Ferries from Portsmouth to France
Portsmouth offers more ferry routes to France than any other port in England. Direct crossings connect the city with Normandy and Brittany, including Caen, Cherbourg and Saint-Malo, making Portsmouth especially useful for travellers heading to western France. Choosing the right arrival port can save several hours of driving compared with crossing via Dover and Calais. For destinations in the far south of France, the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao can also be worth considering, as it allows you to approach France from northern Spain. Read more about the different options for travelling by ferry from the UK to southern France.
Routes
Our experience
We sailed overnight from Portsmouth to Cherbourg on Brittany Ferries’ Santoña, and this was one of those crossings where the ferry genuinely made the journey easier. The cabins were comfortable, the ship felt modern, and the children were not tied to their seats for hours: they could move around, explore and wind down before bed. Sleeping through the crossing meant we arrived in Cherbourg well rested and ready to continue through France.
Ferry services from Portsmouth to France
Brittany Ferriesoperates all ferry services from Portsmouth to France, with regular crossings to Caen (Ouistreham), Cherbourg and Saint-Malo. These routes include both daytime and overnight sailings, making Portsmouth one of the most flexible departure ports for travellers heading to Normandy, Brittany and western France.
Map with suggested Portsmouth – France ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Portsmouth to France, with crossing times, fares and the ports they sail from. Tap a route for details, tap a port for its sailings, or zoom in for more.
Onboard experience
Portsmouth is mainly served by Brittany Ferries’ large cruise ferries, designed for longer journeys rather than quick Channel crossings. Most ships offer restaurants, bars, duty-free shopping, private cabins and spacious lounges, making overnight travel comfortable for families, couples and motorists alike. Several routes are operated by the company’s newest LNG and hybrid vessels, which feature modern interiors and improved onboard facilities.
Photos from the journey
Why consider Portsmouth?
- More ferry routes to France than any other English port.
- Crossings to Normandy, Brittany and the Atlantic coast.
- A choice of both daytime and overnight sailings.
- The only English ferry port with direct services to both France and northern Spain.
By car
Portsmouth is one of the easiest ferry ports in southern England to reach by car. The terminal is located just off the M275 motorway, with direct connections to the M27, M3 and A3 from London, the Midlands and the South West. Unlike Dover, traffic around Portsmouth is generally less congested, making the drive to the port more relaxed. Once checked in, you simply remain with your vehicle until boarding begins. Most Brittany Ferries sailings allow you to stay with your car until shortly before departure, while spacious vehicle decks make boarding straightforward for cars, motorcycles, campervans and caravans. Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure (90 minutes if travelling with pets).
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By campervan
All ferry routes from Portsmouth welcome motorhomes, campervans and caravans, making the port a popular choice for touring holidays in France. Whether you’re exploring Normandy, Brittany or heading further south, you can simply drive on board with your vehicle and continue your journey at your own pace after arrival. Be sure to book early during the summer months, as spaces for larger vehicles are often among the first to sell out.
Still weighing up your options?
We have crossed the Channel to France more times than we can count, on most of the routes and with most of the operators. Tell us where you are starting and we will point you to the smartest way across.