Portsmouth – Cherbourg
Ferry to France
Portsmouth – Cherbourg
Ferry to France
Portsmouth to Cherbourg first ferry: departs Portsmouth at 11:30.
Portsmouth to Cherbourg last ferry: departs Portsmouth at around 23:15.
Bear in mind that Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Portsmouth to Cherbourg timetable before you book.
How long the Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry is depends on whether you’re travelling on a Portsmouth to Cherbourg fast ferry or a conventional ferry. The Portsmouth to Cherbourg crossing time is usually around 7 hours 45 minutes on average.
Average Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry time: 7 hours 45 minutes
Fastest ferry crossing to Cherbourg: 4 hours
Longest ferry crossing to Cherbourg: 9 hours 44 minutes
The fastest ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg takes 4 hours. Bear in mind, the Portsmouth to France ferry time can vary.
Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg are provided by 1 ferry company; Brittany Ferries with 1 daily and 3 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Cherbourg ferry from Portsmouth runs all year round
Brittany Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 3 weekly sailings
Portsmouth to France ferry prices can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in.
Average Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry price: £271.91
The distance between Portsmouth to Cherbourg is approximately 88.0 miles (141.6km) or 76 nautical miles.
Yes, you can get the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg with a car.
Car operators: Brittany Ferries
Car operator prices: usually between £153 and £640
Lowest car price: £96
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Portsmouth Cherbourg ferry.
Portsmouth to Cherbourg foot passenger ferries: Brittany Ferries
Foot passenger prices: usually between £67 and £341
Cheapest foot passenger price: £31
Yes, you can take your camper on the ferry to Cherbourg from UK (Portsmouth). See below for approximate prices for UK to Cherbourg ferries.
Camper prices: usually between £214 and £643
Cheapest camper price: £129
Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the ferry to Cherbourg.
Pets are allowed on ferries to Cherbourg from Portsmouth. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
Pet-friendly operators:
Brittany Ferries
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board ferries from UK to Cherbourg.
Brittany Ferries:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs for free on the ferry to Cherbourg with Brittany Ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
Brittany Ferries: from £35 each way
We recommend to book your ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg in advance to get it at the cheapest price. The Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry cost varies depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Cherbourg Portsmouth ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re wanting to travel on a UK to Cherbourg ferry in summer it’s always best to make you book in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry to Cherbourg.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Portsmouth Cherbourg ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry booking.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
If you're getting the Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
Brittany Ferries: they recommend a maximum of two pieces of luggage weighing 20kg per crossing
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the England to Cherbourg ferry. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg boat differs depending on the ferry company and how long the journey is. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.
Brittany Ferries: Inside and outside cabins are available on board along with a variety of seating options
Yes, the ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate any requests.
Brittany Ferries: Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available on all ships, as well as disabled toilets
We recommend arriving at Portsmouth port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
Your Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.
The latest check-in time for your ferry crossing to Cherbourg should be in your confirmation email.
Brittany Ferries: 45 minutes before if you're travelling with a vehicle or on foot. 90 minutes before if you're travelling with a pet.
Yes, there both short and long-term parking are available at Portsmouth port.
By train: you can get direct trains to Portsmouth from stations across the UK including London Waterloo, Brighton, Gatwick Airport and Southampton.
By coach: direct coaches are available from London Victoria.
By car: exit M27 at Junction 12 and take the M275 to Portsmouth. Follow signs to the port.
Cherbourg port is located close to the town centre. It's easily walkable although buses and taxis are also available. In the town centre you'll also find Cherbourg train station which offers connections to many destinations across the country.
There are a range of amenities at the port, including a restaurant, parking, toilets and a passenger lounge.
If you're travelling by car, standard speed limits in France are as follows:
Main roads in urban areas: 50 km/h or 31mph
Main roads outside urban areas: 80-90km/h or 50-56mph
Dual carriageways: 110kph or 70 mph
Motorways: 130km/h or 80mph
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
| Portsmouth - Cherbourg Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | England | |
| Destination | France | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Brittany Ferries | |
| Average Price | £272 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 3 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 7 h 45 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 4 h | |
| First Ferry | 11:30 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:15 | |
| Distance | 76 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 April 2025.
Portsmouth Ferry Port, a bustling maritime hub, boasts a rich naval history and a plethora of modern attractions. This port city is renowned for the historic dockyard which houses the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, offering a deep dive into Britain's naval past. Beyond the docks, the Spinnaker Tower provides stunning panoramic views across the city and the Solent. For those keen on literary history, the Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum is a significant site. Portsmouth is also a hub for several events, including the annual Portsmouth Festivities that celebrate local arts, culture, and heritage. Efficient transport links are available, with direct trains and buses connecting the ferry port to the city centre swiftly, ensuring visitors can explore the area with ease. From Portsmouth, travellers can also easily access other popular destinations such as the Isle of Wight and France, making it an ideal starting point for various excursions.
Cherbourg Ferry Port stands out as a bustling maritime hub, providing much more than a mere starting point for journeys. This French port city is rich in naval history and boasts attractions like the Cité de la Mer, a maritime museum that fascinates with its ocean depths exhibition and decommissioned submarines. Visitors can also explore the historic Cherbourg Naval Base or take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Quai Alexandre III. For those visiting in the second half of the year, the vibrant Festival des Musiques d'Ici et d'Ailleurs, held annually in summer, showcases a blend of local and international music. Convenient transport links allow easy access to nearby towns and regions; frequent train services connect Cherbourg Ferry Port to Paris and other major cities, making travel seamless. Whether you're heading into the city centre or planning a wider exploration of Normandy, Cherbourg Ferry Port offers a welcoming start to your journey.
