Ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

When planning your trip with the Portsmouth - Cherbourg 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 Portsmouth - Cherbourg ferry route is operated by conventional cruise ferries, such as the Galicia and Salamanca, which are designed for long-haul travel. Onboard, you will find 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 ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg is 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, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers on the Portsmouth - Cherbourg ferry. Typically, you can choose from:

• 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 €120.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, on the Portsmouth - Cherbourg ferry route, you can book 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.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet on the Portsmouth - Cherbourg 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 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 your return to the UK.

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

• Portsmouth can get crowded, especially during the high season, so plan your arrival 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 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 England and France, with Cherbourg being 1 hr ahead of Portsmouth. All times on Ferryhopper are local.
• You can find more travel options in our detailed blog on UK - France ferries.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Cherbourg - Portsmouth ferry in advance, particularly if you want a cabin or are travelling with a vehicle.
• From Portsmouth, you can also travel by ferry to Caen, Jersey, Saint-Malo, Bilbao, Le Havre, and Santander among others! For more information on all routes, ticket prices and ferry companies, check out the Portsmouth ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Ferries to Cherbourg typically depart from Portsmouth International Port, which is about 2 km from the city centre of Portsmouth, 30 km from Southampton Airport and 95 km from London Heathrow.

At the ferry terminal, you can find a café, a shop selling snacks and travel essentials, seating, Wi-Fi, tourist information, baby-changing facilities and more passenger amenities. A multi-storey car park is available inside the port, with accessible bays, luggage trolleys and electric-vehicle charging points. Follow the left-hand lane towards the car check-in area and then the signs for parking.

How to get to the port of Portsmouth?

• By car: follow the M275 towards Portsmouth and continue to the end of the motorway, where the international ferry terminal is clearly signposted. From London, you can take the M3 or A3, while from the Midlands you can use the A34 and M3. Check whether the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone applies to your vehicle before travelling.
• By train: get off at Portsmouth & Southsea and from there, you can take a 5-min taxi ride or walk to the port in approximately 20-30 min.
• By bus: First Bus services 8, X4 and X9, as well as Stagecoach service 20, stop near Portsmouth International Port.
• By coach: National Express operates services to the port from London Victoria and Heathrow Airport. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.
• By taxi: a taxi from Portsmouth & Southsea station normally takes around 5 min.

Where does the ferry arrive in Cherbourg?

Ferries from Portsmouth arrive at the Port of Cherbourg (Gare Maritime Transatlantique) in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, on the northern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy. The ferry terminal sits along the harbour, about 2 km from the centre of Cherbourg and the local railway station (Gare de Cherbourg)

At the ferry terminal, you will find traveller amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an ATM, a café, a tourist information desk (during peak season), car rental desks, and an outdoor dog-exercise area. Around the port area, there are shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels and attractions such as the Cité de la Mer.

Onward travel from Cherbourg port

• By taxi: taxis are generally available outside the ferry terminal, with the ride to Cherbourg town centre taking about 5 min, while the railway station is around 10 min away.
• By shuttle bus: a shuttle connects the ferry terminal with Cherbourg SNCF station, usually departing 1 hour after the ferry arrives.
• By train: Cherbourg station has services towards Caen and Rouen, with connections to Paris Saint-Lazare, Rennes and other destinations in Normandy. You can reach the train station in about 10 min by taxi and 50 min on foot.
• By car: follow the N13 towards Caen and the D901 for destinations around the Cotentin Peninsula.
• On foot: you can reach central Cherbourg in approximately 20-30 min on foot.