Ferry from Cherbourg to Portsmouth

When planning your trip with the Cherbourg - 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 Cherbourg to Portsmouth ferry route with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Galicia and Salamanca. These vessels are designed for long-distance travel and offer a range of modern amenities and services, such as:

• Comfortable air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks with sea views
• Restaurants, cafés and bars serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals
• Entertainment including children’s play rooms, video games, a video-on-demand platform, cinema and TV lounges, and a travel and sea exhibition
• Onboard wellness facilities, including spa, massage and beauty treatments
• 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 Cherbourg - Portsmouth ferry route is served with vessels that are accessible to travellers with disabilities. Onboard, there are 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, with at least 48 hr prior notice before your journey.

Important: the amenities and accessibility features differ between ferries, so contact the operator for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, on the ferry from Cherbourg to Portsmouth, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers for a more comfortable ride and greater privacy. On most ferries, you choose between different cabin types, including:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and suites with a double bed and a sea view
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins feature a desk, toiletries, and an ensuite bathroom.

Prices for cabins start at around €80.

What seats can I book?

In addition to standard deck/lounge seating, Brittany Ferries also offers numbered reclining seats. These airplane-style seats are in an air-conditioned lounge and are ideal for stretching out and relaxing during the trip.

Numbered reclining seats cost from €58.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, on the Cherbourg - Portsmouth ferry route, Brittany Ferries offers a range of deluxe cabins, the Commodore Suites, which typically have extra room, a double bed and additional amenities and services such as a TV, Wi-Fi access, tea- and coffee-making facilities, complimentary breakfast and access to the exclusive C-Club Lounge.

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. You can store your luggage in the baggage room on deck 7, which remains closed until 20-30 min before arrival. For more details, contact the reception desk when you board the ferry.

Travelling with pets

Pets are generally welcome on the Cherbourg - Portsmouth ferry, provided you include them 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 leash.

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 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). Keep in mind that for dogs, you 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 Cherbourg to Portsmouth:

• The port in Cherbourg can get crowded, especially in the summer, so it’s best to be at the port 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 recommended to be at the port 2-3 hr in advance.
• The sea 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.
• Keep in mind that there is a time difference between France and England, with Cherbourg being 1 hr ahead of Portsmouth. All times on Ferryhopper are local.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Portsmouth - Cherbourg ferry well in advance, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.
• You can also sail from England to France from Roscoff, Saint-Malo, Caen, Le Havre, Dieppe, Calais and Dunkirk. For more ferry travel options, take a look at the France - UK ferries.
• From Cherbourg you can also travel directly by ferry to Poole, Alderney, Rosslare and Dublin! For more details on all routes, ticket prices and operators, check out the Cherbourg ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Cherbourg to Portsmouth

Ferries to Portsmouth normally set sail from the Port of Cherbourg, at the main ferry terminal (Gare Maritime Transmanche) on Quai de Normandie. The port is on the northern coast of Normandy’s Cotentin Peninsula, about 2 km from Cherbourg town centre and approximately 15 km from Cherbourg-Maupertus Airport.

At the ferry terminal you will find a brasserie-style café during ferry arrivals and departures, vending machines, an ATM, Wi-Fi, toilets, showers, tourist information and accessible facilities. There are more cafés, shops, hotels and car-rental agencies in the town centre and near the railway station.

How to get to the port of Cherbourg?

• By car: follow the N13 towards Cherbourg, then the D901 and the signs for the gare maritime or ferry port.
• By bus or shuttle: Cap Cotentin line 8 links Cherbourg railway station with the Terminal Ferry stop directly outside the passenger terminal. Outside the regular line 8 timetable, a ferry shuttle may leave the station 2 hr before departure.
• By train: Cherbourg station has connections with Caen, Rouen and Paris Saint-Lazare. From the station, it takes 10 min by taxi, 15 min by bus and up to 50 min to reach the port on foot.
• By taxi: taxis are available in Cherbourg and can take you from the town centre to the terminal in about 5 min.

Where does the ferry arrive in Portsmouth?

Ferries from Cherbourg 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.

At the ferry terminal, you will find many traveller 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.