FerryConnect

UK → France

Portsmouth → Cherbourg

Brittany Ferries’ link from Portsmouth to Cherbourg at the tip of Normandy’s Cotentin Peninsula, handy for Utah Beach, Barfleur and the drive south towards Mont-Saint-Michel. Since mid-October 2026, when Poole–Cherbourg ended, it has been Brittany Ferries’ only UK route into Cherbourg.

⏱ About 5h by day; about 7h 45m overnight🚢 1 operator📅 2–3 sailings a week each way in Brittany Ferries’ October and November 2026 timetables🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry at a glance

The ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg takes About 5h by day; about 7h 45m overnight across the English Channel, operated by Brittany Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: 2–3 sailings a week each way in Brittany Ferries’ October and November 2026 timetables.

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 2026-09-28.

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

Return crossing: Cherbourg to Portsmouth

Brittany Ferries also sails Cherbourg to Portsmouth, taking About 5h by day; about 7h 45m overnight. Daytime sailings from Cherbourg leave at 12:00 on Thursdays and Fridays in October 2026 and take about 5 hours; in November some leave at 15:30 or overnight at 21:00.

Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Overnight sailings from Portsmouth on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 22:30 or 23:15. In October 2026 these arrive the next morning, with daytime sailings back from Cherbourg at 12:00 on Thursdays and Fridays. November 2026: 2–3 sailings a week each way, including a Sunday 08:45 daytime sailing from Portsmouth.

Poole–Cherbourg’s last sailings were on 11 October (from Cherbourg) and 12 October 2026 (from Poole); since then Portsmouth has been Brittany Ferries’ only UK port for Cherbourg. Times are local (France is an hour ahead of the UK).

Published departure times

  • 22:30 (Wed)
  • 23:15 (Thu)
  • 08:45 (Sun, from November)

Return: Daytime sailings from Cherbourg leave at 12:00 on Thursdays and Fridays in October 2026 and take about 5 hours; in November some leave at 15:30 or overnight at 21:00.

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 route page and press release. Verified 2026-10-03.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Portsmouth and Cherbourg

📐 75 Nautical Miles
Portsmouth⇄Cherbourg
⏱ About 5h by day; about 7h 45m overnight · 📐 75 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Brittany FerriesAbout 5h (day) to 7h 45m (overnight)Salamanca, Santoña, Galicia

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

75 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Cherbourg is the northern end of the N13 dual carriageway to Caen and the A13 to Paris
  • Cherbourg station has direct trains to Caen and Paris Saint-Lazare

Related Ferry Crossings

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Poole to Cherbourg ferry still running?
Brittany Ferries’ timetable shows the last Poole–Cherbourg sailings on 12 October 2026 from Poole and 11 October from Cherbourg. Brittany Ferries had announced a daily Portsmouth–Cherbourg service from November, but its published November 2026 timetable shows 2–3 sailings a week each way.
How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?
The crossing typically takes About 5h by day; about 7h 45m overnight. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry sail?
Overnight sailings from Portsmouth on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 22:30 or 23:15. In October 2026 these arrive the next morning, with daytime sailings back from Cherbourg at 12:00 on Thursdays and Fridays. November 2026: 2–3 sailings a week each way, including a Sunday 08:45 daytime sailing from Portsmouth. Poole–Cherbourg’s last sailings were on 11 October (from Cherbourg) and 12 October 2026 (from Poole); since then Portsmouth has been Brittany Ferries’ only UK port for Cherbourg. Times are local (France is an hour ahead of the UK). This is the pattern published in the Brittany Ferries route page and press release (checked 2026-10-03); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?
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 Cherbourg 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 Cherbourg 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 Cherbourg 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 Cherbourg by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 75 nautical miles (roughly 139 km).