FerryConnect

UK → France

Portsmouth → St Malo

The overnight cruise-ferry from Portsmouth to the walled corsair city of Saint-Malo, arriving in Brittany in the morning. It is the most direct way to reach Brittany, Mont Saint-Michel and western France without driving through Normandy.

⏱ 9h – 11h (overnight)🚢 1 operator📅 Typically one sailing per day in each direction (overnight southbound)🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Portsmouth to St Malo ferry at a glance

The ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo takes 9h – 11h (overnight) across the English Channel, operated by Brittany Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: typically one sailing per day in each direction (overnight southbound).

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

Return crossing: St Malo to Portsmouth

Brittany Ferries also sails St Malo to Portsmouth, taking 9h – 11h (overnight). From St Malo most October 2026 sailings leave at 10:30 or 10:45 and reach Portsmouth the same evening (about 8½ to 9½ hours); a few leave at 20:30 and sail overnight (about 12 hours).

Portsmouth to St Malo ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Sails from Portsmouth at 20:15 about six nights a week, arriving in St Malo at 08:45. In October 2026 almost every sailing is on the ship Saint-Malo, taking about 11½ hours (times are local; France is an hour ahead). From November 2026 to February 2027 there are about four sailings a week (16–17 a month).

Brittany Ferries says departure and arrival times can vary by up to one hour because of the tides.

Published departure times

  • 20:15

Return: From St Malo most October 2026 sailings leave at 10:30 or 10:45 and reach Portsmouth the same evening (about 8½ to 9½ hours); a few leave at 20:30 and sail overnight (about 12 hours).

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–St Malo route and crossings pages. Verified 2026-10-03.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Portsmouth and St Malo

📐 180 Nautical Miles
Portsmouth⇄St Malo
⏱ 9h – 11h (overnight) · 📐 180 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Brittany Ferries9h – 11hSaint-Malo

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

180 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Terminal du Naye is walking distance from Saint-Malo’s walled old town (intra-muros)
  • Saint-Malo station has TGV services to Rennes and Paris Montparnasse
  • N137 dual carriageway to Rennes and onward to Nantes and western France

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Caen (Ouistreham)6h – 7h (day) / 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
⚓ Portsmouth International Port guide⛴ All ferries from Portsmouth⛴ All ferries from St Malo🧭 Ferries from the UK to Europe🧭 Ferries from the UK to France🌊 English Channel ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a cabin on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
On the overnight sailing a cabin is strongly recommended and often required for all passengers. Reserved seats may be available on some sailings.
What time does the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry leave?
Almost always at 20:15 from Portsmouth, arriving in St Malo at 08:45 local time the next morning, about 11½ hours (October 2026 timetable). Brittany Ferries says times can vary by up to an hour because of the tides.
How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo?
As of September 2026, Brittany Ferries lists the overnight Portsmouth to St Malo crossing at about 11 hours on average. The daytime sailing back from St Malo averages about 9 hours.
Is the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry overnight?
Yes, going out. Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth in the evening and arrives in St Malo in the morning. Most return sailings are daytime crossings that leave St Malo mid-morning, but there are some overnight returns too.
Can I travel from Portsmouth to St Malo as a foot passenger?
Yes. Brittany Ferries says foot passengers can travel between Portsmouth and St Malo (checked October 2026). The outbound sailing is overnight, arriving in St Malo in the morning.
How often does the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry sail?
Sails from Portsmouth at 20:15 about six nights a week, arriving in St Malo at 08:45. In October 2026 almost every sailing is on the ship Saint-Malo, taking about 11½ hours (times are local; France is an hour ahead). From November 2026 to February 2027 there are about four sailings a week (16–17 a month). Brittany Ferries says departure and arrival times can vary by up to one hour because of the tides. This is the pattern published in the Brittany Ferries Portsmouth–St Malo 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 St Malo?
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 St Malo 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.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Portsmouth to St Malo 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 St Malo by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 180 nautical miles (roughly 333 km).