Ferries Caen

When planning your trip to Caen, you can take advantage of fixed discounts to enjoy lower-cost ferry tickets. Brittany Ferries provides special fares for certain passenger categories, such as:

• Children (4-15 years old) are entitled to lower fares
• Infants and toddlers up to 3 years old usually travel for free

There is currently 1 available ferry route to Caen:

Portsmouth - Caen

You can travel by ferry from Portsmouth to Caen year-round, with 3 daily crossings. The ferry trip lasts around 4 hr 30 min, and ticket prices start from around €44.

Brittany Ferries operates conventional vessels on all routes to Caen.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Caen?

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

The ferry trip from Portsmouth to Caen lasts around 4 hr 30 min.

Which is the fastest route to Caen?

Currently, the only route available to Caen is from Portsmouth, and the crossing takes approximately 4 hr 30 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Caen?

The Portsmouth - Caen route offers budget-friendly fares starting at about €44.

Keep in mind that the final ticket cost depends on vehicle selection, discounts, offers, and cabin type.

Which port of departure should I choose?

Since the only available route to Caen is currently from Portsmouth, it is perfect for travelers who wish to get from England to Normandy, France. This route offers year-round multiple daily crossings, vessels equipped with car decks for vehicle transportation, a fairly short crossing, and reasonable fares.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning a trip and booking a ferry to Caen, keep these factors in mind:

• Seasonality: the Portsmouth - Caen route operates throughout the year, but sailings become particularly popular during the summer. Booking several weeks or even months in advance is recommended if you're traveling with a vehicle or want a cabin.
• Travel time vs. comfort: the ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Caen is fairly short, taking around 4 hr 30 min. Britanny Ferries operates conventional vessels on the route, ensuring a smooth and comfortable crossing.

Can I travel on the ferry to Caen with a car?

Yes, ferries to Caen are equipped with car decks for transporting vehicles.

Always check availability and keep in mind that car deck spots may be more limited during peak months. Also, make sure you bring along your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance documents.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Caen?

Prices start at around €100 to transport a car and €63 for a motorbike.

Can I take my camper van on the ferry to Caen?

Yes, you can take your camper van or motorhome on ferries to Caen. Prices start from €140 for a large van and €148 for a motorhome.

Brittany Ferries serves the Portsmouth - Caen route with conventional cruise ferries. 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
• 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

Cabins & accommodation

You can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers on the ferries serving the Portsmouth - Caen route. 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 en-suite 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.

Prices for private cabins start at around €80, while beds in shared cabins cost from €60.

What type of seats can you book?

Travelers can choose deck-lounge seating or a cabin. Keep in mind that cabins are compulsory on evening crossings.

Can I travel first class?

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.

Alternatively, you can book a deluxe cabin or a suite.

Are the ferries accessible?

Ferries to Caen 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.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Caen?

You can bring your pet on the ferry to Caen, 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 can pets stay during the crossing?

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.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, ferries to Caen offer a Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of data bundles to stay connected during the trip.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Entertainment options on ferries to Caen typically include children’s play areas, cinema and TV lounges, disco clubs and video game areas

What travel documents do I need to go by ferry to Caen?

Ferry itineraries to Caen (France) from Portsmouth (UK) are international crossings, so make sure you have the necessary travel documents before departure.

• A valid passport is required for all passengers traveling to France.
• Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa or other entry authorization. Always check the latest immigration requirements before your trip.
• If you're traveling with a vehicle, carry your driver's license, vehicle registration certificate and valid motor insurance documents.
• If you're bringing a pet, don't forget your pet passport or animal health certificate, vaccination records and any additional documents required for entry into France.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Caen on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Caen as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates.
2. Add passengers, pets, and vehicles.
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices.
4. Complete your booking securely online.

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper lets you manage your booking, check for updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

We always recommend arriving at the port well in advance of departure. More specifically:

• Foot passengers: arrive at least 1 hour before departure.
• Passengers travelling with a vehicle: arrive 2 hours before departure.
• Have your passport, ID and booking confirmation ready for inspection at check-in.
• Follow the instructions provided by terminal staff for boarding.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Brittany Ferries does not currently support electronic tickets. Therefore, you will have to collect your paper tickets before boarding your ferry to Caen.

We recommend that you always review your confirmation email carefully for operator-specific instructions and arrive at the port on time, with your booking reference and identification documents readily available.

The French city of Caen offers a fascinating mix of medieval heritage, contemporary culture, and lush greenery. Shaped by the legacy of William the Conqueror, Caen is home to impressive landmarks, architecture wonders, centuries-old abbeys, and a charming historic center filled with lively cafés and markets. As a university city, Caen boasts numerous nightlife options and the traditional local cuisine is a must for foodies. Also, during your stay in Caen, make sure to save some time for the historical D-Day Landing Beaches on the coast of Normandy.

For more info on the historic capital of Normandy, check out our Caen travel guide.

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when travelling by ferry to Caen:

• 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 the UK and France. All times shown are local.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Caen-Portsmouth 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 UK - France ferries.
• From Portsmouth, you can also travel by ferry to Jersey, Santander, Bilbao, Le Havre, Cherbourg and Saint-Malo, among others! For more information on all routes, ticket prices and ferry companies, have a look at the Portsmouth ferries.

Best time to book

The Portsmouth - Caen route is popular throughout the year, particularly during the summer and major holiday periods.

• If you're traveling between June and September, it's best to book 2 to 3 months in advance, especially if you need a cabin or are traveling with a vehicle.
• For spring and fall, booking 3 to 6 weeks ahead is usually enough to secure good availability and fares.
• During the winter months, demand is generally lower, although schedules may be slightly reduced.

Ferries from Portsmouth normally dock at the Caen-Ouistreham ferry terminal, at the mouth of the Orne River in the coastal town of Ouistreham, about 15 km north of the centre of Caen.

Are there traveller amenities at the port of Caen?

The terminal building includes many traveller amenities, such as a café/bar, a tourist information desk, a bureau de change, and free Wi-Fi. The single-storey terminal is fully wheelchair accessible, and shuttle buses transport foot passengers directly between the ship and the building.

How to get to the port of Caen

The port of Caen, officially known as the port of Ouistreham, can be easily reached by car, taxi and bus.

Bus services between Caen and Ouistreham, specifically, are operated by the company of Twisto, connecting the city center with the terminals.

If you wish to get to Ouistreham by train, you can reach the railway station in the center of Caen and then resume your journey to the port by other means of transport.

Tip: you can find secured paid parking lots in the port area of Ouistreham, Caen. Alternatively, you can explore the nearby area and find free parking spaces.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Caen, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.