Le Havre waterfront, Saint-Joseph church and modern city centre in Normandy, France
France → United Kingdom

Le Havre to Portsmouth Ferry: Closure & Alternatives

The direct Le Havre to Portsmouth ferry has ended, so a new trip to England needs a different French departure port. Compare Caen–Portsmouth from Ouistreham and Cherbourg–Portsmouth, including the journey from Le Havre to check-in. Use the confirmed replacement sailing before arranging a collection or onward transport in England.

Service discontinuedService guidance checked 19 October 2026
Service guidance checked 19 October 2026

Portsmouth–Le Havre service closure

Brittany Ferries confirmed on 30 September 2026 that the direct Le Havre–Portsmouth service had ended earlier than planned after a technical problem with Commodore Clipper. Compare Caen–Portsmouth or Cherbourg–Portsmouth, including the journey from Le Havre to the replacement French departure terminal.

Official operator notice

Plan an alternative ferry journey

Choose a route that is operating on your travel dates. Compare the whole journey, including the drive or public transport connection to the alternative port.

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Route and travel choices

Choose a new French departure port for England

The Le Havre–Portsmouth route is closed. Brittany Ferries’ 30 September 2026 notice confirmed that the service had ended earlier than planned after a technical problem with Commodore Clipper. The old northbound timetable is not a current sailing option.

Compare Caen–Portsmouth from Ouistreham and Cherbourg–Portsmouth. Both require travel from Le Havre to a different ferry terminal, so compare the French approach together with the sea journey and the onward connection in England.

The earlier 2027 programme announcement was overtaken by the closure. If you hold an affected booking, contact the operator or issuing agent and confirm the replacement ports and dates before changing other travel arrangements.

Make the right crossing choice

Le Havre to Portsmouth: practical ferry planning

The direct Le Havre to Portsmouth ferry has ended, so a new trip to England needs a different French departure port. Compare Caen–Portsmouth from Ouistreham and Cherbourg–Portsmouth, including the journey from Le Havre to check-in. Use the confirmed replacement sailing before arranging a collection or onward transport in England.

Current alternatives and former operator

Operator and alternative information
OperatorCrossing or servicePassengers and vehiclesPlanning detail
Brittany FerriesNo current direct sailingNo current direct passenger or vehicle serviceBook the accommodation offered on your replacement crossing, using its actual day or overnight pattern. Do not transfer assumptions about ship facilities or journey length from the former Le Havre service.

Compare fares after the service change

There is no current direct Le Havre–Portsmouth price to compare. Price an available Caen or Cherbourg departure with the same party, vehicle and accommodation, and include the journey from Le Havre to that terminal.

For foot passengers, allow for the complete transfer to Ouistreham or Cherbourg and the station connection from Portsmouth International Port. Check ticket change conditions before choosing a tightly timed itinerary.

Search current ferry tickets

Le Havre departure and Portsmouth arrival

Le Havre: before boarding

  • Choose Caen–Portsmouth or Cherbourg–Portsmouth before travelling from Le Havre.
  • Allow for the journey to Ouistreham or Cherbourg and the check-in deadline for that ferry.
  • Use the terminal and passenger instructions on the confirmed replacement booking.

Read the Le Havre port guide

Portsmouth: after arrival

  • The listed replacements arrive at Portsmouth International Port.
  • Arrange any collection at that terminal and leave time for disembarkation.
  • For onward rail travel, include the separate transfer to a Portsmouth railway station.

Read the Portsmouth port guide

Which option fits your trip?

Caen to Portsmouth

Leave from Ouistreham after arranging the transfer from Le Havre to the Normandy coast terminal.

Read caen to portsmouth

Sources and service review

Travel guidance checked using published information from Brittany Ferries. This guide explains the journey; the dated booking result and operator confirmation determine your sailing, fare and reporting time.

How FerryEU checks its guides · Report a route-information correction

Official route and travel information:

Service update questions

Is the Le Havre to Portsmouth ferry currently running?

The Le Havre–Portsmouth route is closed. Brittany Ferries’ 30 September 2026 notice confirmed that the service had ended earlier than planned after a technical problem with Commodore Clipper. The old northbound timetable is not a current sailing option.

Which alternatives should I compare?

Compare Caen–Portsmouth from Ouistreham and Cherbourg–Portsmouth. Both require travel from Le Havre to a different ferry terminal, so compare the French approach together with the sea journey and the onward connection in England.

Can I book a car or foot-passenger ticket?

There is no current direct sailing on this route. For a replacement crossing, check foot-passenger acceptance and the correct vehicle category on the new sailing, together with the transfers to and from its actual ports.

How do I compare replacement ferry prices?

There is no current direct Le Havre–Portsmouth price to compare. Price an available Caen or Cherbourg departure with the same party, vehicle and accommodation, and include the journey from Le Havre to that terminal.

What if I already have a booking?

Contact the operator or agent that issued the ticket before making a replacement booking. Ask which re-routing or refund options apply to your booking, and update any accommodation or onward travel to match the confirmed replacement itinerary.

Where do I check in for the replacement ferry?

Follow the replacement ticket. Caen–Portsmouth leaves from Ouistreham, not central Caen; Cherbourg–Portsmouth leaves from Cherbourg’s car-ferry terminal. There is no current direct Le Havre departure for which to attend the former check-in.

Is the reverse Portsmouth–Le Havre route still available?

The closure applies to the direct service in both directions. Confirm an operating route for the outward and return journeys. Older 2027 programme information predating the closure does not establish current availability.