FerryConnect

UK → France

Portsmouth → Caen (Ouistreham)

Brittany Ferries’ main Normandy route, sailing from Portsmouth to Ouistreham, the port for Caen, close to the D-Day beaches. Overnight sailings let you sleep in a cabin and drive off in France early in the morning.

⏱ 6h – 7h (day) / overnight🚢 1 operator📅 Up to three sailings daily, including an overnight crossing with cabins🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) takes 6h – 7h (day) / overnight across the English Channel, operated by Brittany Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: up to three sailings daily, including an overnight crossing with cabins.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-03.

Sources: brittany-ferries.co.uk · brittany-ferries.co.uk · brittany-ferries.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: Caen (Ouistreham) to Portsmouth

Brittany Ferries also sails Caen (Ouistreham) to Portsmouth, taking 6h – 7h (day) / overnight. From Caen (Ouistreham) sailings leave at 08:30, 16:30 and 23:30, taking about 6 to 8¼ hours (October 2026 timetable).

Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Three sailings most days (fewer on Wednesdays) on Guillaume de Normandie and Mont St Michel: from Portsmouth at 08:00 (07:45 on some days), 15:00 and 23:00, taking about 6 to 7½ hours (October 2026 timetable; times are local, and France is an hour ahead).

Published departure times

  • 08:00
  • 15:00
  • 23:00

Return: From Caen (Ouistreham) sailings leave at 08:30, 16:30 and 23:30, taking about 6 to 8¼ hours (October 2026 timetable).

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Brittany Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Ferryscanner →

Source: Brittany Ferries Portsmouth–Caen route and crossings pages. Verified 2026-10-03.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Portsmouth and Caen (Ouistreham)

📐 105 Nautical Miles
Portsmouth⇄Caen (Ouistreham)
⏱ 6h – 7h (day) / overnight · 📐 105 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Brittany Ferries6h – 7hMont St Michel, Guillaume de Normandie

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

105 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Ouistreham is about 15 km from Caen; buses link the port and the city centre
  • Caen station has trains to Paris Saint-Lazare, Rouen and Rennes
  • Portsmouth International Port is close to the M275/M27; Portsmouth Harbour station is a short taxi ride away

Tips for the Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) Crossing

  • Book pet-friendly cabins or kennels early. They are limited and sell out in summer.
  • Day sailings are a good choice for families: cinemas, restaurants and play areas make the crossing part of the holiday.

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → St Malo9h – 11h (overnight) · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)45m · WightlinkAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Jersey (St Helier)About 9h · DFDSAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Ryde (Isle of Wight)10m (hovercraft) – 22m (FastCat) · Hovertravel, WightlinkAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → CherbourgAbout 5h by day; about 7h 45m overnight · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → SantanderAbout 33h (two nights at sea) · Brittany Ferries
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Caen?
Yes. Brittany Ferries runs an overnight sailing on this route. Cabins are compulsory or strongly recommended on night sailings, so book one with your ticket.
How close is Ouistreham to the D-Day beaches?
Ouistreham is at the eastern end of Sword Beach, and Pegasus Bridge and the Caen Memorial are a short drive away.
How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen?
As of September 2026, Brittany Ferries says daytime crossings take about 6 hours on average and overnight crossings about 7–8 hours.
Which ships sail between Portsmouth and Caen?
As of September 2026, Brittany Ferries names Mont St Michel and Guillaume de Normandie as the two ships that regularly run this route.
How often does the Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) ferry sail?
Three sailings most days (fewer on Wednesdays) on Guillaume de Normandie and Mont St Michel: from Portsmouth at 08:00 (07:45 on some days), 15:00 and 23:00, taking about 6 to 7½ hours (October 2026 timetable; times are local, and France is an hour ahead). This is the pattern published in the Brittany Ferries Portsmouth–Caen route and crossings pages (checked 2026-10-03); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham)?
Brittany Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Portsmouth from Caen (Ouistreham) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 105 nautical miles (roughly 194 km).