Cherbourg – Portsmouth
Ferry to England
Cherbourg – Portsmouth
Ferry to England
You can get a ferry from Cherbourg to Portsmouth. Ferries to Portsmouth from Cherbourg are operated by 1 ferry company; Brittany Ferries. Check out our Deal Finder for the latest prices and availability on this ferry route.
Cherbourg to Portsmouth first ferry: departs Cherbourg at 12:00.
Cherbourg to Portsmouth last ferry: departs Cherbourg at around 23:30.
Bear in mind that Cherbourg to Portsmouth ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Cherbourg to Portsmouth timetable before you book.
How long the Cherbourg to Portsmouth ferry is depends on whether you’re travelling on a Cherbourg to Portsmouth fast ferry or a conventional ferry. The Cherbourg to Portsmouth crossing time is usually around 5 hours 30 minutes on average.
Average Cherbourg to Portsmouth crossing time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Fastest ferry crossing to Portsmouth: 4 hours 45 minutes
Longest ferry crossing to Portsmouth: 10 hours 15 minutes
The Cherbourg to Portsmouth fast ferry takes 4 hours 45 minutes. Bear in mind, the France to Portsmouth ferry time can vary.
Ferries from Cherbourg to Portsmouth are provided by 1 ferry company. The ferry company operating this route is Brittany Ferries.
There is 1 daily and 3 weekly sailings on the Cherbourg to Portsmouth ferry route.Bear in mind, the Cherbourg to Portsmouth ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options usually available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Portsmouth ferry from Cherbourg runs all year round
Brittany Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 3 weekly sailings
France to Portsmouth ferry prices can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in.
Average Cherbourg to Portsmouth ferry price: £217.42
The distance between Cherbourg to Portsmouth is approximately 88.0 miles (141.6km) or 76 nautical miles.
Yes, you can get the ferry from Cherbourg to Portsmouth with a car.
Car operators: Brittany Ferries
Car operator prices: usually between £139 and £503
Lowest car price: around £52
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Portsmouth Portsmouth ferry.
Cherbourg to Portsmouth foot passenger ferries: Brittany Ferries
Foot passenger prices: usually between £28 and £210
Cheapest foot passenger price: around £23
Yes, you can take your camper on the ferry to Portsmouth from UK (Portsmouth). See below for approximate prices for UK to Cherbourg ferries.
Camper prices: usually between £190 and £537
Cheapest camper price: around £55
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| Cherbourg - Portsmouth Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | France | |
| Destination | England | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Brittany Ferries | |
| Average Price | £217 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 3 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 5 h 30 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 4 h 45 m | |
| First Ferry | 12:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:30 | |
| Distance | 76 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 July 2025.
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.
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.
Pets are allowed on ferries to Portsmouth from Cherbourg. 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 Cherbourg to UK.
Brittany Ferries:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs for free on the ferry to Portsmouth 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.
We recommend to book your ferry from Cherbourg to Portsmouth in advance to get it at the cheapest price. The Cherbourg to Portsmouth ferry cost varies depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Portsmouth Cherbourg 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Cherbourg Portsmouth ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Cherbourg to Portsmouth 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 Cherbourg to Portsmouth ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Cherbourg to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Cherbourg to Portsmouth 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 Cherbourg to Portsmouth 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
How early you need to arrive at Cherbourg port depends on the ferry company you are travelling with. We recommend arriving at Cherbourg 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 Cherbourg to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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, both short and long-term parking options are available at Cherbourg ferry port.
Cherbourg ferry port is located close to the town centre. It's easily accessible by foot, car and public transport.
By car: take the N13 to Caen and then the D901 to Cherbourg. Once you've arrived in Cherbourg, follow signs to the port.
By train: you can get trains to Cherbourg from various destinations in France. Cherbourg train station is just a short taxi ride to the port.
By foot: Cherbourg ferry port is around a 20-30 minute walk from the town centre.
By shuttle bus: a shuttle bus service operates between the ferry terminal and the train station.
Follow the signs when arriving at Portsmouth ferry port. Be prepared for security checks and have your passports ready for inspection. National Express coaches connect the port with various cities across the UK. You can also get a taxi or bus to the train station, which is around 1.5 miles away.
If you’re travelling by car or renting a car whilst there, speed limits in England are as follows:
Roads with street lighting: 50km/h or 30mph
Single carriageway roads: 96km/h or 60mph
Dual carriageways/motorways: 112km/h or 70mph
