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London to St Malo by Ferry: Complete 2027 Guide
This is the complete London to St Malo by ferry guide for 2027. The route combines a direct South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Portsmouth with an overnight channel crossing aboard the MV Saint-Malo — departing Portsmouth at 20:15, crossing the English Channel overnight, and arriving at the Gare Maritime du Naye in St Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine, at 08:45 French time the next morning. You wake up in Brittany with a full day ahead of you. This guide covers every way to get from London to Portsmouth, how to reach Portsmouth International Port from the station, the ferry crossing itself, arrival in St Malo, complete timelines, costs, and expert tips for a smooth journey.
It is also possible to travel from London to St Malo by train via Paris — London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord on Eurostar, then TGV on to St Malo (some services run direct, others change at Rennes). That route takes around 6–7 hours but does not get you or your car to Brittany. The overnight ferry from London is the choice for anyone taking a vehicle, a pet, a bicycle, or a motorhome — and for anyone who simply prefers waking up refreshed in France to sitting on trains all day.
Last updated: October 2026 | All timings, prices and transport details verified
How to get from London to St Malo starts with getting from London to Portsmouth — the departure port for the Brittany Ferries crossing. There is also a train route via Eurostar and Paris, which is covered further down this page. But for anyone taking a vehicle, cycling, bringing a pet, or simply wanting the most relaxed journey, the ferry is the practical choice. Portsmouth is approximately 75 miles from central London with three options to get there: train from Waterloo (fastest and most convenient), National Express coach (cheapest), or driving.
🚆 Option 1: Train — London Waterloo to Portsmouth (Recommended)
South Western Railway operates direct services from London Waterloo to Portsmouth throughout the day. This is the recommended route for London to St Malo travellers — the journey is direct, frequent, and the train drops you within easy reach of Portsmouth International Port.
Depart from: London Waterloo
Alight at: Portsmouth & Southsea (nearest to port)
Journey time: Approx. 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 50 min
First train: 05:08 from Waterloo
Last train: 22:30 from Waterloo
Advance fare: From approx. £10.10
⚠️ Which Portsmouth station? Trains from Waterloo serve both Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour. For the ferry, alight at Portsmouth & Southsea — it is about 1.8 miles (2.8km) from Portsmouth International Port, roughly a 25–30 minute walk or a 5-minute taxi. Portsmouth Harbour station is further from the international ferry terminal, so take a bus or taxi from there.
💡 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.
🚌 Option 2: National Express Coach — London Victoria to Portsmouth
National Express operates direct coach services from London Victoria Coach Station to Portsmouth International Port — the coach stops right at the terminal, making it ideal for passengers with heavy luggage who want to avoid any onward transfer. Journey time is approximately 2 hours, and services run throughout the day.
Best for: Budget travellers and those with lots of luggage who want a direct drop-off at the port. Coach fares can be cheaper than train tickets, particularly when booked in advance. Book via nationalexpress.com.
🚗 Option 3: Driving — London to Portsmouth International Port
Driving to Portsmouth is the obvious choice if you plan to take your car on the ferry to France. It is also an option for foot passengers who prefer to drive to the port and leave their car in long-stay parking. Portsmouth is approximately 75 miles from central London, reachable in around 1 hour 45 minutes in clear traffic via the A3 / A3(M) / M27 / M275 route directly into the port. Allow significantly more time during peak hours — the A3 through Surrey and the M25 can be heavily congested, particularly on Friday evenings in summer.
Route: A3 → A3(M) → M27 → M275 → Port
Distance: ~75 miles from central London
Clear traffic time: ~1 hr 45 min
Taking car on ferry: Follow signs to vehicle check-in lanes on arrival at port
Leaving car at port: APCOA multi-storey car park at the port — £15 per 24 hours
🚗 Taking your vehicle on the ferry? Follow Brittany Ferries signs from the M275 straight to the vehicle check-in booths. Your boarding card, cabin key, and Wi-Fi code are all issued at the booth. Vehicle check-in closes at 19:30 for the 20:15 sailing — that’s a deadline, not an arrival time, so aim to arrive at least an hour before it. See our full check-in guide for the complete vehicle check-in process.
🅿️ Leaving your car at the port? The APCOA multi-storey at Portsmouth International Port has 525 spaces and is open 24 hours — you pay on arrival by card or through the APCOA Connect app, from £5.50 for up to an hour to £15 for 24 hours. See our Portsmouth Port Guide for full parking prices, locations, and directions.
There is a train route from London to St Malo — but it is not a direct service, and it comes with some significant limitations worth understanding before you choose it over the ferry.
The route involves Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord (approx. 2h 15min), a cross-Paris transfer to Paris Montparnasse, then a TGV to St Malo — either direct (around 2.5 hours) or to Rennes (approx. 1h 30min) followed by a TER regional train to St Malo (approx. 1 hour). Total journey time is typically 5.5–6.5 hours on the fastest connections, though most journeys involve significant waiting time between trains. Tickets from London to St Malo by this route start from around £140+ when booked well in advance.
✅ 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
Two or three separate trains, a cross-Paris transfer, 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 — around 25 minutes’ walk from the ferry port area
Often more expensive than the ferry once you add all segments
For most London to St Malo travellers — particularly anyone bringing a vehicle, cycling, travelling with a pet, or simply wanting to arrive refreshed — the overnight ferry via Portsmouth remains the more practical option. You travel while you sleep, arrive at 08:45 with a full day ahead, and step off the ship just 15–20 minutes’ walk from the walled city. The train gets you there faster on paper, but the ferry experience is categorically different.
From Portsmouth Station to the Ferry Terminal
Once you arrive in Portsmouth, you need to get from the station to Portsmouth International Port (George Byng Way, Portsmouth, PO2 8SP). The port is not immediately adjacent to either station, so allow time for this onward leg — particularly important when planning your train arrival time.
From Portsmouth & Southsea Station
Portsmouth & Southsea is the nearest mainline station to the international ferry port — about 1.8 miles away, roughly 25–30 minutes on foot, 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 further from Portsmouth International Port than Portsmouth & Southsea. 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).
Walking from Portsmouth Harbour to the international port isn’t 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.
💡 Foot passengers from Portsmouth & Southsea: The walk to the port takes around 25–30 minutes. If you are travelling light and the weather is reasonable, walking is a perfectly good option and costs nothing. If you have heavy luggage or are pushing it on time, take a taxi — they are plentiful and inexpensive.
From Station
Walk
Taxi
Bus
Portsmouth & Southsea
25–30 min
~5 min
~9 min
Portsmouth Harbour
Not practical
~5 min
~10 min
The Ferry — Portsmouth to St Malo
The overnight channel crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo is the heart of the London to St Malo journey. It is operated by the MV Saint-Malo — a large, modern hybrid cruise ferry in service on this route since February 2025. The sailing departs Portsmouth at 20:15, crosses the English Channel overnight, and arrives in St Malo at 08:45 French time the following morning — a crossing of around 11 hours 30 minutes. Between 7 and 20 March 2027 the Armorique operates a small number of sailings instead. Vehicles, including cars, motorhomes, caravans, and motorcycles, are loaded onto the car deck before departure and remain there for the duration of the crossing.
🚢 The Ship — MV Saint-Malo
The MV Saint-Malo is Brittany Ferries’ newest vessel on the Portsmouth–St Malo route, in service since February 2025. It carries up to 1,310 passengers and 470 cars, with 386 passenger cabins ranging from standard inside berths to Admiral suites, plus pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible cabins. The ship features restaurants, a bar with live entertainment, duty-free shopping, an Exhibition Gallery, and Wi-Fi throughout.
Cabins are compulsory on the overnight Portsmouth to St Malo sailing on MV Saint-Malo. You cannot travel without a cabin booked — the ship has no reserved seats (the Armorique, on her March 2027 sailings, offers reserved seats as well). 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 and Admiral upgrades with more space and amenities. Cabins start from £70+ per cabin.
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 closes at 19:30 · Foot passengers: check-in closes at 19:15 · Pets: check-in closes at 18:45 (90 minutes before). These are deadlines, not arrival times — aim to arrive at least an hour before yours. If you miss it, the ship will leave without you and you won’t get a refund.
The ferry docks at the Gare Maritime du Naye (signposted Terminal Ferry du Naye), St Malo’s ferry terminal. Arrival is at 08:45 French time, though foot passengers may not clear the port until around 09:15–09:45 — allow buffer time for any onward train connections. If it’s your first trip into the Schengen area since the Entry/Exit System (EES) went fully live on 10 April 2026, you’ll register at St Malo passport control with fingerprints and a photo, so allow extra time. The terminal building is small but has a café, toilets, and a taxi rank immediately outside.
🚶 Walking to St Malo Town Centre
The historic walled city (Intra-Muros) is around 15–20 minutes’ walk from the terminal — making St Malo one of the most convenient ferry arrivals in France. Follow the pedestrian signs 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 on the local Réseau MAT network serves a stop about 3 minutes’ walk from the terminal, next to the swimming pool (La piscine du Naye), and runs into town. Services can be infrequent, so check current times and fares at reseau-mat.fr before you travel.
🚆 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. 1 hour 30 minutes further) and destinations across France; some TGVs also run direct from St Malo to Paris. Book SNCF train tickets in advance at sncf-connect.com for the best prices. See our Portsmouth to Paris guide.
The key constraint for every London to St Malo traveller is the 20:15 ferry departure from Portsmouth. Everything else — your train, your arrival at the port, your check-in — must be planned backwards from that time. Below are practical example timelines for different types of traveller.
🚶 Foot Passenger Timeline (Comfortable)
16:00
Depart London Waterloo on a South Western Railway direct service to Portsmouth & Southsea
~17:45
Arrive Portsmouth & Southsea — take a 5-minute taxi or a 25–30 minute walk to the port
~18:15
Arrive at Portsmouth International Port — an hour before the 19:15 foot passenger deadline — and check in at the Brittany Ferries desk in the terminal building
18:15–20:00
Relax in terminal — Costa Coffee, bar, shops. Security and boarding will be called via tannoy
20:15
MV Saint-Malo departs Portsmouth — dinner, bar, or head straight to your cabin
08:45
Arrive St Malo (French time) — walk 15–20 minutes to the walled city. Full day in Brittany ahead of you
🚗 Vehicle Passenger Timeline
15:30
Depart London — allow extra time for M25 / A3 traffic, particularly on Fridays and in summer
~17:30
Arrive Portsmouth International Port — follow Brittany Ferries signs from M275 to vehicle check-in booths
17:30–19:30
Check in, go through the port’s passport and security checks, proceed to holding lanes — use terminal facilities
19:30
Vehicle check-in closes. This is a deadline, not an arrival time — aim to be there at least an hour before
20:15
MV Saint-Malo departs Portsmouth
08:45
Arrive St Malo (French time) — disembark with vehicle, follow signs out of port
🚨 Missing Check-In: No Refund, No Exceptions
If you arrive after check-in closes, Brittany Ferries will refuse boarding with no refund. The ship will not be held. Always allow extra buffer time — London traffic, train delays, and the transfer from the station to the port can all cause unexpected delays. Arriving 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure gives you comfortable time for everything.
Where to Go After St Malo
Arriving at 08:45 with a full day ahead gives you remarkable flexibility. St Malo itself is a spectacular destination — the walled city, ramparts, beaches, and seafood are all within minutes of the ferry terminal. The port sits in the département of Ille-et-Vilaine on the northern coast of Brittany, placing you at the gateway to some of France’s finest scenery: the Emerald Coast (Côte d’Émeraude) stretches either side of St Malo, from Cancale in the east to Cap Fréhel in the west, with dramatic cliffs, sandy bays, and charming resorts. Beyond the coast, medieval towns, world-class seafood, and the iconic Mont Saint-Michel are all within easy reach.
🏰 St Malo City Guide
Distance: 0 miles — you’re already here Time needed: 6–12 hours Must-see: Intra-Muros walled city, ramparts, Grande Plage du Sillon, fresh seafood
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.
Distance: 35 miles (57km) from St Malo Journey: ~50 mins–1 hour by car or bus Cost: Abbey entry ~€13, bus ~€16–23
The UNESCO World Heritage tidal island is the single most spectacular day trip from St Malo — and from London via the overnight ferry. Arriving at 08:45 means a driver can be at the mount by around 10:30, ahead of the afternoon crowds.
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 15:00–16:00 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 25–30 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. First trip since EES started? Allow extra time at St Malo passport control to register your fingerprints and photo.
💡 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 08:45 with a full day ahead. Budget the cabin cost against what you’d have spent on accommodation.
London to St Malo — Frequently Asked Questions
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 around 15 hours. This includes 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 50 minutes by train from London Waterloo to Portsmouth, the transfer from the station to the port (25–30 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi), time at the port before departure, and the overnight ferry crossing itself of around 11 hours 30 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 25–30 minute walk (or 5-minute taxi) to Portsmouth International Port so you arrive around 18:15 — an hour before 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 overnight Portsmouth to St Malo sailings on MV Saint-Malo, which has no reserved seats. The only exception is the Armorique, which operates a small number of sailings from 7 to 20 March 2027 and also offers reserved seats. 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 20:15 and arrives in St Malo at 08:45 French time the following morning. The crossing takes around 11 hours 30 minutes. 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 — about 1.8 miles away, roughly 25–30 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi. Portsmouth Harbour station is further away and needs 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 2027: advance train ticket from Waterloo to Portsmouth from approximately £10; taxi from station to port approximately £5–7; Brittany Ferries foot passenger fare from £53+ one way, plus a cabin from £70+ (priced per cabin, so cheaper per head when you share). A solo traveller can make the whole trip from around £140, while two people sharing a cabin pay less each. Peak summer and last-minute bookings will be significantly higher.
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 hybrid cruise ferry operated by Brittany Ferries and in service since February 2025. The ship carries up to 1,310 passengers and features 386 cabins, multiple restaurants, a bar, duty-free shopping, Wi-Fi, Video on Demand in every cabin, and an Exhibition Gallery of 150 works by Scottish artist Alexander Goudie. The Armorique operates a small number of sailings instead between 7 and 20 March 2027.
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 Early Bird Brittany Ferries crossing booked 60+ days ahead — particularly off-peak (October to April) and midweek. With a foot passenger fare from £53+ and a cabin from £70+, a solo traveller booking well ahead can cover the full journey by train and ferry from around £135, and sharing a cabin brings the cost per head down further. 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 St Malo, direct or via Rennes) takes around 6–7 hours and suits those travelling light without a vehicle. The overnight ferry from London via Portsmouth takes around 15 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.
✓
Complete Check-In Guide
Step-by-step check-in for cars, foot passengers, cyclists, pets, and motorbikes at Portsmouth
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