London to St Malo by Ferry: Complete 2026 Guide

⚠️ Which Portsmouth station? Trains from Waterloo serve both Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour. For the ferry, alight at Portsmouth & Southsea — it is approximately 20 minutes’ walk or a 5-minute taxi from Portsmouth International Port. Portsmouth Harbour station is further from the international ferry terminal (approximately 2 miles / 10-minute bus or 5-minute taxi).

💡 Money-saving tip: Advance tickets booked 6–12 weeks ahead are dramatically cheaper than on-the-day fares. For the 20:15 ferry departure, aim for trains arriving in Portsmouth by 17:30–18:00, giving you comfortable time to get to the port and check in. Off-peak trains (avoiding the morning and evening rush hours) are also significantly cheaper. Book via nationalrail.co.uk or the SWR app.

✅ When the train makes sense

• You are travelling light as a foot passenger
• You want to arrive in St Malo the same day
• Speed is your only priority

⚠️ Limitations to consider

• Three separate trains, two station changes, and separate tickets to manage
• You cannot take a car, motorbike, or caravan on the train
• Luggage must be carried through Paris between stations
• A missed connection anywhere adds hours to the journey
• Arrives at St Malo train station — 25 minutes from the ferry port area
• Often more expensive than the ferry once you add all segments

From Portsmouth & Southsea Station

Portsmouth & Southsea is the nearest mainline station to the international ferry port — approximately 20 minutes on foot along a signposted pedestrian route, or a 5-minute taxi from the rank directly outside the station.

Bus services from Portsmouth city centre also serve the port — First Bus and Stagecoach both stop at Rudmore Roundabout, approximately 9–11 minutes from the station.

From Portsmouth Harbour Station

Portsmouth Harbour is approximately 2 miles from Portsmouth International Port. The best options from here are bus (First Bus from The Hard Interchange to International Port — approximately 8–11 minutes, buses every 5 minutes) or taxi (approximately 5 minutes, £11–13).

Do not attempt to walk from Portsmouth Harbour to the international port — it is too far and not a practical option with luggage.

By Taxi — Both Stations

Taxis are available from ranks outside both stations. From Portsmouth & Southsea the journey takes approximately 5 minutes. From Portsmouth Harbour approximately 5 minutes. Uber also operates in Portsmouth.

There is also a taxi rank directly outside the main terminal building at Portsmouth International Port for your return journey.

🚢 The Ship — MV Saint-Malo

The MV Saint-Malo is Brittany Ferries’ newest vessel on the Portsmouth–St Malo route, launched in 2024. It carries up to 1,310 passengers and 470 cars, with 386 passenger cabins ranging from standard inside berths to Commodore Suites, plus pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible cabins. The ship features restaurants, a bar, duty-free shopping, a cinema, and Wi-Fi throughout.

🚢 Ferry Information Guides →

🛏️ Cabins — Essential for Overnight

Cabins are compulsory on the overnight Portsmouth to St Malo sailing. You cannot travel without a cabin booked — there is no reclining seat option on this route. Book your cabin at the same time as your ferry ticket to guarantee availability, particularly during peak season (June–August).

Cabin types include 2-berth and 4-berth inside and outside options, pet-friendly cabins, and Commodore upgrades with more space and amenities.

🛏️ Full Cabins Guide →

⏰ Check-In Times

Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for vehicle passengers, and 60 minutes before departure for foot passengers and cyclists. For the standard 20:15 sailing this means:

Vehicles: check in by 19:30 at latest · Foot passengers: check in by 19:15 at latest · Pets: check in by 18:45 (90 minutes before). Always aim to arrive earlier than these deadlines.

✓ Full Check-In Guide →

✓ À la carte restaurant

✓ Self-service buffet restaurant

✓ Bar & piano bar

✓ Duty-free shop

✓ Cinema / entertainment

✓ Wi-Fi throughout

✓ On-demand TV in cabins

✓ Accessible facilities & cabins

✓ Pet-friendly cabins

✓ Dog exercise area

🚶 Walking to St Malo Town Centre

The historic walled city (Intra-Muros) is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the terminal — making St Malo one of the most convenient ferry arrivals in France. Walk along the waterfront heading east towards the ramparts.

🚕 Taxi from Terminal

Taxis wait outside the terminal building. Fares to the town centre are approximately €8 (€10 after 19:00 and on Sundays/public holidays). For the train station (Gare de Saint-Malo) expect approximately €8.50–12.50 depending on time of day.

🚌 Bus to Town Centre

Ligne 8 bus runs approximately every 60 minutes between the terminal and the town centre / train station. Bus stop is about 3 minutes’ walk from the terminal next to the swimming pool (La piscine du Naye). Fare approximately €2.

🚆 Onward by Train from St Malo

St Malo train station (Gare de Saint-Malo) is approximately 25 minutes’ walk from the terminal. SNCF operates direct TER regional services to Rennes (approx. 55 minutes) where you can connect to high-speed TGV services to Paris Montparnasse (approx. 2 hours further) and destinations across France. Book SNCF train tickets in advance at sncf-connect.com for the best prices.

🏰 St Malo City Guide

The historic corsair city is one of France’s most dramatic coastal destinations. Walk the ramparts, explore the medieval streets, eat freshly caught seafood, and understand why this city has been attracting visitors for centuries.

View St Malo Guide →

⛪ Mont Saint-Michel

The UNESCO World Heritage tidal island is the single most spectacular day trip from St Malo — and from London via the overnight ferry. Arriving by 08:15 means you can be at the mount by 10:00, before the peak crowds arrive.

Mont Saint-Michel Guide →

🏛️ Rennes

40 miles · 55 min direct train
Brittany’s capital. Medieval centre, Saturday food market, museums, great restaurants. No car needed.

⚓ Dinard

10 min by boat from St Malo
Belle Époque resort town. Grand villas, sandy beaches, coastal walks. 10-minute boat across the estuary.

🦪 Cancale

10 miles · 20 min drive
Famous oyster port. Eat fresh oysters straight from the sea at the market. Harbour views and coastal paths.

🏰 Dinan

18 miles · 30 min drive
Medieval hilltop town. Ramparts, half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, riverside port. One of Brittany’s finest.

💡 Book Ferry Before Train

Always book the ferry first — it is the fixed anchor of your journey. Once you have your sailing confirmed, book your train from Waterloo to arrive in Portsmouth by 18:00 at the absolute latest for a 20:15 departure. Do not book the train first and try to fit the ferry around it.

💡 Off-Peak Trains Save Significantly

Trains departing Waterloo outside of morning and evening peak hours are substantially cheaper. For a 20:15 ferry, a 15:00–17:00 departure from Waterloo is fine for timing and falls outside peak pricing on most days. Check advance fares 6–12 weeks ahead.

💡 Allow Buffer at Portsmouth

The transfer from Portsmouth & Southsea station to the port is 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi. Add this to your journey calculation — do not plan to arrive in Portsmouth with only 60 minutes before the ferry as this leaves no margin for train delays or taxi waits.

💡 Book Cabin Early — Especially Peak Season

Cabins are compulsory on the overnight crossing and the best cabins sell out many months in advance during summer (June–August). Book cabin type and number of berths at the same time as your ferry ticket, not as an afterthought. Commodore upgrades are worth considering for a comfortable overnight journey.

💡 Check Your Passport Before You Travel

UK passport rules for France require your passport to be issued within the last 10 years AND have at least 3 months’ validity remaining after your planned departure from France — both conditions must apply. Check every passport in the party well in advance, including children’s. Passports renewed before October 2018 may have a misleading expiry date.

💡 The Overnight Crossing Saves a Hotel Night

One of the best things about the London to St Malo overnight ferry is that you travel while you sleep. The cost of your cabin effectively replaces a hotel night — and you arrive in France refreshed and ready at 08:15 with a full day ahead. Budget the cabin cost against what you’d have spent on accommodation.

How long does the London to St Malo journey take by ferry?

The total door-to-door journey time from London to St Malo by ferry is approximately 14–15 hours. This includes roughly 90 minutes by train from London Waterloo to Portsmouth, the transfer from the station to the port (20 minutes walk or 5 minutes taxi), time at the port before departure, and the overnight ferry crossing itself of approximately 10 hours 45 minutes.

Which train should I catch from London Waterloo for the 20:15 Portsmouth ferry?

For a comfortable journey, aim to catch a train from London Waterloo that arrives at Portsmouth & Southsea by 17:30–18:00. This gives you time for the 20-minute walk (or 5-minute taxi) to Portsmouth International Port and allows you to check in well ahead of the foot passenger check-in deadline of 19:15. A 16:00 departure from Waterloo is a good benchmark for most travellers. South Western Railway direct trains run approximately every 30 minutes — check nationalrail.co.uk for exact times on your travel date.

Do I need a cabin on the Portsmouth to St Malo overnight ferry?

Yes — cabins are compulsory on the overnight Portsmouth to St Malo sailing operated by Brittany Ferries. Unlike some other ferry routes, there are no reclining seats or open deck sleeping options on this crossing. You must book a cabin as part of your ferry reservation. Book early, particularly for travel during the peak summer months (June–August), as the most popular cabin types sell out well in advance.

What time does the London to St Malo ferry depart, and what time does it arrive?

The Brittany Ferries sailing from Portsmouth to St Malo departs at approximately 20:15 and arrives in St Malo at approximately 08:15 the following morning. The crossing takes approximately 10 hours 45 minutes. Sailing times can vary by season — always confirm your exact departure and arrival times on your booking confirmation.

Which Portsmouth station is closest to the ferry port?

Portsmouth & Southsea station is the nearest mainline station to Portsmouth International Port, approximately 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi. Portsmouth Harbour station is further away (approximately 2 miles) and requires a bus (approximately 10 minutes) or taxi (approximately 5 minutes) to reach the international ferry terminal. Direct trains from London Waterloo serve both stations.

How much does the London to St Malo ferry journey cost in total?

Total costs vary depending on when you book, your travel date, and your travel type. As a guide for a foot passenger in 2026: advance train ticket from Waterloo to Portsmouth from approximately £10; taxi from station to port approximately £5–7; Brittany Ferries crossing with a standard cabin from approximately £65–150 per person depending on season and cabin type. Peak summer and last-minute bookings will be significantly higher. Booking the ferry and train well in advance (8–12 weeks) gives the best prices for both.

Can I travel from London to St Malo as a foot passenger (without a car)?

Yes — foot passengers are welcome on the Portsmouth to St Malo Brittany Ferries crossing. The route is particularly well suited to car-free travel: South Western Railway trains run directly from London Waterloo to Portsmouth, the port is walkable from Portsmouth & Southsea station, and St Malo itself is compact and entirely walkable once you arrive. Foot passenger fares are considerably cheaper than vehicle fares.

What ship operates the Portsmouth to St Malo overnight ferry?

The Portsmouth to St Malo overnight ferry is operated by the MV Saint-Malo, a large modern cruise ferry launched in 2024 and operated by Brittany Ferries. The ship carries up to 1,310 passengers and features 386 cabins, multiple restaurants, a bar, duty-free shopping, Wi-Fi, in-cabin on-demand TV, and a collection of over 1,000 artworks throughout the ship. The Bretagne also occasionally serves the route.

What is the cheapest way to get from London to St Malo?

The cheapest way to travel from London to St Malo by ferry is to combine an advance off-peak train ticket from London Waterloo to Portsmouth (from approximately £10.10 booked 6–12 weeks ahead) with an advance Brittany Ferries crossing booked early — particularly off-peak (October to April) and midweek. Foot passenger ferry fares start significantly lower than peak summer prices. As a rough guide, budget travellers booking well in advance can cover the full London to St Malo journey by train and ferry for under £100 total in off-peak periods. Peak summer prices are considerably higher.

Is the ferry better than the train from London to St Malo?

It depends entirely on what you need. The train via Paris (London St Pancras → Eurostar → TGV to Rennes → St Malo) takes around 6–7 hours and suits those travelling light without a vehicle. The overnight ferry from London via Portsmouth takes around 14 hours in total but you sleep for most of it, arrive refreshed in the morning, can take your car, caravan, motorhome, bicycle, or pets, and the cabin cost replaces a hotel night. For anyone taking a vehicle or wanting to wake up in Brittany ready to explore, the overnight ferry is the far more practical and enjoyable option.