Last Updated on 06/05/2026 by Ting Dalton
The Portsmouth to St Malo ferry is one of the best ways to start a family holiday in northern France. Rather than crossing the English Channel via the Eurotunnel and facing a long drive south, you board the overnight crossing in the evening, sleep, and wake up in Brittany. We’ve done it twice – both ways – and it made a real difference to how the holiday began.
This isn’t a ferry ticket comparison site. What you’ll find here is what the crossing actually feels like: the cabin, the food, the kids, the faff, and whether it’s worth it.
Portsmouth to St Malo ferry: Quick facts
- Ferry company: Brittany Ferries (sole operator on this route)
- Route: Portsmouth, south coast of England to Saint-Malo, northern France
- Travel time: Approximately 11 hours (overnight)
- Sail times: Departure from Portsmouth typically around 20:15; check the ferry timetable for your date as sail times vary seasonally
- Ferry schedule: Up to 7 sailings per week in summer, around 4 in winter
- Foot passengers: Yes, welcome on all sailings
- Pet-friendly cabins: Yes – 28 available. Check Brittany Ferries’ ferry operators’ pet guidelines when booking. A pet passport is required for UK-France travel
- Other Brittany Ferries routes from Portsmouth: Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg, and overnight sailings to northern Spain (Santander and Bilbao)
Why we chose the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry
We’ve taken the Eurotunnel on previous trips to France, but travelling from Calais towards the south means a seriously long car journey – and with a toddler, that can be stressful. What appealed to us about the St Malo route was that we were starting our French adventure in Brittany. It made sense to cross overnight and wake up refreshed at our destination.
There was also the added excitement of sleeping on board – something Monkey and Peanut had never experienced before. As it turned out, that novelty alone was worth the ferry trip.
Boarding at Portsmouth ferry terminal
The Port of Portsmouth is well signposted from the M275. The ferry terminal sits just off George Byng Way, north of the historic dockyard. Even though ferry tickets specify check-in 45 minutes before departure, we arrived an hour and a half early – and there were already vehicles ahead of us.
The boarding procedure was simple and straightforward. We handed over our documents, kept hold of the cabin key cards and hung a number on the rearview mirror. Through passport control – just wind down all windows so faces can be seen – and we were on. The terminal itself has a café, shop, bureau de change with ATM, left luggage, free Wi-Fi and baby change facilities.
What’s on board
There’s plenty to explore beyond the cabin. Onboard facilities include three dining options, a shop selling gifts, food and alcohol, live entertainment in the bar, a games arcade, cinema rooms showing films throughout the evening, reading areas and outside deck space. There’s also a small soft play area – Peanut made good use of that – and Wi-Fi is available on the upper decks.
The cabin
I’d anticipated our four-berth cabin would be small. It was much bigger than expected. When the kids flung open the door, we were all pleasantly surprised. “We even have a TV and a shower!” exclaimed Monkey, who was already clambering up onto the bed to claim his spot for the night.
The cabin is clean, with compact storage (packing one bag per person works well), tea and coffee making facilities, and an ensuite with fresh towels and a hot shower. You’re only there for one night, but it covers everything you need for a good night’s sleep on the water.
Settling down was easy once the novelty wore off. Most of the family was asleep within minutes. The mattresses aren’t plush, but they’re perfectly fine for a single overnight crossing. I fell asleep eventually to the low thrum of the engines – not unpleasant once you get used to it.
Dining options on the ferry
Because it was dinner time, our priority after checking out the cabin was food. We walked past the sit-down restaurant and spied the buffet stations stacked with food – it was the desserts that caught all of our eyes first. The space felt elegant but not too formal, with families and children all around.
The kids’ meals arrived almost immediately – freshly made, excellent quality chicken. We helped ourselves to starters, cheeses and desserts from the buffet stations, with a hot main to order as well. I had a delicious confit of lamb. At around £27 per person, it wasn’t cheap, but the quality was there: fresh salmon, king prawns, a board of cheeses that took some time to work through, and a dessert spread that made restraint near impossible.
On the return daytime crossing, we used the self-service restaurant instead – a family meal deal of two courses and two kids’ meals for £28, and still good food in a livelier setting.
Note: Brittany Ferries introduced a new ship on this route in February 2025, with two new restaurants – Le Littoral and Le Jardin. Check the Brittany Ferries website for current menus and pricing before you sail.
Tip: If you’re arriving in France on a Sunday, stock up before you leave. Most shops are closed.
Foot passengers on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry
You don’t need a car to use this route. Foot passengers are welcome on all Brittany Ferries sailings, and the St Malo ferry port is a short walk from the walled city centre. It’s a practical option if you’re travelling by public transport – trains run to Portsmouth Harbour, and Saint-Malo has good onward connections into Brittany.
Ferry tickets and pricing
The Portsmouth St Malo ferry is not the cheapest way to cross the English Channel – but it’s not trying to be. The average price varies widely depending on the time of year, time of booking and whether you’re travelling with a vehicle. For families with a car and a cabin, expect a return to run to several hundred pounds. Seasonal changes make a significant difference – summer sailings cost considerably more than off-peak crossings.
The best approach for the latest ferry ticket information is to check fares directly, where you can compare dates and find the best deals. Booking early almost always secures the best price.
Worth stopping in Portsmouth?
If you’re arriving at the ferry terminal early or returning with time to spare, Portsmouth has genuine appeal. The city has a deep maritime history – the Port of Portsmouth has been a Royal Navy base for over 800 years. The historic dockyard is worth a visit: walk the decks of Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, explore the Mary Rose Museum, and take in views from the Spinnaker Tower. It’s a port city with rich history and a lot more to it than a departure point.
The return: St Malo to Portsmouth
Sailing during the day offers a different experience. You have more time to make use of the facilities and enjoy the entertainment – we caught a Peter Pan show in the bar, and the kids ended up dancing around the stage afterwards. Having the cabin on a daytime return is still useful – the communal areas get busy at peak times, and it gives you a private space to rest and leave your bags.
Would I take the Portsmouth to St Malo overnight ferry again? Yes, without question. Starting our French adventure early in the morning meant we had the whole day to explore Saint-Malo before heading inland. Instead of feeling overtired, we were all raring to go. The holiday had actually begun the moment we switched off the engine and headed to the cabin.
FAQs
How long is the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
The travel time is approximately 11 hours. It’s an overnight crossing, departing Portsmouth in the evening and arriving in Saint-Malo the following morning. The ferry crossing time can vary slightly depending on weather conditions and seasonal changes.
What is the ferry schedule for Portsmouth to St Malo?
The ferry timetable runs up to seven sailings per week in summer and around four per week in winter. Sail times and availability change by season – always do a live check on the Brittany Ferries website for current schedules.
Is Brittany Ferries the only ferry company on this route?
Yes. Brittany Ferries is the sole operator on the St Malo route from Portsmouth. Other ferry companies operate from different south coast ports, but for the direct Portsmouth to St Malo crossing, Brittany Ferries is your only option.
Can foot passengers take the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
Yes. Foot passengers are welcome and can walk from the St Malo ferry port directly into the walled town centre.
Can I take my pet on the Portsmouth St Malo ferry?
Yes. There are 28 pet-friendly cabins available on this route. Check the ferry operators’ pet guidelines on the Brittany Ferries website before booking. A pet passport is required for UK-France travel.
How far is it from Portsmouth to St Malo?
The crossing covers approximately 132 nautical miles across the English Channel.
What other routes does Brittany Ferries operate from Portsmouth?
In addition to the St Malo ferry crossings, Brittany Ferries runs routes from Portsmouth to Le Havre, Caen and Cherbourg in northern France, as well as long overnight sailings to Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain.
We travelled the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry route as guests of Brittany Ferries. All food, drink and onboard purchases were at our own cost. As always, opinions are our own. Prices and ferry schedules are subject to change – always check the Brittany Ferries website for the latest ferry ticket information before booking.
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