Saint-Malo - Portsmouth

Getting there and Saint-Malo terminal

The ferry departs from the Ferry Terminal du Naye, just a few minutes from the old town of Saint-Malo. From Rennes, the toll-free N137 expressway leads straight into the city; within the town, follow the signs for Terminal Ferry du Naye. The port car park has a height limit of 2.2 metres, with the first 20 minutes free and charges applied per day or part thereof after that, payable by card at the terminal or at the parking machine; caravans and motorhomes may stay overnight in the check-in lanes for early departures. Foot passengers can take bus route 8, running hourly, or walk around 25 minutes from the railway station; a shuttle bus runs from the terminal to the ship. The terminal has a tourist information point, a cafe, Wi-Fi and a baby-changing room.

Check-in and departure

The check-in deadline for vehicles is shown on your e-ticket and depends on the product booked. Foot passengers must have checked in at least 60 minutes before departure, and travellers with a pet should arrive at least 90 minutes beforehand, as pet documents are checked. A passport is required for all travellers, along with the electronic travel authorisation (ETA); see the entry requirements guide.

On board

This route is mainly served by the Saint-Malo, one of the ferry company's new LNG hybrid ships, supported by the Commodore Clipper and the Armorique. For the day sailing, a reserved seat is enough; for the overnight crossing you book a cabin. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available on all ferries, and pet-friendly cabins on some ships. Restaurants and bars are on board, and since March 2023 payment has been in euros only. Wi-Fi is available as a paid satellite package with limited speed.

Vehicle, bike and pet

Cars, motorhomes, cars with trailers and motorbikes can all travel, so give exact length and height when booking. LPG and LNG vehicles are permitted provided the gas system is switched off before boarding; campervans may carry up to three gas cylinders totalling no more than 47 kilograms, secured and closed during the crossing. Electric vehicles cannot be charged on board. Bicycles and foot passengers can be booked if the booking shows the option. Pets travel in the vehicle, or on some ships in a kennel or pet-friendly cabin; during the crossing, one person per vehicle may visit the car deck for up to 15 minutes. Dogs on a lead are allowed within the port grounds and stay in the vehicle after check-in; on the beaches of Saint-Malo, dogs are banned from Easter to September. Online you can book up to five pets per vehicle; foot passengers, cyclists and motorcyclists cannot bring a pet. More in the motorhome and dogs and pets guides.

Arrival in Portsmouth and onward travel

In Portsmouth, the ferry docks at Portsmouth International Port on George Byng Way. Disembarkation takes around 30 minutes on average, plus border control at the port exit. The port lies outside the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone; via the M275 you join the M27 directly and continue on the A3 or M3 towards London. Foot passengers walk around 20 minutes into the town centre and 30 minutes to Portsmouth & Southsea station, with trains to London Waterloo taking around 85 minutes.

Tickets and fares

Brittany Ferries offers three fares: Early Bird, the cheapest option, bookable only at least 60 days before departure and geared towards fixed travel plans; Standard, changeable and cancellable under certain conditions; and Flexi, with free changes up to four hours before the outbound crossing. The booking window shows current prices for your date, and the price overview compares all routes to England.