United Kingdom
Portsmouth to Cherbourg Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Arrives
Cherbourg
Normandy
Brittany FerriesAt a glance
The Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry takes about 7h 45m, with one departure at 23:15. It is operated by Brittany Ferries.
- First sailing
- 23:15
- Last sailing
- 23:15
- Sailings listed
- 1
- Crossing
- 7h 45m
Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23:15 | 08:00 | 7h 45m | Brittany FerriesGalicia | Wed |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Portsmouth – Cherbourg crossing
Portsmouth to Cherbourg is a seasonal overnight rather than a year-round service, and the sailings are slotted around the ships' Spanish rotations. Departures are at 22:30 on Thursdays and Sundays aboard Salamanca, arriving 08:00, and 23:15 on Wednesdays on Galicia, arriving at the same hour.
Both take between seven and a half and eight and a half hours once the hour France runs ahead is counted — slow for the distance, because the timetable is built around a civilised morning arrival rather than speed.
Cherbourg sits at the top of the Cotentin, an hour from Bayeux and the D-Day beaches, with the N13 running south. For a daily, year-round crossing to the same port the Poole service is the dependable one. Brittany Ferries is the only operator on both.
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 Portsmouth – Cherbourg route
2 ships work this crossing across 2 listed sailings, most often Galicia.
Galicia
Brittany Ferries
1 sailing on this route
Salamanca
Brittany Ferries
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
When's the first ferry of the day?
The first sailing leaves at 00:15.
How long does the crossing take?
About 8h 30m.
Who runs this ferry crossing?
Brittany Ferries.
How many sailings run each day?
2 sailings a day, Thu, Sun.
Does this ferry cross an international border?
No, it's entirely within United Kingdom.
On which days does the ferry operate?
It runs Thu, Sun.
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.
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 operate on selected days, 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 Cherbourg
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Cherbourg.
Same departure port
More ferries from Portsmouth
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Portsmouth or Cherbourg
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 12, 2026 – Oct 28, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 10, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Portsmouth on the map
Travelled the Portsmouth → Cherbourg ferry?
Rate this crossing to help fellow travellers.
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.