Your Complete Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry Guide

Everything you need for overnight ferry crossings to Brittany. Your gateway to France while you sleep.

Over 56 comprehensive guides • Real ferry experience • Direct to Brittany

Your Gateway to Brittany

Overnight Crossings Direct Into the Heart of Brittany

The Portsmouth to St Malo ferry is the perfect choice for a relaxing overnight crossing to France. Board in the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants, sleep comfortably in your private cabin, and wake up in the beautiful walled city of St Malo – ready to explore Brittany.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know – from the new hybrid-powered Saint-Malo ship to cabin options, Brittany destinations, and practical travel tips. Whether travelling by car, motorhome, or as a foot passenger, you’ll find detailed guides for every aspect of your journey.

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Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry Quick Facts

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11-12 Hours Overnight

Travel while you sleep. Wake up in France.

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Daily Sailings in Summer

Evening departures 20:15. Reduced winter service.

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Hybrid-Powered Ship

Saint-Malo: First hybrid-LNG ferry in the fleet.

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From £184

Car + 2 passengers off-peak. Book early.

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35 Miles to Mont St Michel

Gateway to Brittany’s top attractions.

Everything You Need to Know

56 comprehensive guides covering ferry booking, cabin types, travel styles, Brittany destinations, and practical tips. From the Saint-Malo ship to Mont Saint-Michel day trips.

⛴️ Ferry Information & Booking

Complete ferry guide: Saint-Malo hybrid ship, timetables, onboard facilities, port guides, and booking strategies. Everything from Portsmouth departure to St Malo arrival.

🚗 Travel Types & Requirements

Travelling by motorhome, with pets, cycling, or as a family? Complete guides for every travel style with booking tips and requirements.

📍 St Malo & Brittany Destinations

Complete guides for St Malo’s walled city, Mont Saint-Michel (just 50 mins), medieval towns, coastal paths, and Brittany’s top attractions.

Why Choose Portsmouth to St Malo?

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Travel While You Sleep

Board at 20:15, enjoy dinner onboard, sleep in your private cabin, and wake up in St Malo. Your holiday starts the moment you step onboard.

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Gateway to Brittany

St Malo is perfectly positioned for Brittany, the Atlantic coast, and the Dordogne. Save miles compared to Calais. Mont Saint-Michel is just 35 miles away.

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Eco-Friendly Travel

Sail aboard the Saint-Malo – Brittany Ferries’ first hybrid-LNG ship. Combining liquified natural gas with electric battery power for greener crossings.

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Dining & Facilities

Le Littoral brasserie, Le Jardin plant-focused restaurant, CClub Lounge with panoramic views and complimentary drinks. Duty-free shopping and stylish lounges.

Top Destinations from St Malo

St Malo is your perfect base for exploring Brittany’s coast, medieval towns, and France’s top attractions.

Destination Distance Drive Time What to See
Mont Saint-Michel 35 miles (57km) 50 mins France’s most visited attraction
Dinard 8 miles (13km) 15 mins Elegant seaside resort with beaches
Cancale 15 miles (24km) 25 mins Oyster capital of Brittany
Dinan 20 miles (32km) 30 mins Medieval walled town
Brest 147 miles (235km) 2 hrs 15 mins Naval port and Brittany’s west coast
Paris 227 miles (373km) 3.5 hours Fast motorway or take the train
Bordeaux 323 miles (520km) 4.5 hours Wine region and Atlantic coast

*Distances verified from official Brittany Ferries guide. Drive times are approximate based on motorway routes.

Ready to Start Planning?

56 comprehensive guides covering everything from the hybrid Saint-Malo ship to Brittany day trips. Your complete Portsmouth to St Malo resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry take?

The crossing takes 11 to 12 hours overnight. You depart Portsmouth at 20:15 (8:15 PM) and arrive in St Malo the next morning between 07:40 and 08:50 depending on the season and tides. It’s a comfortable overnight journey where you can sleep in your cabin.

How often do ferries run from Portsmouth to St Malo?

Brittany Ferries operates sailings most days throughout the year. In summer (April-October), there are typically daily sailings. In winter (November-March), the service runs on a reduced schedule. Always check current timetables on the Brittany Ferries website. See complete timetables guide →

How much does the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry cost?

Car + 2 passengers starts from £184 each way if you book 3+ months ahead and travel off-peak. Peak summer prices from £250+. Foot passengers from £49. These prices do not include cabins – cabin accommodation is available at additional cost. Book early and avoid school holidays for the best prices. See complete pricing guide →

Which ship operates the Portsmouth to St Malo route?

The Saint-Malo is the primary ship on this route – Brittany Ferries’ first hybrid-powered vessel combining LNG (liquefied natural gas) with electric battery power. It features Le Littoral brasserie, Le Jardin plant-focused restaurant, CClub Lounge, and the Admiral cabin – the largest cabin in the fleet.

What cabin types are available?

The Saint-Malo offers standard 2-berth and 4-berth cabins, plus 6-berth cabins for larger families. Premium options include five different types of Commodore cabins and the exclusive Admiral cabin. Pet-friendly, wheelchair-accessible, and allergy-friendly cabins are also available. All cabins are private and comfortable for the overnight crossing. Complete cabins guide →

How far is Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo?

Mont Saint-Michel is just 35 miles (57km) from St Malo – about 50 minutes by car. It’s France’s most visited attraction and makes for an easy day trip from St Malo. This is one of the key advantages of the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry over other routes – you arrive close to Brittany’s top attractions. Mont Saint-Michel day trip guide →

Start Your Brittany Adventure

The Portsmouth to St Malo overnight ferry transforms the journey into part of your holiday. Board in the evening, sleep while you travel, and wake up in the heart of Brittany ready to explore.

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56 comprehensive guides • 181,000+ words • Complete ferry & Brittany resource