Direct ferry from Southampton to Le Havre
Southampton lost its own Le Havre ferry in the 1990s, and the Portsmouth crossing that replaced it ended on 16 September 2026. From the Southampton area the practical answer is now Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth, 20 miles east, to Caen: by day or overnight, then an hour and a quarter to Le Havre across the Pont de Normandie. If Le Havre or Paris is the whole point of the trip, Newhaven to Dieppe, about two hours east of Southampton, lands you closest.
Routes
This ferry no longer runs. To reach your destination, these are the crossings we recommend instead.
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.
Who sails the alternatives
Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham), Cherbourg and Saint-Malo, with cars, campervans, motorcycles, bicycles and foot passengers. The Le Havre route was withdrawn in September 2026. DFDS runs Newhaven to Dieppe.
Map with suggested Southampton – Le Havre ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Portsmouth,newhaven to Le Havre, 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
The Portsmouth–Le Havre route is served by a conventional ferry offering restaurants, lounges, shops and cabins. Unlike many Brittany Ferries crossings, the outbound sailing is usually during the day, allowing you to arrive in France by early evening.
From Southampton to Portsmouth
Portsmouth International Port is only around 20 miles (32 km) from Southampton and can usually be reached in 30 to 40 minutes by car.
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.
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