Portsmouth to Bilbao
Brittany Ferries
Ferry route guide
Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry
This former crossing is not operating. Use the closure information and alternative ports below to plan a current journey.
Service information
Brittany Ferries confirmed the early closure of Portsmouth–Le Havre in September 2026. Portsmouth routes to Caen and other Normandy or Brittany ports have different arrival locations; compare the complete onward journey.
The crossing at a glance
Travelling in the other direction?
Le Havre to Portsmouth ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.
Departing from Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a compact maritime city built around a working naval harbour, with major historic ships, waterfront attractions and ferry terminals close to the urban centre.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the headline attraction, bringing together HMS Victory, the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and naval museums beside the active harbour.
Gunwharf Quays and the Spinnaker Tower add modern waterfront restaurants, shopping and wide views across the Solent, while Southsea offers a long seafront, castle and museums.
Brittany Ferries routes from Portsmouth include Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo, Bilbao and Santander on their published operating dates. Portsmouth–Le Havre has ended. Channel Islands and Isle of Wight services use their own operators and terminals; check your booking carefully.
Because Portsmouth has more than one ferry operation, always follow the terminal shown on the booking rather than simply navigating to the city centre.
The city’s compact layout makes it easy to combine the historic dockyard with Gunwharf Quays, Old Portsmouth and the waterfront in a single day. Restaurants and accommodation around the harbour are particularly convenient for travellers with an early or late ferry.
Southsea adds a more relaxed coastal side to the city, with gardens, museums and a long promenade looking across the Solent toward the Isle of Wight. Portsmouth also provides straightforward road and rail connections for onward travel across southern England.
Use the terminal or pier named on your operator confirmation. The published departure is the sailing time; check-in and vehicle acceptance close earlier. If reaching Portsmouth by train or bus, allow for the transfer from the station to the harbour and for luggage handling.
Arriving in Le Havre
Brittany Ferries confirmed on 30 September 2026 that its Portsmouth–Le Havre service had ended early after a technical problem with Commodore Clipper. Do not plan around the former timetable. Compare Portsmouth–Caen or Portsmouth–Cherbourg and check availability for your dates.
Le Havre is one of Normandy’s most distinctive cities. Rebuilt after the Second World War under architect Auguste Perret, its central district is recognised by UNESCO for the exceptional coherence of its modern concrete architecture.
Saint-Joseph Church is the defining landmark, with a slender lantern tower visible across the city and coloured glass transforming the interior light. Nearby streets show how Perret’s planning created broad avenues and carefully proportioned urban spaces.
The MuMa André Malraux museum sits close to the sea and holds an important collection associated with Impressionism and the artists inspired by the changing light around the Seine estuary.
Le Havre also has a long beach, marina, waterfront promenades and the Hanging Gardens in a former hilltop fort. Honfleur and Étretat make excellent nearby excursions if you have a car or time for a regional tour.
Brittany Ferries confirmed on 30 September 2026 that its Portsmouth–Le Havre service had ended early after a technical problem with Commodore Clipper. Do not plan around the former timetable. Compare Portsmouth–Caen or Portsmouth–Cherbourg and check availability for your dates.
Start your onward itinerary at the actual landing point in Le Havre. Leave time to unload before a timed collection, train or island bus. If the ferry arrives late in the day, check the final public-transport departure or arrange a transfer in advance.
Leaving Britain for Europe
Check the entry requirements for France before booking. For British passport holders visiting Schengen countries, passport issue and expiry dates and the 90-in-180-day short-stay limit are separate checks. Allow extra time for border formalities, and use the carrier’s latest arrival advice. A ferry reservation does not by itself give permission to enter.
Planning the wider journey in France
Channel arrivals suit different parts of France: Calais and Dunkirk for the north and east, Dieppe for Normandy approaches, and Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo or Roscoff for journeys farther west. Check the motorway and toll itinerary after landing.
Other departures to compare
Portsmouth to Caen
Brittany Ferries
Portsmouth to Cherbourg
Brittany Ferries
Portsmouth to Fishbourne
Wightlink
Portsmouth to Guernsey
Condor Ferries
Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde
Wightlink
Portsmouth to Santander
Brittany Ferries
Portsmouth to St Malo
Brittany Ferries
Portsmouth Harbour to Gosport
Gosport Ferry
Questions about this journey
Can I book this route now?
This crossing is listed as not operating. Use the linked official notice and compare current alternative ports.
Where does the Portsmouth to Le Havre journey start?
Use the operator’s named terminal in Portsmouth. Read the departure section above and the destination guide before arranging a road, rail or bus connection.
Is the reverse journey covered?
Yes. The Le Havre to Portsmouth guide covers departure in the opposite direction. Search both dates because seasonal schedules and available travel modes can differ.