Ferry from Caen to Portsmouth

When planning your trip with the Caen - Portsmouth ferry, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific passenger categories. Typically, infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free, while children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket rates.

Brittany Ferries operates the Caen - Portsmouth ferry route with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Guillaume de Normandie and Mont St Michel, with feature a range of modern amenities and services. On board, you will typically find:

• Comfortable air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks with sea views
• Restaurants, cafés and bars serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals
• Onboard entertainment including children’s play areas, cinema and TV lounges, disco clubs and video game areas
• Duty-free shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts and travel essentials
• Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of data bundles to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The Caen - Portsmouth ferries are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts to move between decks, adapted seating and amenities in common areas, as well as wheelchair accessible cabins with adapted amenities.

Brittany Ferries also offers boarding assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the operator at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

On Caen - Portsmouth ferries, you can choose from a range of seat and cabin types. Keep in mind that cabins are compulsory on evening crossings.

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers on the Caen - Portsmouth ferry. Typically, you can choose from:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and suites with extra room and a sea view
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly and allergen-free cabins
• Shared cabins

All cabins feature a desk, toiletries, and an ensuite bathroom. The deluxe cabins and suites typically feature extra room, a double bed and additional amenities such as a TV, Wi-Fi access, tea- and coffee-making facilities, complimentary breakfast and access to an exclusive lounge.

Private cabins cost from about €80, while beds in shared cabins are priced from €60.

Can you sleep on the ferry from Caen to Portsmouth?

Yes, you can sleep on the ferry from Caen to Portsmouth, as Brittany Ferries offers a range of private and shared cabins. It is highly recommended to book your accommodation as soon as possible, especially for overnight crossings, where cabins are compulsory.

Can I book business-class seats?

No, Brittany Ferries does not offer premium or business-class seating options, but you can book a numbered reclining seat. These airplane-style seats generally have extra legroom and are in air-conditioned lounges.

Prices for numbered seats start from €58.

Luggage

When traveling with Brittany Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight, at no extra cost.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet on the Caen - Portsmouth ferry, provided you include it in your booking. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

When travelling with Brittany Ferries, your pet can either stay in a pet-friendly cabin, in the onboard kennels or in your vehicle. The ferries have designated walking areas, however, pets are generally not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or dining areas.

Important: if you decide to leave your pet in your vehicle, try to leave a window slightly open for ventilation.

What pet travel documents do I need?

You must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Dogs will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before entering the UK.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Portsmouth to Caen:

• The port of Caen gets busy, especially in the summer, so it’s best to arrive at least 1.5-2 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure to clear check-in and passport control. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to be there 2-3 hr in advance.
• The Channel can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness tablets before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• When planning your trip, keep in mind that there is a 1-hr time difference between France and the UK.
• Make sure you book your tickets on the Portsmouth-Caen ferry for your return well in advance, especially if you want to book a cabin or travel with a vehicle.
• For even more travel options, check out our detailed blog on France - UK ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Caen to Portsmouth

Ferries to Portsmouth normally depart from the Port of Caen-Ouistreham (Gare Maritime de Ouistreham), which is 15 km north of Caen city centre and around 25 km from Caen-Carpiquet Airport (CFR). Although commonly referred to as the port of Caen, the port is in the harbour town of Ouistreham.

The terminal building is modern and fully accessible, offering a range of amenities including a café, passenger lounge, ticket office, baby-changing facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Short-stay and long-stay car parks are situated right outside the terminal building. The surrounding town of Ouistreham also features hotels, restaurants, and shops within a short walking distance of the quay.

How to get to the port of Caen?

• By car: from Paris, take the A13 motorway, while from Cherbourg and Bayeux follow the N13 to the Caen road network. From Caen city centre or the N814 ring road, take the D514 expressway heading north towards Ouistreham / Car Ferry.
• By bus: Twisto bus line 12 connects Caen railway station and the city centre with Ouistreham. Get off at Ouistreham Port, around 500 m from the ferry terminal, with the journey taking 40-55 min.
• By train: the Gare de Caen railway station is about 18 km from the port and has regular connctions to Paris Saint-Lazare and regional Normandy destinations. From the station, take Twisto line 12 or a taxi/
• By taxi: a taxi ride to the Ouistreham terminal takes about 20 min from the train station and 30-40 min from the airport.

Where does the ferry arrive in Portsmouth?

Ferries from Caen typically dock at Portsmouth International Port, located on George Byng Way, directly off the M275 motorway. The port is about 2 km north of Portsmouth city centre, around 30 km from Southampton Airport and 95 km from London Heathrow.

The terminal provides passenger amenities including cafés, waiting lounges, car rental agencies, ATMs, and long-stay multi-storey parking. You will also find a taxi rank just outside and local bus stops nearby.

Onward travel from Portsmouth

• By car: the port has direct access to the M275, which connects with the M27 for Southampton, the New Forest and destinations farther west or east.
• By train: Portsmouth & Southsea station is around 1.5 km from the ferry terminal (5 min by taxi or 20 min on foot), with regular connections to London, Southampton, Brighton and other destinations across southern England.
• By coach: National Express services call at Portsmouth International Port, offering connections to London and other major UK cities.
• By local bus: Stagecoach line 20 and First Bus services 8, X4 and X9 connect the port area with Portsmouth city centre, nearby railway stations and surrounding towns.
• By taxi: taxis are usually available outside the terminal, with the ride to Portsmouth city centre, Gunwharf Quays or Portsmouth Harbour station taking around 5-10 min.