United Kingdom
Portsmouth to Le Havre Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Portsmouth
Arrives
Le Havre
LD LinesAt a glance
The Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry takes about 5h 45m. It is operated by LD Lines.
- Sailings listed
- 0
- Crossing
- 5h 45m
Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry is operated by LD Lines, and the crossing takes about 5h 45m. Sailings change with the season, and departures are confirmed ahead of each sailing period.
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Portsmouth – Le Havre crossing
The Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry is a western Channel crossing that links Portsmouth International Port on England's south coast directly with the Normandy port of Le Havre, at the mouth of the River Seine. It is a favourite with travellers heading for Normandy, the Loire, Paris and western France, because it lands you well south of the busy Calais corridor and cuts out a long drive down from the Channel's eastern ports.
Operator, crossing time and ships
The route is operated by Brittany Ferries. It runs as both a daytime crossing of around 5 hours 30 minutes and a longer overnight sailing of roughly 8 hours, the latter letting you sleep through the passage and arrive rested. Sailings are less frequent than the short Dover routes, so booking ahead is important, and timetables can vary seasonally.
Comfort, cabins and vehicles
As a longer western-Channel route, this is a proper mini-cruise rather than a quick hop. Cabins are available and strongly recommended on the overnight sailing, and ships offer reclining seats, restaurants, bars, shops and outside deck space. The crossing carries cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and caravans, making it ideal for a driving holiday, and foot-passenger travel may be offered depending on the sailing and season.
Passports and borders after Brexit
British passport holders travel to France as visa-exempt visitors for short stays and must carry a valid passport. The EU's biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) now applies at Channel ports including Portsmouth, so first-time travellers register fingerprints and a facial image, and a separate ETIAS authorisation is expected to be required later in 2026. Schedules on this route have been subject to operational review, so always confirm current timetables directly before you travel.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Ro-pax ferries (historic)
- Portsmouth–Le Havre
- Cross-Channel & Biscay
- Absorbed by DFDS
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry take?
The daytime crossing takes around 5 hours 30 minutes, while the overnight sailing takes roughly 8 hours. Exact times vary by ship and schedule, and some sailings can run longer.
Who runs the Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry?
Brittany Ferries operates the route between Portsmouth International Port and Le Havre in Normandy. Note that the service has been under operational review, so it is worth confirming current timetables before booking.
Are cabins available on the Portsmouth to Le Havre crossing?
Yes. Cabins can be booked and are recommended on the overnight sailing so you can sleep during the passage. Ships also offer reclining seats, restaurants, bars, shops and deck space.
Why take the Portsmouth to Le Havre route instead of Dover to Calais?
Le Havre lands you in Normandy, much closer to destinations such as Rouen, Paris, the Loire and western France, avoiding the long drive down from the eastern Channel ports. It is a longer, more comfortable cruise-style crossing rather than a quick hop.
What passport and border rules apply in 2026?
UK passport holders travel visa-free for short stays with a valid passport. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational, requiring first-time fingerprint and facial registration, and an ETIAS authorisation is expected later in 2026. Allow time for border checks at the port.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (LD Lines) for current fares.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailing frequency on this route varies by season. Confirm current dates with the operator before travelling.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
LD Lines 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 LD Lines, 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.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Same departure port
More ferries from Portsmouth
Other crossings departing Portsmouth.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 14, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Travelled the Portsmouth → Le Havre ferry?
Rate this crossing to help fellow travellers.
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.