Portsmouth to Le Havre Ferry Guide ferry approaching the iconic White Cliffs on the busiest cross-Channel route

Portsmouth to Le Havre Ferry Guide

Flexible day and overnight crossings to Normandy with excellent facilities. Multiple daily departures provide convenient access to Paris, Rouen, and the beautiful Normandy region.

Crossing Time

3h 30m - 8h 00m

Daily Departures

Up to 3 daily

Operators

Brittany Ferries

Distance

120 miles (193 km)

Normandy Gateway Flexible Times Day & Night Family Friendly
Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry with family-friendly amenities

The Portsmouth-Le Havre Experience

This versatile route offers both convenient day crossings and comfortable overnight services to Normandy. With up to three daily departures, excellent onboard facilities, and direct access to Paris and historic Normandy, it provides maximum flexibility for French travel.

Flexible schedule with day and overnight options
Direct access to Normandy and Paris region
Premium Brittany Ferries service and facilities

Ferry Operator Information

Brittany Ferries

Premium Service
4.4/5
  • Modern vessels with excellent facilities
  • Multiple daily departure options
  • Premium dining and entertainment
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation

Best for: Flexible travel, Normandy access, Paris connections, family holidays

View Brittany Ferries Review

Terminal Information

Portsmouth Ferry Port (UK)

Departure Port

Address & Location

George Byng Way, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO2 8SP, UK

Transport Connections

  • Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station (1 mile)
  • M27/M275 motorway connections
  • Portsmouth city center bus services
  • Gunwharf Quays shopping (adjacent)

Check-in Requirements

  • Vehicle passengers: 90 minutes before
  • Foot passengers: 75 minutes before
  • Online check-in available

Terminal Facilities

  • Modern ferry terminal
  • Shops and restaurants
  • Parking facilities
  • Tourist information
  • Historic Dockyard nearby

Le Havre Ferry Terminal (France)

Arrival Port

Address & Location

Terminal Ferry, Quai Roger Meunier, 76600 Le Havre, France

Transport Connections

  • Le Havre city center (2 km)
  • SNCF railway to Paris (2 hours)
  • A29 motorway to Paris and Normandy
  • Local bus and tram services

Onward Travel

  • Paris: 2 hours by train or car
  • Rouen: 1 hour drive
  • Caen: 2 hours drive
  • Normandy D-Day beaches: 1-2 hours drive

Port Facilities

  • Immigration and customs
  • Tourist information
  • Car rental services
  • Currency exchange
  • Transport connections

Booking Optimization Tips

Crossing Options

  • • Day crossings: 3h 30m for quick trips
  • • Overnight: 8 hours with cabin accommodation
  • • Early morning: Business-friendly timing
  • • Evening: Relaxed start to holiday

Best Value

  • • Advance bookings save up to 40%
  • • Mid-week crossings cheaper
  • • Off-season rates significantly lower
  • • Package deals include accommodation

Premium Experience

  • • Club Class cabins with exclusive benefits
  • • Premium restaurants worth the upgrade
  • • Family cabins ideal for groups
  • • Pet-friendly cabins available

Practical Travel Information

Documentation Required

Travel Documents

  • • Valid passport required
  • • Minimum 6 months validity recommended
  • • No visa needed for tourism up to 90 days

Vehicle Travel

  • • Valid driving license
  • • Vehicle registration documents
  • • European travel insurance
  • • GB sticker or UK identifier on plates

Onboard Experience

Dining Options

  • • À la carte restaurant with French cuisine
  • • Self-service restaurant with international menu
  • • Café bars for light refreshments
  • • Premium wine selection

Facilities & Entertainment

  • • Comfortable lounges and seating areas
  • • Children's play areas and entertainment
  • • Duty-free shopping with French products
  • • WiFi available throughout vessel