The St Malo to Portsmouth day ferry normally takes about nine hours. Selected overnight crossings take about 12 hours 15 minutes. Check which is offered before choosing seats, a cabin or a train from Portsmouth.
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Brittany Ferries describes the usual St Malo–Portsmouth journey as a daytime crossing of about nine hours. Some sailings run overnight at about 12 hours 15 minutes, so choose the exact northbound date before comparing accommodation or onward travel.
Check in at St Malo’s Terminal Ferry du Naye. The station is separate from the terminal, and foot passengers should leave time for the transfer, border procedures and the operator’s check-in deadline.
Portsmouth International Port is the English arrival point. A daytime sailing can use most of the day before disembarkation, so compare a later train, local overnight stay or onward drive with the arrival time shown on your ticket.
Travelling the other way? Read the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry guide.
St Malo to Portsmouth usually offers a daytime journey, so it needs a different plan from the overnight outward sailing to France. Brittany Ferries advertises about nine hours for the typical day crossing, with some longer overnight departures. Start at the Terminal Ferry du Naye and check your English onward connection.
| Operator | Crossing or service | Passengers and vehicles | Planning detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brittany Ferries | About 9h daytime; selected overnights about 12h15m | Foot passengers and cars; other vehicles subject to booking conditions | Choose the northbound sailing before deciding whether overnight accommodation is needed. |
Compare the day-sailing fare with any overnight option using the same passenger and vehicle details. Check reserved seating or cabin prices rather than carrying the cabin assumptions from your outward crossing into the return booking.
The later English arrival can affect a train connection, hotel or onward drive. Include the transfer out of Portsmouth International Port and compare ticket flexibility if your stay in Brittany may change.
Leave time after the scheduled arrival for disembarkation and a transfer to the station. A late onward connection or nearby stay may suit a long daytime crossing.
For an arrival in Devon, compare seasonal Roscoff–Plymouth travel and the journey from St Malo to Roscoff.
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.
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Official route and travel information:
Compare the operators and departures offered for your dates. The sailing result confirms the carrier, vessel and travel options for that journey.
Brittany FerriesBrittany Ferries timetables the northbound day service differently from its overnight crossing from England. A mid-morning departure from Terminal Ferry du Naye normally reaches Portsmouth in the early evening. On the operator’s schedule, tides may move the times by up to one hour. Portsmouth–St Malo timetable.
Foot passengers should allow extra time beyond the listed arrival at Portsmouth International Port. The operator says that, during port works, foot disembarkation via the garage may only start 30 minutes after docking. Allow for the transfer from the terminal to your railway station as well. Brittany Ferries’ Portsmouth port guide.
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.
For your St Malo to Portsmouth sailing, arrange your journey to St Malo around the check-in deadline. The ferry may use a different entrance or terminal from other services at the same harbour. Check the boarding instructions before booking a connecting train, bus or taxi.
Portsmouth International Port is reached directly from the M275 and serves Brittany Ferries routes to France and Spain.
After the ferry reaches Portsmouth, allow time for disembarkation before a collection or onward connection. Check where passengers leave the terminal and whether your next stop is within walking distance or requires a transfer.
Use the facilities listed for the ship on your departure. Vessel assignments and onboard services can change.
Check the catering available on the selected daytime or overnight departure; the usual northbound sailing spends much of the day at sea.
Onboard shops and entertainment vary by vessel and sailing date.
Compare the seating or cabin options offered on your chosen sailing. Check what is included in the fare and book the accommodation you need before travel.
Catering depends on the vessel and departure time. Check the ship’s facilities if you are relying on a meal during the crossing.
The St Malo to Portsmouth journey crosses between France and United Kingdom. Check the current entry and travel-document requirements for your nationality and itinerary, together with the operator’s boarding instructions.
Use the terminal named on the St Malo booking confirmation. Plan the approach, parking or drop-off before departure; the town centre or onward transport stop may be some distance from check-in.
Check names and travel details before you arrive. If taking a vehicle, enter its full dimensions and include trailers, roof loads or rear-mounted equipment where required.
Use current official guidance for documents, entry permissions and any vehicle or pet requirements that apply to your journey. Requirements depend on your circumstances and can change.
Portsmouth International Port is separate from the city railway stations, the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf. Plan the transfer from the ferry terminal before arranging sightseeing or an onward train.
The Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and Old Portsmouth fit naturally into a harbour-side walk.
A car is useful for the South Downs, Chichester and onward touring after an international ferry crossing.
For an onward connection from Portsmouth, include time to leave the ship and terminal. Check local transport for the actual arrival day, especially if the ferry arrives early in the morning or late at night. A nearby hotel or a later connection may give more flexibility if the crossing is delayed.
Explore PortsmouthSearch nearby dates and compare the complete journey when considering another crossing. Different ports can change your transfer time, onward drive or overnight plans.
Return journey: Portsmouth to St Malo · Browse all ferry routes
The usual daytime sailing is advertised at about nine hours. Selected overnight departures take around 12 hours 15 minutes. Check the dated northbound timetable, because these timings differ from the overnight Portsmouth-to-St Malo journey.
The passenger ferry terminal is the Terminal Ferry du Naye. It is close to St Malo’s old town but separate from the railway station. Plan the station transfer and ferry check-in together if you travel without a vehicle.
Yes. Brittany Ferries offers foot-passenger tickets on St Malo–Portsmouth, subject to availability. Plan the transfer to the Terminal Ferry du Naye and the connection from Portsmouth International Port to a station or your accommodation.
Check the options and inclusions on the particular sailing. A daytime cabin can offer private space but is a different choice from accommodation on an overnight departure. Do not assume your outward cabin arrangement applies automatically to the return.
Cars and other accepted vehicle categories can be booked subject to deck space. Declare the complete dimensions and any trailer or attached equipment. Check the current passenger, vehicle and pet documentation for the UK-bound journey.
Compare the total for your date, passengers, vehicle and selected seat or cabin. Add the onward journey in England and consider change conditions. A lower ferry fare may be less convenient if it arrives after your practical connection.
Brittany Ferries uses Portsmouth International Port, approached from the M275. Portsmouth Harbour station and the Gunwharf ferry facilities are separate places, so include the final transfer when arriving by train or arranging a collection.
Check the sailing from St Malo, arrival in Portsmouth and travel options before confirming your reservation.
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