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La Fontaine Mouchel in Place General de Gaulle, Cherbourg, France

Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferries

Our high-speed service is currently unavailable.

Brittany Ferries offer sailings from Portsmouth to Cherbourg up to three times a week. Choose from daytime or overnight sailings.  

Daytime sailings once a week

Up to two overnight sailings a week

Portsmouth  is a vibrant city with a rich maritime heritage and busy harbour quarter. The Norman city of  Cherbourg  also has a long naval history and the harbour, marina and old fishing port each wait to be explored.  Portsmouth  and  Cherbourg  both have easy access to motorways for a fast and convenient journey.

Time-saving onward journeys

Spend less time travelling and more time on your holidays with our mile-saving route network. Choose the route most convenient for your destination to enjoy a shorter drive in France, saving you time and money. 

Enjoy free-flowing traffic on the modern motorway network from Cherbourg to Paris

Portsmouth is only two hours drive from London

Plan your route with our  driving distances from Cherbourg  and discover  holiday accommodation  to match your needs. Choose from campsites, holiday cottages, gites and hotels to create your perfect holiday.

*Seasonal variations to schedules may apply

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• Ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Tickets, Prices & Schedules

• Ferry tickets
• Ferry routes

Ferry schedules from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Is there a ferry from portsmouth to cherbourg.

Yes, there is. The Portsmouth - Cherbourg ferry route is available all year round, usually with up to 4 crossings a week . The route is operated by the Brittany Ferries ferry company.

What’s the ferry schedule from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?

At the moment, the Portsmouth - Cherbourg route is normally operated 4 times a week .

The first ferry normally leaves Portsmouth at 08:15 and reaches Cherbourg at 14:00. The last ferry usually departs from Portsmouth at 23:00 and reaches Cherbourg at 08:00 the next morning.

Tip : bear in mind that ferry timetables may change. Therefore, make sure to check your travel time before your trip. You can also track your ferry in real time on the Ferryhopper App !

Ferry Tickets, Offers & Discounts

How much is the ferry from portsmouth to cherbourg.

Portsmouth - Cherbourg ferry tickets usually start at around €51 . The final ticket price depends on vehicle and cabin selection, discounts and offers.

Take a look at our ferry routes, find the lowest prices and best offers, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees .

Any available offers will be automatically applied when booking your ferry tickets.

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg with lower-cost ferry tickets . Ferry companies offer special discounts for specific passenger categories , such as:

• Children 
• Large groups of travelers
• Club Voyage members

Ferry Route Info

How long is the ferry ride from portsmouth to cherbourg.

The average duration of the ferry ride from Portsmouth to Cherbourg is around 8 hr .

Is there a high-speed ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?

The ferries operating the route from Portsmouth to Cherbourg are normally conventional . The fastest ferry reaches Cherbourg in approximately 4 hr 45 min .

What’s the distance between Portsmouth and Cherbourg?

The distance between the port of Portsmouth in the UK and the port of Cherbourg (Cherbourg-Octeville) in France is around 88 nautical miles (approximately 163 km).

Ferry Trip Tips

Useful tips for your ferry trip to cherbourg from portsmouth.

Have a look at our travel tips for your trip from Portsmouth to Cherbourg:

• In the busy months from May to September, we recommend arriving at the port of Portsmouth well in advance to avoid delays. The same applies to ferry trips on weekends.
• When checking your ferry departure/arrival time, note that there's a 1-hr time difference between the UK and France.
• To travel from the UK to France, you need a valid passport .
• If you wish to travel to France from the port of Portsmouth, you can also catch a ferry to Caen , Saint-Malo or Roscoff .

Where to take the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Ferries to Cherbourg (Cherbourg-Octeville) in northern France depart regularly from the port of Portsmouth in southern England.

Portsmouth is easy to reach via the M27 road linking the city directly to the motorway network. The port is about a 2-hr drive from London(125 km). You can also travel from London to Portsmouth by train and walk from the station to the Passenger Terminal in about 25 min .

If you are traveling to Cherbourg as a foot passenger, there are safe pedestrian routes to the passenger terminal available from the south, north, and east of the port. Near the port area, you will find many amenities , such as restaurants, cafes, parking lots, hotels, bars, and shops.

Am I allowed to travel from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Portsmouth to Cherbourg. Before your trip, check the latest updates on Covid-19 and ferry travel in France and the documents necessary for your journey.

Can I travel on the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg with a car?

Yes, ferries operating on the Portsmouth - Cherbourg connection have car decks so you can transfer your vehicle.

Ferry luggage

On Brittany Ferries, there is no official limit to the luggage you can carry. However, for foot passengers, the company recommends limiting their luggage to a maximum of two pieces of luggage weighing 20 kg per crossing.

During your ferry trip from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, you can keep your luggage next to you, keep it in your vehicle, or store it in your cabin .

Good to know : bear in mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items .

Ferries traveling from Portsmouth to Cherbourg have many types of cabins available, from simple one-bed ones to premium options.

Pets are welcome on ferries operating on the Portsmouth - Cherbourg route. On Brittany Ferries vessels, there are kennels and pet-friendly cabins available.

Pets must be muzzled and on a leash at all times whilst in the exercise area, i.e. outside of the kennel / pet-friendly cabin.

Make sure to carry your pet’s health certificates and any supplies you might need.

Where can I book cheap ferry tickets from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?

Currently, online booking for the Portsmouth - Cherbourg ferry crossing isn't available. However, you can find more information about the ferry trip to Cherbourg from Portsmouth on our Map of ferries , compare prices and schedules, and plan your trip on Ferryhopper easily and quickly !

Portsmouth to Cherbourg Ferries

Book a Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry from just £95 one-way. Brittany Ferries run up to 3 sailings per week to the French port, which is at the northern end of the Cotentin peninsula.

Skip to: Timetable | Facilities | FAQs

Ferry crossings from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

With easy access from the motorway and also boasting a train station at the harbour, Portsmouth is a great departure point for your journey to France. The ferry crossing to Cherbourg is a relatively direct route across the channel, taking you to the very north of the Cotentin peninsula. Cherbourg itself is a town steeped in naval history and is well worth exploring before continuing your holiday in France.

Brittany Ferries is the only operator that provides sailings on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg route, with crossings taking between 4 and 8 hours in total depending on whether it’s a daytime or overnight sailing.

Book a ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Portsmouth – cherbourg ferry timetable & sailings.

Brittany Ferries operates up to 3 sailings per week on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg crossing. Please note that foot passengers are now allowed on this service.

Check-in closes 45 minutes before the departure time, with the crossing taking 4 to 6 hours on daytime sailings and around 8 to 9 hours for overnight sailings. All departure/arrival times listed in the Portsmouth-Cherbourg timetables below are local times and are subject to change based on weather/tidal conditions.

Portsmouth to Cherbourg Timetable (November to March)

Portsmouth to Cherbourg Timetable (April to October)

Cherbourg to Portsmouth Timetable (November to March)

Cherbourg to Portsmouth Timetable (April to October)

Facilities on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg Route

Brittany Ferries use the Santoña, Galicia and Salamanca for overnight sailings and the Cotentin ship for dayime crossings on the Portsmouth-Cherbourg route.

The Contentin features a restaurant, duty free shop, free Wi-Fi in all public areas and a bar with TV lounge to keep you entertained.

The Santoña, Galicia and Salamanca are greener ships with the fleet and offer a Spanish style of travel with tapas meals and Spanish decor throughout. There’s lots to keep the family entertained with a children’s play area, sundeck, video on demand throughout each ship (including the cabins), boutique shops and private lounges.

Cabins are compulsory on all overnight sailings on the route between Portsmouth and Cherbourg. All 2 berth cabins have twin or double beds, video on demand, tea/coffee making facilities and an ensuite. 4 berth cabins have twin and bunk-style beds, ensuite facilities and optional laminate flooring (for those travelling with pets).

Wheelchair accessible cabins are available on all ships servicing overnight crossings. These cabins also feature an alarm and telephone.

Common questions on ferries to Cherbourg from Portsmouth

Daytime sailings from both Portsmouth and Cherbourg take 4 to 6 hours. Overnight sailings from Portsmouth take 8 to 9 hours, compared to around 8.5 hours from Cherbourg. Seasonal variations to schedules may apply, resulting in departure and arrival times changing.

Ferry tickets cost from £95 one-way for a daytime sailing to Cherbourg. Prices for overnight sailings to Cherbourg are higher as you’ll be required to book a cabin (prices start at around £75), taking the cost to around £170+.

Most passengers should aim to check-in a mininum of 1 hour before departure. If you’re travelling with a pet you should check in 1.5 hours before depature at both Portsmouth and Cherbourg ferry terminal .

Brittany Ferries operate a vehicle-only crossing between Cherbourg and Portsmouth. Therefore you should not look to park and leave your car at Portsmouth as you will not be permitted to board the ship.

There’s no requirement to get a cabin for daytime sailings on the route, however there is an option to book one if you’d like some privacy. Cabins are compulsory for all overnight sailings on the Portsmouth-Cherbourg route with Brittany Ferries.

CROSSINGS FROM

• 3 sailings weekly from Portsmouth to Cherbourg
• 4 hour journey time

* Early bird price one-way for car

Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry crossings connect southern England to northern France. The crossing is operated by Brittany Ferries . Brittany Ferries sail up to 8 times per week with an approximate journey time of 5 hours and 45 minutes hours.

Portsmouth lies on the southern coast on the UK while Cherbourg is on the north coast of Normandy. Brittany Ferries have an express route on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg crossing which takes less time. Furthermore, this combined with the excellent road networks leading to and from the ferry ports means that it’s extremely easy to access.

Booking a Portsmouth to Cherbourg ticket

Travel from Portsmouth to Cherbourg with France Ferry Booker.

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Portsmouth to Cherbourg Route FAQ’s

Our Portsmouth Cherbourg FAQ’s section helps you to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the route.

Who operates the route from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?

Brittany Ferries is the only company to operate the crossing, using two ferries, the Connemara and Galicia.

How long is the Portsmouth Cherbourg crossing?

The crossing takes approximately 5 hours 45 minutes hours however this is dependant upon the time of day.

How many crossings are there per day?

Brittany Ferries currently offer up to 2 crossings per day on their ferry timetable.

What time is the first crossing from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?

The first crossing leaves at 22:45 but times do vary depending upon the time of year.

What time is the last crossing from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?

The last crossing leaves at 23:00 but times do vary depending upon the time of year.

Where can I find out more about the return route?

The return Cherbourg to Portsmouth route details can be found by clicking the link.

Visit Portsmouth

Portsmouth is located on the south coast of England and is just 74 miles from the capital London.

The city has long established ties with both maritime history and the Royal Navy who have been based at the port for in excess of 800 years.

Portsmouth port services a variety of different destinations including Le Havre, St Malo, Caen and Cherbourg in France along with a variety of other destinations.

Whether you’re travelling to the UK via Portsmouth or heading to Europe from Portsmouth, please make sure you spend a little time visiting the city and some of its great attractions.

The historic dockyard contains a variety of museums and ships you can visit including Nelson’s flagship, the Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose museum. Other great attractions include the Blue Reef Aquarium, the Spinnaker Tower, and Southsea Castle, all of which offer visitors to Portsmouth a great day out.

Visit Cherbourg

Cherbourg is a highly popular port which is located in the Manche department of Normandy on the northern coast of France.

The port offers a variety of different routes in and out of France which are available at different times throughout the day and night making it easily accessible from the UK, France and the rest of Europe.

Cherbourg has always been an important port and this was noted not only by the famous engineer Vauban who designed the port’s defenses but also by both the German and Allied forces during WW2 and especially the D-Day landings.

Make sure you take time to visit Cherbourg as you’ll find a great number of things to see and do in the nearby area. The cities aquarium is great for younger visitors and those looking to find out a bit more about the history of the area will love the cities museums which offer a number of paintings from around the globe.

Campsites near Cherbourg

Campsite Fanals is 69km from Cherbourg ferry port in Normandy. Situated in an abundantly green patch of the Calvados department in northern France, 4* Campsite Le Fanal is the perfect getaway for families looking for a base to explore the beautiful region of Normand

Campsite Fanal

Dover Dunkirk Ferry Timetable

Dover Dunkirk Ferry Crossing Timetable There are up to 24 crossings on the Dover Dunkirk ferry route with DFDS Seaways each day. Below you’ll find the Dover Dunkirk ferry timetable to make choosing your ferry to France easier. The Dover Dunkirk crossing takes approximately 2 hours and is slightly longer than the 90 minutes Dover Calais crossing. Although less popular than Dover to Calais, the Dover Dunkirk crossing did have over 2,615,000 passengers on the service in 2018. Take a look at the timetable below. Please note that ferry times are subject to change. Dover Dunkirk Sailing Timetable Monday – Friday Saturday Sunday Departure 02:00 Arrival 05:00 Departure 02:00 Arrival 05:00 No Crossing Departure 04:00 Arrival 07:00 Departure 04:00 Arrival 07:00 No Crossing Departure 06:00 Arrival 09:00 Departure 06:00 Arrival 09:00 No Crossing Departure 08:00 Arrival 11:00 Departure 08:00 Arrival 11:00 Departure 08:00 Arrival 11:00 Departure 10:00 Arrival 13:00 Departure 10:00 Arrival 13:00 Departure 10:00 Arrival 13:00 Departure 12:00 Arrival 15:00 Departure 12:00 Arrival 15:00 Departure 12:00 Arrival 15:00 Departure 14:00 Arrival 17:00 Departure 14:00 Arrival 17:00 Departure 14:00 Arrival 17:00 Departure 16:00 Arrival 19:00 Departure 16:00 Arrival 19:00 Departure 16:00 Arrival 19:00 Departure 18:00 Arrival 21:00 Departure 18:00 Arrival […]

Your guide to choosing a Ferry to France

If you are planning a trip from England to France you might immediately jump to the obvious choices. You might be a budget-conscious traveller or perhaps speed is more your game but have you ever considered what the best ferry to France is?

Coronavirus and your ferry

We understand that that you may have concerns about travelling to France and the rest of Europe by ferry with the current spread of Covid-19, Coronavirus.

Ferry tickets from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

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Passenger ferry services operating from Portsmouth to Cherbourg are provided by Brittany Ferries

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Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg normally sail 2 times a week. Sailing frequency may increase in peak season over the summer and decrease over the winter period.

Ferry travel from Portsmouth to Cherbourg on average typically takes 7h 15m. The earliest ferry typically leaves from Portsmouth at 08:00, arriving to Cherbourg at 07:00.

 Ferry Prices from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Ferry prices from Portsmouth to Cherbourg typically start from £79.

Typically tickets are cheaper when booked in advance and for off peak sailing times.

 How far is the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?

It is about 134 kilometers, or 83 miles, from the port of Portsmouth to the port of Cherbourg.

 Car Ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Yes, you can book cars and other vehicles on ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg.

 Foot Passenger Ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Yes, you can book foot passenger tickets on ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg.