Aerial view of St Malo ferry port beside the historic walled city in Brittany
United Kingdom → France

Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry

Compare Portsmouth to St Malo ferry tickets for an overnight Brittany Ferries crossing that takes you directly from southern England to the heart of northern Brittany.

About 11–11½ hours Brittany Ferries Overnight cabins Foot passengers
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Select the departure and destination ports for Portsmouth to St Malo in the live search below, then compare current sailings, fares, passenger and vehicle options. Booking results open in a new tab so this FerryEU route guide stays available.

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Direct to northern Brittany

An overnight ferry that saves a long drive through northern France

Portsmouth to St Malo is a useful route for travellers whose destination is Brittany, western France or the Atlantic coast. Rather than landing farther east and driving across Normandy, the overnight ferry places you close to St Malo, Rennes and the wider Brittany road network.

Brittany Ferries currently operates the route on most days, with evening departures from Portsmouth and morning arrival in St Malo. The operator describes the crossing as around 11 to 11½ hours, with cabins making the overnight journey part of the travel experience.

Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and caravans can be taken on the route, while foot passengers are also accepted. Compare the complete fare for your travel party, vehicle and accommodation rather than judging the ticket on a passenger-only headline price.

The St Malo terminal is only a short distance from the historic walled city and connects quickly with the N137 towards Rennes. For holidays in northern or central Brittany, this can reduce the amount of driving needed after leaving the ship.

If you prefer a shorter daytime crossing, compare Poole–Cherbourg or Plymouth–Roscoff. If your destination is Normandy or Paris, Portsmouth–Caen and Portsmouth–Le Havre may provide a more direct overall journey.

One direct operator

Ferry operator from Portsmouth to St Malo

Brittany Ferries currently operates this direct passenger ferry route. Check the live sailing because passenger categories, ship assignment and facilities can vary by date.

Departure and arrival ports

Portsmouth and St Malo ferry ports

Use the operator confirmation for the correct check-in area, terminal instructions and arrival deadline. Port procedures can vary by passenger type and sailing.

Portsmouth waterfront and Spinnaker Tower beside the harbour
England

Portsmouth Ferry Port

Portsmouth International Port is reached directly from the M275 and serves Brittany Ferries routes to France and Spain. Foot passengers should allow extra time because current port renovation work can affect the boarding and disembarkation process.

  • Direct road approach from the M275
  • Rail and coach connections into Portsmouth
  • Use the current Brittany Ferries check-in time for your sailing
Aerial view of St Malo ferry terminal and harbour in Brittany
France

St Malo Ferry Port

St Malo’s ferry terminal is at the Terminal Ferry du Naye, only a short distance from the walled old town. The N137 provides a toll-free dual-carriageway connection towards Rennes and the wider Brittany road network.

  • About 10 minutes on foot to the town centre
  • Foot-passenger shuttle between terminal and ship
  • Current improvement works can affect terminal access and parking
UK to France travel information

Passports, border checks and driving documents

This is an international UK–France crossing. Every passenger should carry the documents required for their nationality and journey, while motorists should prepare the vehicle paperwork needed for driving in France and elsewhere in Europe.

Passport validity

For a British citizen visiting France, current Schengen rules normally require a passport issued less than 10 years before arrival and expiring at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen area.

Driving in France

UK motorists should carry a valid driving licence and the appropriate vehicle document, such as the V5C or a VE103 for a hired or leased vehicle. Check insurance, UK identifier and local driving requirements before departure.

Border-process changes

The EU Entry/Exit System is replacing manual passport stamping for many short-stay visitors. Procedures can vary by port and may evolve, so follow current operator, port and GOV.UK guidance shortly before travel.

Historic walled city and harbour of St Malo in Brittany
After arriving in France

Start in St Malo for Rennes, Brittany and the Atlantic west

St Malo is a destination in its own right and also an excellent entry point for Brittany. Rennes lies inland on the N137, while Dinan, Dinard, Mont-Saint-Michel and the northern Brittany coast are all within practical touring distance.

St Malo & DinardRennesDinanMont-Saint-MichelWestern Brittany

For western Brittany, continue towards Saint-Brieuc, Morlaix or Brest. If your final destination is farther east in Normandy or around Paris, compare Caen, Cherbourg and Le Havre before booking.

Compare Ferry Routes to France
Common planning questions

Portsmouth to St Malo ferry FAQs

How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo?

Brittany Ferries describes the overnight crossing as around 11 to 11½ hours. Exact durations vary by sailing, tide and seasonal timetable.

Which ferry company sails from Portsmouth to St Malo?

Brittany Ferries currently operates the direct Portsmouth to St Malo passenger ferry route.

Can I travel as a foot passenger from Portsmouth to St Malo?

Yes. Brittany Ferries currently accepts foot passengers on Portsmouth–St Malo, subject to availability on the chosen sailing.

Can I take a car, caravan or motorhome?

Yes. Vehicle travel is available; enter the correct category and complete dimensions when comparing tickets.

Are cabins available on Portsmouth–St Malo?

Yes. Because most outbound crossings are overnight, a cabin is a useful part of the journey and should be booked early on busy dates.

Can I take my pet?

Yes, with advance booking. The available pet arrangement depends on the ship and sailing, such as a pet-friendly cabin, kennel or vehicle-based option.

Where is St Malo ferry port?

The ferry terminal is at the Terminal Ferry du Naye, a short distance from St Malo’s walled city and connected to Rennes by the N137.

Do I need a passport for Portsmouth to St Malo?

You need valid travel documents for the UK–France border. British citizens should check current Schengen passport-validity and visa-free stay rules before travel.

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