Ferry from Saint-Malo to Portsmouth

When planning your trip with the ferry from St Malo to Portsmouth, you can take advantage of the fixed 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 St Malo - Portsmouth ferry route is served with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Saint Malo. These vessels are designed for long-haul travel and feature many modern amenities and services, including

• 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 areas, cinema and TV lounges, disco clubs and video game areas
• 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 Saint-Malo - 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

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers on the ferry from St Malo to Portsmouth. 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 and allergen-free cabins

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

Prices for private cabins start at around €80.

Important: the St Malo - Portsmouth is mainly operated during the day, but occasionally there are departures in the evening. On these overnight crossings, it is compulsory to book a cabin.

Can I book business-class seats?

No, Brittany Ferries does not offer a business-class seating option on the St Malo - Portsmouth ferry route. Standard tickets include access to indoor lounges and the outer decks.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, on the Saint-Malo - Portsmouth ferries you can book a deluxe cabin or suite for a first-class travel experience. These cabins typically feature extra room, a double bed and a range of additional amenities such as a TV, Wi-Fi access, tea- and coffee-making facilities, complimentary breakfast and access to an exclusive lounge. 

Luggage

When travelling 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.

Travelling with pets

Pets are generally welcome on Saint Malo - Portsmouth ferries, 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 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 Saint-Malo to Portsmouth:

• The ferry port in Saint-Malo can get busy, especially in the summer and the weekends, 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.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Portsmouth - Saint-Malo ferry 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.
• From the French port you can also travel to the Channel Islands on the Saint-Malo - Jersey ferry. More further details on all routes, ticket prices and more, check out the Saint-Malo ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Saint-Malo to Portsmouth

Ferries to Portsmouth normally depart from the Terminal Ferry du Naye (Gare Maritime du Naye), the city’s main terminal for crossings to Great Britain and the Channel Islands. The terminal is about 1 km from Saint-Malo’s walled Old Town (Intra-Muros), 2 km from the local railway and coach station and roughly 75 km from Rennes Bretagne Airport.

At the port, you will find basic traveller amenities, such as a café, tourist information, Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, a baby-changing area and a shuttle bus for foot passengers. An open-air, unattended car park is located in front of the terminal and you will find more cafés, restaurants, shops and hotels in Intra-Muros, only a short walk away.

How to get to the port of Saint-Malo?

• By car: take the toll-free N137 dual carriageway towards Saint-Malo and follow signs for Terminal Ferry du Naye.
• By bus: MAT line 8 connects the city centre and Saint-Malo railway station with the Naye area, usually running about once an hour. Get off near the Piscine du Naye, around a 3-minute walk from the terminal.
• By train: Saint-Malo station has regional and high-speed connections, including direct trains from Rennes. From the station, you can reach the port in 25 min on foot or take a take a taxi.
• By taxi: a taxi ride between the town centre or station and the port normally takes about 5-10 min.
• From Rennes Airport: the car or taxi drive from the airport to the port of Saint-Malo takes about 1 hr. By public transport, you will need to travel into Rennes, take a direct train to Saint-Malo, and then continue to the terminal by bus, taxi or on foot.

Where does the ferry arrive in Portsmouth?

Ferries from Saint-Malo normally 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.