United Kingdom
Ferries from Portsmouth
Portsmouth (United Kingdom) has 5 ferry routes to 5 destinations, operated by Brittany Ferries and LD Lines. You can sail from Portsmouth to Bilbao, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Ouistreham and Santander. Crossing times and timetables for each route are listed below.
- 5
- Routes
- 5
- Destinations
- 2
- Operators
Routes & timetables
What ferry routes connect Portsmouth?
5 crossings with live schedules — each card opens its full timetable.
Portsmouth to Le Havre
- Fastest crossing
- 5h 45m
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Portsmouth to Ouistreham
- Fastest crossing
- 6h
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Portsmouth to Cherbourg
- Fastest crossing
- 8h 30m
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Portsmouth to Bilbao
- Fastest crossing
- 33h
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Portsmouth to Santander
- Fastest crossing
- 33h
- Operators
- 1 operator
See schedule
Network
Where does Portsmouth connect?
Ports connected
Operators
Location
Where is Portsmouth?
- Shortest crossing
- 5h 45m
Plan your trip
Boarding at Portsmouth
Foot passengers — arrive 30–60 minutes before departure.
With a vehicle — allow extra time and book your space ahead, especially in summer.
Getting there — check local bus, train and taxi links to United Kingdom, and confirm the boarding point with your operator.
About
About Portsmouth
Brittany Ferries provides all five of the ferry routes from Portsmouth, connecting the southern English coast to destinations in Spain and France. The Spanish connections are to Bilbao and Santander. The three French ports linked directly to this Hampshire city are Cherbourg, Le Havre, and Ouistreham.
Portsmouth ferry operators and routes
Brittany Ferries is the sole operator for services to France and Spain. The shortest crossing is to Cherbourg, taking 5 hours and 45 minutes, while the longest journey is the 33-hour route to Santander. The operator also runs the crossings to Bilbao, Le Havre, and Ouistreham.
A second company, LD Lines, also has a presence at the port, though the fact sheet does not specify which routes it serves. The port facilitates five distinct international ferry connections in total, all managed by these two operators. All services from this port are international.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a ferry to from Portsmouth?
From Portsmouth you can take a ferry to Bilbao, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Ouistreham and Santander. Each route page shows the crossing time and timetable.
Which ferry companies operate from Portsmouth?
Ferries from Portsmouth are run by Brittany Ferries and LD Lines. Open an operator page for its fleet, routes and contact details.
How many ferry routes serve Portsmouth?
Portsmouth is served by 5 ferry routes connecting 5 ports. Timetables can change seasonally, so confirm with the operator before travelling.
Where is Portsmouth ferry port located?
Portsmouth is in United Kingdom.
How do I get to Portsmouth ferry terminal?
Arrive at Portsmouth well before departure — typically 30–60 minutes ahead for foot passengers and longer if you are travelling with a vehicle. Check local bus, train or taxi connections to the terminal and confirm the exact boarding point with your operator.
What are the most popular ferries from Portsmouth?
Popular crossings from Portsmouth include Bilbao, Cherbourg and Le Havre. Browse the full list below for crossing times and live timetables.
Do ferries from Portsmouth carry cars?
Vehicle capacity varies by route and vessel. Check the individual route page and confirm with the operator before travelling with a car.
When should I book a ferry from Portsmouth?
For peak season and any sailing with a vehicle, book as early as possible. Off-peak foot-passenger fares are usually more flexible. Always confirm the latest timetable before travelling.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated Jul 24, 2026.
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