all overnight sailings on the Portsmouth-Cherbourg route with Brittany Ferries.

CROSSINGS FROM

£95*

  • 3 sailings weekly from Portsmouth to Cherbourg
  • 4 hour journey time

*Early bird price one-way for car