France
Ouistreham to Portsmouth Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Ouistreham
Normandy
Arrives
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Brittany FerriesAt a glance
The Ouistreham to Portsmouth ferry takes about 6h–7h 45m, with 3 sailings a day between 08:30 and 23:30. It is operated by Brittany Ferries.
- First sailing
- 08:30
- Last sailing
- 23:30
- Sailings / day
- 3
- Crossing
- from 6h
Ouistreham to Portsmouth ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | 13:30 | 6h | Brittany FerriesMont St Michel | Daily |
| 16:30 | 21:30 | 6h | Brittany FerriesMont St Michel | Daily |
| 23:30 | 06:15 | 7h 45m | Brittany FerriesGuillaume De Normandie | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Ouistreham – Portsmouth crossing
Caen's ferry port is at Ouistreham, fifteen kilometres north of the city at the mouth of the canal, and it is Brittany Ferries' busiest French terminal — three departures a day to Portsmouth, every day.
The daytime sailings leave at 08:30 and 16:30, both taking six hours and worked by Mont St Michel. The overnight leaves at 23:30 on Guillaume de Normandie, the newest ship on the route, and arrives at 06:15 — seven and three quarter hours, slower on purpose so nobody is turned out at four in the morning.
Ouistreham is the closest port to the D-Day landing beaches; Sword Beach is at the end of the promenade and Bayeux is half an hour west. Cabins on the overnight, reclining seats by day.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Cabins, including pet-friendly cabins and kennels
- Reclining seats on daytime crossings
- Restaurants, bars and cinemas on the long routes
- Cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and bicycles
- LNG dual-fuel and hybrid ships
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Ships on the Ouistreham – Portsmouth route
2 ships work this crossing across 3 listed sailings, most often Mont St Michel.
Mont St Michel
Brittany Ferries
2 sailings on this route
Guillaume De Normandie
Brittany Ferries
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 6h on the fastest service.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Brittany Ferries) for current fares.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by Brittany Ferries.
How many ferries run each day?
There are 3 daily departures, with the first at 08:30 and the last at 23:30.
What time are the first and last sailings?
The first sailing currently departs at 08:30 and the last leaves at 23:30. Departure times vary by day and season — check the timetable above for the exact sailing you need.
What's the fastest crossing option?
The quickest option takes about 6h. Crossing time depends on the operator and vessel — compare sailings from Brittany Ferries above.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A same-day return is tight on this route — the crossing takes about 6h each way. Most travellers stay at least one night. Check the return sailings before planning a day trip.
Is there an overnight option?
Some sailings run overnight — the longest crossing is around 7h 45m, and cabins or reclining seats are usually available. Check the individual sailing and operator for onboard sleeping options.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Brittany Ferries does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Brittany Ferries, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Portsmouth
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Portsmouth.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Ouistreham or Portsmouth
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 6, 2026 – Dec 3, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 6, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Ouistreham on the map
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