Your Complete Portsmouth to Le Havre Ferry Guide
Everything you need for your journey to Normandy and Paris. Expert advice, real prices, honest reviews.
Over 48 comprehensive guides • Verified information • No fluff
Your Trusted Guide
Verified Information, Real Prices, Expert Advice
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide to the Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry route. This website provides everything you need to plan your perfect journey to Normandy, whether you’re heading to Paris, exploring D-Day beaches, or enjoying a French camping holiday.
We’ve fact-checked every detail, verified current prices, and created 48 comprehensive guides covering ferry booking, travel types, destinations, and money-saving strategies – all in one place.
Portsmouth to Le Havre Ferry Quick Facts
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5.5-6 Hours
Daytime crossing. Overnight options 8-10.5 hours. Time to relax.
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4-7 Sailings Weekly
Typically 1 sailing daily. Morning and overnight departures.
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From £89
Car + 2 passengers. Foot passengers from £28. Book early for best prices.
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2 Hours to Paris
Le Havre to Paris by train or car. Closest ferry route to the capital.
Everything You Need to Know
48 comprehensive guides covering ferry booking, travel styles, destinations, and practical advice. Verified information for your perfect French holiday.
🚢 Ferry Information
Complete ferry guide: Brittany Ferries details, timetables, prices, booking strategies, Portsmouth and Le Havre port guides, onboard facilities, and essential tips.
✈️ Travel Types
Whether you’re planning a weekend break, week-long holiday, motorhome adventure, or budget trip – with family, pets, or solo. Find your perfect travel style.
📍 Destinations & Routes
Complete guides for routes from London, Southampton, Brighton. Plus Normandy destinations: Le Havre, Paris, D-Day beaches, Étretat cliffs, Bayeux, Mont Saint-Michel, and Rouen.
Featured Destination Guides
Where to go once you arrive in Normandy
Why Choose Portsmouth to Le Havre
Real advantages of this route
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Closest Ferry to Paris
Just 2 hours from Le Havre to Paris. Cheaper than Eurostar. Perfect for Paris weekends or camping near the capital.
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Easy from London
London to Portsmouth: 2 hours via M3. Or 90-minute train from Waterloo. Much simpler than Dover or Folkestone.
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Gateway to Normandy
D-Day beaches, Étretat, Mont Saint-Michel, Bayeux Tapestry. Real Normandy, not Calais motorways.
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Overnight Option
8-10.5 hour overnight crossings. Sleep onboard in comfortable cabins. Arrive refreshed and ready to explore.
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Foot Passengers Welcome
From £28 as foot passenger. Train from London to Portsmouth, then ferry. Paris reachable without a car.
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Quality Brittany Ferries
Modern ships (Cotentin, Normandie, Barfleur). Self-service restaurant, bar, duty-free, free WiFi. Comfortable journey.
Real Savings: The Numbers
Family of 4, one week in Normandy (August peak season)
| Cost Item | Hotels | Camping | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (7 nights) | £1,400 | £740 | £660 |
| Food & Meals | £1,000 | £400 | £600 |
| Entertainment & Activities | £200 | £0 | £200 |
| TOTAL | £2,600 | £1,140 | £1,460 |
That’s enough savings for another holiday!
*Based on mid-range family hotels (£200/night average), Eurocamp Riva Bella mobile home (£740 for 7 nights August), restaurant dining vs self-catering. Campsites include pools, waterslides, kids clubs at no extra cost.
Ready to Start Planning?
Everything you need is here. Ferry guides, destination recommendations, verified information from comprehensive research.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry take?
Daytime crossings take 5.5-6 hours on average. Overnight sailings from Portsmouth take around 8 hours, while the return from Le Havre to Portsmouth takes 10.5 hours overnight. It’s a comfortable crossing with plenty of time to relax, eat, and enjoy the onboard facilities.
How much does the ferry cost?
Car + 2 passengers starts from £89 one-way if you book well in advance. Average prices are around £292. Foot passengers can travel from £28-133. Prices vary by season, day of week, and how far ahead you book. Cabins are compulsory on overnight sailings (additional cost). See complete pricing guide →
Can I travel as a foot passenger?
Yes! Foot passengers are welcome on Portsmouth to Le Havre ferries. Prices start from £28. You can take the train from London Waterloo to Portsmouth (90 minutes), then walk or take a bus to the ferry terminal. It’s a budget-friendly way to reach Normandy or Paris without a car. Foot passenger guide →
Is this the best route to Paris by ferry?
Yes, Portsmouth to Le Havre is the closest ferry route to Paris. Le Havre is only 2 hours from Paris by train or car. Total journey time from Portsmouth is 7.5-9 hours to reach Paris. It’s often cheaper than Eurostar and you can bring your car or motorhome. Perfect for Paris camping holidays. Complete Paris route guide →
What’s included on the ferry?
Brittany Ferries ships on this route (Cotentin, Normandie, Barfleur) feature self-service restaurants, bars with TV lounges, duty-free shopping, and free WiFi in public areas. Overnight crossings include comfortable cabins with ensuite facilities. Pet-friendly cabins are available if booked in advance. The ships are modern and well-maintained. Onboard facilities guide →
Start Your Normandy Adventure
Whether you’re heading to Paris for a weekend, exploring D-Day beaches, or planning a week-long Normandy camping holiday – your journey starts here.
48 comprehensive guides • 146,000+ words • Verified information