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. From November 2026 it becomes Brittany Ferries’ only UK route into Cherbourg.

⏱ Daytime and overnight sailings (times vary)🚢 1 operator📅 Regular sailings all year; Brittany Ferries says the route becomes a daily service from 1 November 2026, when Poole–Cherbourg closes🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry at a glance

The ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg takes Daytime and overnight sailings (times vary) across the English Channel, operated by Brittany Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: regular sailings all year; Brittany Ferries says the route becomes a daily service from 1 November 2026, when Poole–Cherbourg closes.

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 · brittanyferriesnewsroom.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Cherbourg to Portsmouth

Brittany Ferries also sails Cherbourg to Portsmouth, taking Daytime and overnight sailings (times vary). Daytime sailings from Cherbourg leave at midday and reach Portsmouth in the late afternoon.

Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Regular daytime sailings all year. Daytime sailings from Cherbourg leave at midday and reach Portsmouth in the late afternoon.

From 1 November 2026 Brittany Ferries runs a daily service. Islander also calls at Cherbourg on a Portsmouth–Guernsey–Cherbourg triangle.

Return: Daytime sailings from Cherbourg leave at midday and reach Portsmouth in the late afternoon.

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

Official Brittany Ferries timetable →

Source: Brittany Ferries route page and press release. Verified 2026-09-28.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Portsmouth and Cherbourg

📐 75 Nautical Miles
Portsmouth⇄Cherbourg
⏱ Daytime and overnight sailings (times vary) · 📐 75 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Brittany FerriesDaytime and overnight sailingsSalamanca, 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

Also sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Caen (Ouistreham)6h – 7h (day) / overnight · Brittany FerriesAlso 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 PortsmouthSouthsea → Ryde (Isle of Wight)About 10m · HovertravelAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → SantanderAbout 33h (two nights at sea) · Brittany Ferries
⚓ Portsmouth International Port guide⚓ Port de Cherbourg guide⛴ All ferries from Portsmouth⛴ All ferries from Cherbourg🌊 English Channel ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Poole to Cherbourg ferry still running?
Brittany Ferries announced on 30 June 2026 that Poole–Cherbourg closes from November 2026. It is being replaced by a daily Portsmouth–Cherbourg service.
How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg?
The crossing typically takes Daytime and overnight sailings (times vary). 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?
Regular daytime sailings all year. Daytime sailings from Cherbourg leave at midday and reach Portsmouth in the late afternoon. From 1 November 2026 Brittany Ferries runs a daily service. Islander also calls at Cherbourg on a Portsmouth–Guernsey–Cherbourg triangle. This is the pattern published in the Brittany Ferries route page and press release (checked 2026-09-28); 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).