Ferries Portsmouth

When planning your trip on the ferry from Portsmouth on Ferryhopper, you can take advantage of fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. These discounts vary by company, but generally infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free, while children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices.

Ferries from Portsmouth to Spain

There are year-round ferry connections from Portsmouth to Spain with Brittany Ferries. The routes to Bilbao and Santander are operated by conventional cruise ferries.

Portsmouth - Bilbao

You can travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao with 1-2 weekly ferries, which take 33-36 hr. Tickets cost from about € 53.

Portsmouth - Santander

The Portsmouth - Santander ferry route is normally served with 2 weekly crossings. The journey takes around 33 hr and ferry tickets are priced from € 53.

Ferries to France from Portsmouth

The ferry connections from Portsmouth to France is served with year-round and seasonal routes to Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre and Saint-Malo. Brittany Ferries operates the routes with conventional cruise ferries.

Portsmouth - Caen

You can travel on the Portsmouth - Caen ferry all year round, with up to 3 daily crossings. The ferry trip takes 4 hr 30 min to 7 hr 45 min, while tickets cost from € 44.

Portsmouth - Cherbourg

The Portsmouth - Cherbourg ferry route is operated year-round and served with 1-2 weekly crossings, depending on the season. The journey takes 7 hr 45 min to 8.5 hr and tickets cost from € 50.

Portsmouth - Le Havre

There are usually up to 7 weekly crossings from Portsmouth to Le Havre seasonally, from March to September. The ferry trip duration ranges from 6.5 hr to 10.5 hr, while tickets are priced from € 44.

Portsmouth - Saint-Malo

You can travel all year round by ferry from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo, with the journey taking around 10.5-11 hr. There are up to 7 weekly crossings and tickets from € 50.

Ferries from Portsmouth to Channel Islands

Portsmouth - Jersey

The Portsmouth - Jersey ferry route is operated all year round by DFDS and served with up to 6 weekly crossings. The ferry trip takes 7 hr 45 min to 12.5 hr and tickets cost from € 11.

(Portsmouth - Fishbourne)

There are 2 companies that serve the ferry routes from Portsmouth:

• Brittany Ferries operates routes to the Spanish ports of Bilbao and Santander, as well as Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre and Saint-Malo in France.
• DFDS serves the ferry connection from Portsmouth to Jersey in the Channel Islands.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry from Portsmouth?

Each ferry operator has its own luggage policy:

• When traveling with Brittany Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight.
• On DFDS ferries, you are allowed to bring up to 50 kg of luggage.

The ferry trip from Portsmouth takes 4.5 hr to 36 hr, depending on your destination, operator and vessel. Here are indicative travel times for each route:

• Portsmouth - Bilbao: from 33 hr to 36 hr
• Portsmouth - Santander: from 33 hr to 33 hr 30 min
• Portsmouth - Caen: from 4 hr 30 min to 7 hr 45 min
• Portsmouth - Cherbourg: from 7 hr 45 min to 8 hr 30 min
• Portsmouth - Le Havre: from 6 hr 30 min to 10 hr 30 min
• Portsmouth - Saint-Malo: from 10 hr 30 min to 11 hr
• Portsmouth - Jersey: from 7 hr 45 min to 12.5 hr

Which is the fastest route from Portsmouth?

The fastest route is Portsmouth to Caen, with the journey taking as little as 4.5 hr. Some sailings take closer to 6-7 hr, particularly overnight services.

What is the cheapest ferry route from Portsmouth?

The cheapest route is from Portsmouth to Jersey, with tickets normally priced from € 11.

If you are headed to France, the cheapest routes are Portsmouth - Le Havre and Portsmouth - Caen.

For ferry routes to Spain, the tickets to Santander and Bilbao are priced similarly.

Which destination should I choose?

Choose your destination according to your onward travel plans:

• Caen is generally the fastest and most frequent option. It is ideal for Normandy, Paris and road trips through northern France.
• Cherbourg is convenient for the Cotentin Peninsula and western Normandy, although crossings are usually less frequent.
• Le Havre offers easy access to eastern Normandy, including Étretat, Honfleur and Rouen, and is also well placed for travelling towards Paris.
• Saint-Malo is the best option for Brittany and destinations such as Dinan, Rennes and Mont-Saint-Michel.
• Jersey is ideal for a Channel Islands holiday and generally offers the lowest starting fare from Portsmouth.
• Santander is well-placed for Cantabria, Asturias and western or central Spain.
• Bilbao is a convenient gateway to the Basque Country, the Pyrenees and north-eastern Spain.

What other factors should I consider?

• Seasonality and frequency: most ferry routes from Portsmouth are year-round, but some Havre operate seasonally. Additionally, the frequency of services and fares can also change between peak and off-peak periods.
• Travel time and price: the international crossings to France take 4.5 to 10 hr, while ferries to Spain take more than 30 hr. Keep in mind though, that these longer routes can save a long drive through France, as well as fuel, toll and accommodation costs.
• Cabins: consider booking a cabin on overnight sailings, particularly for Saint-Malo, Bilbao and Santander. Cabin availability can be limited during summer, so booking early is recommended.
• Luggage and pets: luggage allowances and pet facilities vary by operator and vessel. Check the relevant rules before booking and bring the necessary identification and travel documents for your pet.

How much does it cost to bring my car from Portsmouth?

The cost of transporting a vehicle from Portsmouth depends on the vehicle type, route and travel dates. Here are indicative starting prices

• Portsmouth to France: from €85 for a car, €52 for a motorbike and €124 for a motorhome
• Portsmouth to Spain: from €110 for a car, €56 for a motorbike and €176 for a motorhome
• Portsmouth to Jersey: from €87 for a car, €29 for a motorbike, and roughly €100 for a caravan

Can I take my caravan on the ferry from Portsmouth?

Yes, the ferries operating from Portsmouth have car decks for transporting larger vehicles, including caravans and motorhomes.

What documents do I need for my car?

If you are travelling with a vehicle, bring

• Your valid driving licence
• The vehicle’s V5C registration certificate
• Proof of motor insurance

If you are travelling with a hired or leased vehicle, you will also need written authorisation, such as a VE103 certificate.

Ferries from Portsmouth to France, Spain and Jersey are conventional cruise ferries with car decks rather than high-speed vessels or hydrofoils. Facilities vary by ship, but you can normally expect comfortable indoor lounges, open decks, cafés or restaurants, shops and family-friendly areas. Longer and overnight crossings offer additional comforts, including private cabins, premium lounges and entertainment.

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, you can book a cabin that can accommodate up to 4 passengers on the ferries from Portsmouth. The selection varies by route and vessel, but typically you can expect:

• Standard inside and sea-view cabins
• Club, Commodore and luxury suites
• Wheelchair-accessible cabins
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Cabins with televisions or Video on Demand

Most cabins have air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom with a shower, toilet and washbasin. Cabins are particularly useful on overnight services to France and on the longer crossings to Bilbao and Santander in Spain.

Cabin availability

Cabins are optional on most daytime crossings, but they may be compulsory with certain overnight sailings. Availability is limited during weekends, school holidays and the summer season, so book early if you want a particular cabin category.

Important: accessible and pet-friendly cabins are usually among the first to sell out.

What type of seats can you book?

You can use the standard seating areas and public lounges found throughout the ferries. Depending on the ship, you may also be able to book:

• Numbered reclining airline-style seats
• Business-class seats
• Club or Commodore lounge access
• Pet-lounge seating

Can I travel first class?

Yes, when travelling with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth, you can usually book a Commodore suite. These premium cabins typically have 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 the exclusive C-Club Lounge.

Accessibility

The cruise ferries serving Portsmouth are designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Depending on the vessel, facilities include:

• Lifts between the vehicle and passenger decks
• Accessible public areas and toilets
• Wheelchair-accessible cabins with adapted bathrooms
• Reserved parking close to a lift
• Assistance during embarkation and disembarkation

Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available on the vessels operated by Brittany Ferries and DFDS, but numbers are limited. Inform the company about any assistance requirements when booking and reserve an adapted cabin as early as possible.

Pet travel

Yes, pets are allowed on ferries from Portsmouth, but they must be included in your booking. Pets are not allowed to roam through the general passenger areas, with the exception of recognised assistance dogs.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On Brittany Ferries services from Portsmouth, pets may travel:

• In a pet-friendly cabin
• In an onboard kennel
• Inside the vehicle on selected sailings

On the DFDS ferry to Jersey, your pet can travel:

• In a pet-friendly cabin
• With you in a pet lounge
• In your vehicle

What travel documents do I need for my pet?

The requirements depend on your destination:

• France and Spain: dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an official vet or valid pet passport issued in the EU or Northern Ireland. The animal must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. Dogs must also receive tapeworm treatment from a vet 24 to 120 hr before returning to England.
• Jersey: pets travelling directly from the UK do not need a pet passport, Animal Health Certificate or specific vaccinations. However, you must include the pet in your ferry booking and comply with DFDS’s transport conditions.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available on the Portsmouth ferries operated by Brittany Ferries and DFDS, including in most public areas and cabins. Free and paid packages may be offered, depending on the ship and accommodation type.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, the ferries from Portsmouth are designed for long-distance travel and typically feature a range of entertainment options. Depending on the operators, vessel and route, you will find:

• Children’s play areas and interactive games
• Cinemas or Video on Demand
• Live music and seasonal entertainment on selected sailings
• Open-air decks with sea views
• Duty-free or tax-free shops
• Destination-information areas

The cruise ferries to Spain generally offer the widest range of entertainment due to the longer crossing. Facilities on the Portsmouth–Jersey ferry are simpler, with a small children’s play area, Sea Shop, lounges and outdoor areas.

Tip: entertainment programmes may change according to the vessel, season and departure time.

What travel documents do I need?

The Portsmouth routes to France and Spain are international crossings between the UK and the EU, so you will need a valid passport. Depending on your nationality and the length or purpose of your stay, you may also need a visa.

The Portsmouth-Jersey ferry route is within the Common Travel Area, so you do not normally need a passport, but you must carry an accepted form of photographic identification, such as a passport or driving licence.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets from Portsmouth on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Portsmouth as your port of departure, along with your destination 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 allows you to manage your booking, check updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

At Portsmouth International Port, foot passengers check in inside the passenger terminal, while motorists follow the signs to the vehicle check-in booths. At check-in, present your booking confirmation, travel documents and any vehicle or pet paperwork. Make sure you arrive early enough, as check-in closes 40 min ahead of departure on Brittany Ferries services and 1 hr before departure for DFDS ferries.

Passengers, luggage and vehicles may undergo security and border checks. If you are travelling with a vehicle, you will be directed to a loading lane, while foot passengers wait in the terminal before boarding, normally by shuttle bus or covered walkway.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

With Brittany Ferries and DFDS, you can book your Portsmouth ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

Portsmouth is a historic waterfront city on England’s south coast, famous for its naval heritage, historic dockyard and impressive Spinnaker Tower. Its well-connected ferry port offers convenient crossings to France, Spain and the Channel Islands, making the city an ideal starting point for trips across the Channel.

You can find more information in our travel guide on Portsmouth.

Best time to book

For ferry trips from Portsmouth during the high season, between June and September, try to book 2-3 months in advance. Summer sailings, weekend departures, vehicle spaces and pet-friendly cabins can fill up quickly. Book even earlier if you need a specific cabin on an overnight crossing to Saint-Malo, Bilbao or Santander.

For journeys during spring, autumn or winter, you can usually afford to book your ferry tickets a few weeks ahead, although availability may be limited on routes with fewer weekly departures.

Keep in mind that ticket prices vary according to demand, route and travel date. Check current ferry offers before booking, but avoid relying on last-minute availability if you are travelling with a car, pet or large group.

Arrival

You should aim to arrive at least 1 hr in advance and if you have pets, then try to be there at least 1.5-2 hr beforehand, as you need to go through the pet reception area. Likewise, if you are bringing a vehicle with you, it’s recommended to arrive 2 hr before departure.

Note: allow extra time for traffic, security and passport checks, particularly on summer weekends. If you miss the check-in deadline, you may not be allowed to board.

Additional travel tips

• Overnight crossings: book a cabin for routes to Spain or overnight services to France and Jersey. Cabins provide more privacy and are especially useful when travelling with children.
• Sea conditions: the English Channel and Bay of Biscay can sometimes be choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking suitable medication before departure and choose a cabin near the middle of the ship.
• Pets: reserve pet accommodation when booking and bring the required health certificate, vaccination record and other documentation for your destination.
• Onboard access: pack medicines, passports, valuables and anything needed during the crossing in a separate bag, as vehicle decks are normally closed while the ferry is at sea.
• Food and lounges: longer crossings have restaurants, cafés, shops and premium lounges. Opening times may be reduced on late-night or early-morning departures.

Ferries to France, Spain and Jersey depart from Portsmouth International Port on Whale Island Way. This is different from Portsmouth Harbour and Portsmouth Gunwharf, which serve Isle of Wight routes, so check your departure terminal carefully.

Where is Portsmouth's port?

The Portsmouth International Port 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.

How to get to Portsmouth port

• 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 either 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. Booking early is recommended, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.
• By taxi: a taxi from Portsmouth & Southsea station normally takes around 5 min.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Portsmouth, 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.