Ferry from Le Havre to Portsmouth

When planning your trip with the Le Havre - 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.

The Le Havre - Portsmouth ferry route is operated by conventional ferries, such as the Commodore Clipper, which are designed for long-distance travel. On board, you will find a basic range of modern amenities and services, including:

• Comfortable air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks with sea views
• Cafés and bars serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals
• Family-friendly amenities, including children’s TV lounge and baby-changing facilities
• Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of data bundles to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The vessels serving the Le Havre - Portsmouth ferry route 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, with at least 48 hr’s prior notice before your journey. For further details, contact the operator.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, the ferries from Le Havre to Portsmouth have a range of cabins that can accommodate up to 4 passengers. Typically, you can choose from:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities

All cabins feature a desk, toiletries, and an en-suite bathroom, while some cabins also have a TV.

Prices for cabins start at around €160.

What seats can I book?

On the Le Havre - Portsmouth ferry route, you can choose between numbered reclining seats in a dedicated air-conditioned lounge, or business-class seats in the exclusive C-Club Lounge, which come with extra legroom, a table and USB connectors to keep your devices charged during the trip.

Numbered seats are priced from €58, while business-class seats cost from €87.

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, which remains closed until 20-30 min before arrival. For more details, contact the reception desk when you board the ferry.

Travelling with pets

You can bring your pet on the Portsmouth - Le Havre 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 leash.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

When travelling with Brittany Ferries, your pet can either stay 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 Le Havre to Portsmouth:

• The port in Le Havre can get crowded, especially in the summer, so it’s best to be there at least 1.5-2 hr ahead of 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 Le Havre 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 - Le Havre ferry well in advance, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.
• You can also sail to England from the French ports of Roscoff, Saint-Malo, Cherbourg, Caen, Dieppe, Calais and Dunkirk. For more ferry travel options, take a look at the France - UK ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Le Havre to Portsmouth

Ferries to Portsmouth leave from the Terminal de la Citadelle at the port of Le Havre. The terminal is close to the Saint-François district, around 2 km from Le Havre city centre and the main railway station and around 7 km from Le Havre-Octeville Airport.

Inside the terminal, you will find basic travel amenities, including a Brittany Ferries information desk, a departure lounge, toilets, baby-changing facilities and vending machines. Short- and long-stay parking is available at the port, but spaces are limited. In the nearby Saint-François district you will find cafés, restaurants and a few hotels, while car-hire agencies are available around the railway station.

How to get to the port of Le Havre?

• By car: from Paris or Rouen, take the A13 followed by the A131 towards Le Havr and on entering the city, follow signs for Terminal de la Citadelle and Ferries.
• By bus: LiA bus line C4 runs regularly between the Gares stop, opposite Le Havre railway station, and St-François, which is a 10-min walk from the port.
• By train: Le Havre station has regional services and direct trains from Paris Saint-Lazare, with the journey from Paris taking around 2 hr 20 min. From the station, take bus C4 or a taxi.
• By taxi: taxis can take you directly to the passenger terminal, with the ride taking about 10 min from the city center.

Where does the ferry arrive in Portsmouth?

Ferries from Le Havre typically arrive 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.