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Southampton to St Malo by Ferry: Complete 2027 Guide
This is the complete Southampton to St Malo by ferry guide for 2027. The Brittany Ferries sailing from Southampton via Portsmouth is the most practical way to reach France by ferry from Hampshire — and for residents of Southampton and South Hampshire, it is extraordinarily convenient. Portsmouth International Port is just 15 miles away, reachable in around 40–45 minutes by train or 26 minutes by car along the M27. Combine that with the overnight Channel crossing aboard the MV Saint-Malo — departing Portsmouth at 20:15 and arriving St Malo at 08:45 French time the following morning — and Southampton residents have one of the shortest, simplest routes to Brittany anywhere in the UK.
This guide covers every way to get from Southampton to Portsmouth International Port, the English Channel crossing itself, arrival in St Malo, step-by-step journey timelines, and expert tips to make the journey as smooth as possible — whether you’re travelling as a foot passenger or taking a vehicle on the ferry to France.
Last updated: October 2026 | All timings, prices and transport details verified
There is no direct ferry from Southampton to France — but you do not need one. Portsmouth International Port, the UK departure point for the Brittany Ferries crossing to St Malo, is just 15 miles from Southampton city centre. It is the closest major ferry port to Southampton for France, reachable in around 40–45 minutes by train or 26 minutes by car via the M27. For anyone living in Southampton or across South Hampshire, this is genuinely the most convenient Channel crossing in the UK — a short hop to Portsmouth, an overnight crossing of the English Channel, and you wake up in Brittany.
✅ Why Southampton works so well for this crossing
Just 15 miles from Portsmouth International Port
Direct trains take around 40–45 minutes to Portsmouth & Southsea
Up to 58 trains per day — simply turn up and go
By car via the M27: ~26 minutes in clear traffic
No need to pre-book the train — anytime fare ~£13.80
Arrive at port relaxed, with hours to spare
🗺️ Who this guide is for
This guide is written for anyone travelling from Southampton, or from the wider South Hampshire area — including Winchester, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Romsey, and the New Forest. All road and rail directions are from Southampton Central or Southampton city centre outward to Portsmouth. If you are travelling from further afield, see our London to St Malo guide.
Getting from Southampton to Portsmouth
There are two practical options for Southampton residents: train or car. The train is the recommended choice for foot passengers and those not taking a vehicle on the ferry — it is fast, frequent, and requires no advance booking. Driving is the natural choice for anyone taking their vehicle across to France.
🚆 Option 1: Train — Southampton Central to Portsmouth (Recommended)
South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, and Southern all operate direct services from Southampton Central to Portsmouth throughout the day and into the night. The sheer frequency — up to 58 trains per day — means you can effectively turn up at Southampton Central at any time and be on a train within minutes. There is no meaningful reason to pre-book unless you want to lock in a specific cheap advance fare.
Depart from: Southampton Central
Alight at: Portsmouth & Southsea (nearest to port)
Direct journey: around 40–45 minutes to Portsmouth & Southsea (44–48 minutes to Portsmouth Harbour)
Average journey: ~51–59 minutes depending on service
Frequency: Up to 58 trains per day — extremely frequent
Fares: Anytime from ~£13.80 · Advance from ~£11.50
⚠️ Which Portsmouth station? Trains from Southampton serve both Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour. For the Brittany Ferries terminal, alight at Portsmouth & Southsea — it is about 1.8 miles from Portsmouth International Port, roughly a 25–30 minute walk or a 5-minute taxi. Portsmouth Harbour station is further from the international terminal — take a bus or taxi from there.
💡 No need to pre-book: With up to 58 trains a day between Southampton and Portsmouth, you can simply turn up at Southampton Central and board the next service. For the 20:15 ferry, catching any train that arrives in Portsmouth by 17:30–18:00 gives you comfortable time to get to the port and check in. The anytime fare of ~£13.80 is so reasonable there is little incentive to chase an advance ticket unless you want the certainty of a specific service.
🚗 Option 2: Driving — Southampton to Portsmouth International Port
For anyone taking a vehicle on the ferry, driving to the port is the obvious choice. The route is almost entirely motorway — M27 east from Southampton to junction 12, then the M275 directly into Portsmouth International Port. In clear traffic it takes approximately 26–28 minutes for roughly 19 miles. There is very little reason to stress about this leg — even in moderate traffic it rarely exceeds 45 minutes.
Route: M27 East → M275 → Port
Distance: ~19 miles, mainly motorway
Clear traffic time: ~26–28 minutes
No tolls on the route
🚗 Taking your vehicle on the ferry? Follow Brittany Ferries signs from the M275 to the vehicle check-in booths. 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 step-by-step vehicle check-in.
🅿️ 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 and directions.
📊 Southampton to Portsmouth — Quick Comparison
Option
Time
Cost
Best for
🚆 Train (SWR/GWR/Southern)
40–59 min
From ~£11.50
Foot passengers — no booking needed, very frequent
🚗 Car (M27)
~26–28 min
Fuel only (~£3–4)
Vehicle passengers taking car on ferry or parking at port
Once you arrive in Portsmouth by train, you need to get to Portsmouth International Port (George Byng Way, Portsmouth, PO2 8SP) — the Brittany Ferries terminal. The port is not directly adjacent to either station, so allow time for this final leg.
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’ walk, or a 5-minute taxi from the rank directly outside the station.
First Bus and Stagecoach also serve the port from the city centre — approximately 9–11 minutes from the station area.
From Portsmouth Harbour Station
Portsmouth Harbour is further from Portsmouth International Port than Portsmouth & Southsea. Take a bus from The Hard Interchange (First Bus, approximately 8–11 minutes, buses every 5 minutes) or a taxi (approximately 5 minutes, ~£11–13).
Walking from Portsmouth Harbour to the international port isn’t practical with luggage.
By Taxi from Either Station
Taxis are available from ranks outside both stations. From Portsmouth & Southsea approximately 5 minutes. From Portsmouth Harbour approximately 5 minutes. Uber also operates in Portsmouth.
Given the short overall journey from Southampton, a taxi at Portsmouth is a perfectly affordable final step — typically £5–8 from Portsmouth & Southsea.
💡 Southampton travellers have it easy here. Because the train journey is so short, you can afford to be generous with your timing. Catch a train that arrives in Portsmouth by 17:45 or earlier — take the 5-minute taxi to the port — and you will be at Portsmouth International Port by around 18:00, more than an hour before foot passenger check-in closes at 19:15. There is no need to rush.
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 Brittany Ferries Channel crossing 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 and arrives in St Malo at 08:45 French time the following morning — around 11 hours 30 minutes at sea, crossing the English Channel and entering the Gulf of Saint-Malo before arriving on the Côte d’Émeraude. Between 7 and 20 March 2027 the Armorique operates a small number of sailings instead. For Southampton travellers, this is particularly compelling: you can leave home in the late afternoon, be at the port by 18:00, and wake up in Brittany the next morning without a single moment of stress.
🚢 The Ship — MV Saint-Malo
The MV Saint-Malo is Brittany Ferries’ newest vessel on this 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 options. Restaurants, bar, duty-free, an Exhibition Gallery, and Wi-Fi throughout.
Cabins are compulsory on this overnight sailing on MV Saint-Malo. You cannot travel without one — the ship has no reserved seats (the Armorique, on her March 2027 sailings, offers reserved seats too). Book your cabin at the same time as your ferry ticket. Cabin types include 2-berth and 4-berth inside and outside options, pet-friendly cabins, and Commodore and Admiral upgrades. Cabins start from £70+ per cabin.
Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for vehicles and 60 minutes before for foot passengers. For the 20:15 sailing it closes at 19:30 for vehicles · 19:15 for foot passengers · 18:45 with pets. 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) in St Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany. Arrival is at 08:45 French time, though foot passengers clearing the port can expect around 09:15–09:45 in practice — allow buffer time for any onward 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 has a café, toilets, and a taxi rank directly outside.
🚶 Walking to St Malo Town Centre
The historic walled city (Intra-Muros) is around 15–20 minutes’ walk from the terminal — step off the ship and you are almost immediately in one of France’s most dramatic medieval cities.
🚕 Taxi from Terminal
Taxis wait outside the terminal. To the town centre approximately €8 (€10 after 19:00 and on Sundays/public holidays). To St Malo train station (Gare de Saint-Malo) approximately €8.50–12.50.
🚌 Bus to Town Centre
Ligne 8 (Réseau MAT) runs approximately every 60 minutes between the terminal and town centre / train station. Bus stop is 3 minutes’ walk from the terminal, next to the swimming pool (La piscine du Naye). Fare approximately €2. Check current times at reseau-mat.fr.
🚆 Onward by Train from St Malo
St Malo train station is approximately 25 minutes’ walk from the terminal. SNCF TER services to Rennes (~49min–1hr), connecting to TGV services to Paris Montparnasse and beyond; some TGVs also run direct from St Malo to Paris. Book at sncf-connect.com. See our Portsmouth to Paris guide.
Everything revolves around the 20:15 ferry departure from Portsmouth. Southampton’s proximity means the UK leg is straightforward — you do not need to leave home particularly early to make this sailing comfortably.
🚶 Foot Passenger Timeline (Comfortable)
17:00
Depart Southampton Central on a direct service to Portsmouth & Southsea — no booking required, frequent trains
~17:45
Arrive Portsmouth & Southsea — 5-minute taxi or 25–30 minute walk to Portsmouth International Port
~18:00
Arrive at Portsmouth International Port — more than an hour before the 19:15 foot passenger deadline — and check in at the Brittany Ferries desk in the terminal building
18:00–20:00
Relax in the terminal — Costa Coffee, bar, shops. Security and boarding 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) — 15–20 minute walk to the walled city. Full day in Brittany ahead of you
🚗 Vehicle Passenger Timeline
17:00
Depart Southampton — via M27 East, then M275 into port. Allow extra time if travelling on a Friday evening in summer
~17:30
Arrive Portsmouth International Port — follow Brittany Ferries signs to vehicle check-in booths
17:30–19:30
Check in, go through the port’s passport and security checks, then the holding lanes — use terminal facilities while you wait
19:30
Vehicle check-in closes. This is a deadline, not an arrival time — aim to be at the port 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 into Brittany
🚨 Missing Check-In: No Refund, No Exceptions
If you arrive after check-in closes, the ship will leave without you and Brittany Ferries won’t give you a refund. Even though the journey from Southampton to the port is short, allow ample buffer time — the M27 can slow significantly around the Fareham and Portsmouth junctions during peak hours. Aim to be at the port at least an hour before your deadline; arriving by 17:30 for a 20:15 sailing gives you extra breathing room and is a good idea on busy summer days.
Where to Go After St Malo
Arriving at 08:45 with a full day ahead, the options are exceptional. St Malo’s walled city is minutes from the port. Beyond it, Brittany and Normandy offer some of France’s finest scenery, food, and history — easily reached by car from St Malo or by SNCF train from Gare de Saint-Malo.
🏰 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
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 St Malo is Brittany’s maritime jewel.
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 must-see day trip from St Malo. Arriving at 08:45 means a driver can be at the mount by around 10:30, ahead of the afternoon crowds.
Book the ferry (and your cabin) first — as early as you can, ideally 6–12 months ahead for summer. The train from Southampton Central to Portsmouth is so frequent that you can simply turn up on the day without any pre-booking. Focus your attention on securing the Brittany Ferries reservation and cabin type you want; the short train leg takes care of itself.
💡 The M27 Can Slow at Peak Times
The distance from Southampton to Portsmouth along the M27 is short, but the motorway can slow significantly around the Fareham, Cosham, and Hilsea junctions on Friday evenings in summer. Peak holiday traffic across South Hampshire — particularly in July and August when much of the region heads to Portsmouth for the ferry — can push the drive time to 45–60 minutes rather than the usual 26–28 minutes. Leave Southampton by 16:30 at the latest on a summer Friday to be safe.
💡 Book Cabin Early — Especially Summer
Cabins are compulsory on the overnight crossing and sell out well in advance during June, July, and August. Book your cabin type and berth numbers at the same time as your ferry ticket — do not treat it as an afterthought. Commodore upgrades are worth considering for a more comfortable crossing.
💡 Check Your Passport Before You Travel
UK passport rules for France: must be issued within the last 10 years AND have at least 3 months’ validity remaining after your planned departure from France — both must apply. Check every passport in the party, including children’s. Passports renewed before October 2018 may have extra months added to the expiry date, which don’t count. First trip since EES started? Allow extra time at St Malo passport control to register your fingerprints and photo.
💡 Don’t Cut It Fine at the Port
The short distance from Southampton can create a false sense of security. Vehicle check-in closes at 19:30 and foot passenger check-in at 19:15 — these are deadlines, so arriving at 19:00 leaves almost no margin. Aim to be at Portsmouth International Port at least an hour before your deadline (by 18:30 with a vehicle, 18:15 on foot), and earlier still on busy summer Fridays.
💡 The Overnight Ferry Replaces a Hotel Night
You leave Southampton in the early evening, sleep in a cabin at sea, and wake up in Brittany at 08:45 with a full day ahead. The cabin cost effectively replaces a hotel night — and you arrive fresher than if you had made a long daytime journey overland.
Southampton to St Malo — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Southampton to St Malo by ferry?
Take a direct train from Southampton Central to Portsmouth & Southsea (around 40–45 minutes on a direct service, up to 58 trains per day, from ~£11.50), then a 5-minute taxi or 25–30 minute walk to Portsmouth International Port. From Portsmouth, take the Brittany Ferries overnight crossing on the MV Saint-Malo, departing at 20:15 and arriving in St Malo at 08:45 French time the following morning.
How long does it take to get from Southampton to St Malo?
The total door-to-door journey time from Southampton to St Malo by ferry is around 15 hours if you leave Southampton at about 17:00. This includes around 40–60 minutes by train from Southampton Central to Portsmouth, a short transfer to the port, time at the port before the 20:15 departure, and the overnight crossing of around 11 hours 30 minutes, arriving at 08:45 French time in St Malo.
Do I need to pre-book the train from Southampton to Portsmouth?
No — you do not need to pre-book the train from Southampton to Portsmouth. With up to 58 trains per day between Southampton Central and Portsmouth, you can simply turn up and board the next service. The anytime fare is approximately £13.80 one way. What you do need to pre-book — ideally several months ahead — is the Brittany Ferries Channel crossing itself, particularly during summer when cabins on the overnight sailing sell out well in advance.
How far is Southampton from Portsmouth ferry port?
Southampton is approximately 15 miles (25km) from Portsmouth International Port as the crow flies and approximately 19 miles (31km) by road via the M27 and M275. Direct trains from Southampton Central take around 40–45 minutes to Portsmouth & Southsea. By car via the M27 takes approximately 26–28 minutes in clear traffic. This makes Southampton the closest major UK city to the port.
What time should I leave Southampton for the 20:15 Portsmouth ferry?
For a comfortable arrival with time to spare, leave Southampton Central by train at around 17:00. This gets you to Portsmouth & Southsea by approximately 17:45, and after a short taxi you will be at Portsmouth International Port by around 18:00 — more than an hour before foot passenger check-in closes at 19:15. For vehicle passengers, check-in closes at 19:30 — aim to have your car at the port by 18:30 at the latest, or earlier on summer Fridays. Miss the deadline and the ship will leave without you, with no refund.
Is there a direct ferry from Southampton to St Malo or France?
There is no direct ferry from Southampton to St Malo and no direct ferry from Southampton to France at all — Southampton does not have its own international ferry terminal for France. The nearest ferry port for France from Southampton is Portsmouth International Port, approximately 15 miles away. Brittany Ferries from Southampton’s perspective means travelling to Portsmouth first — a quick train ride of around 40–45 minutes or a 26-minute drive — then boarding the overnight crossing to St Malo. This Hampshire ferry connection via Portsmouth is by far the most practical and popular route to France for Southampton and South Hampshire residents.
Do I need a cabin on the Southampton 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 exception is the Armorique, which operates a small number of sailings from 7 to 20 March 2027 and also offers reserved seats. Book your cabin as part of your ferry reservation, not as an add-on later. During peak summer months (June–August), popular cabin types sell out well in advance.
Can I drive from Southampton to the ferry port and leave my car there?
Yes — the APCOA multi-storey car park at Portsmouth International Port has 525 spaces, 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. The drive from Southampton to the port via the M27 and M275 takes approximately 26–28 minutes in clear traffic. See our Portsmouth Port Guide for full parking prices, locations, and directions.
What is the cheapest way from Southampton to St Malo?
The cheapest way from Southampton to St Malo is by ferry via Portsmouth, booking well in advance. Book your Brittany Ferries ticket as early as you can — Early Bird fares are available 60+ days ahead — to access the lowest prices. Foot passenger fares start from £53+ one way, plus a cabin from £70+ (priced per cabin, so cheaper per head when you share). For the UK leg, advance train tickets from Southampton Central to Portsmouth & Southsea start from approximately £11.50 — though the anytime fare of £13.80 is so cheap there is little pressure to book ahead. There is no meaningfully cheaper alternative: the overland route via Eurostar, TGV, and TER from Southampton takes over 9 hours, involves multiple changes, and typically costs considerably more than the ferry once you factor in all legs.
How do I get from Southampton to St Malo without a car?
Travel as a foot passenger: take the train from Southampton Central to Portsmouth & Southsea, then a 5-minute taxi or 25–30 minute walk to Portsmouth International Port, then board the Brittany Ferries crossing as a foot passenger. You do not need a vehicle — the MV Saint-Malo carries foot passengers, cyclists, and motorbike riders as well as cars. Once in St Malo, the walled city is a 15–20 minute walk from the terminal and you can reach Rennes by SNCF TER in around an hour to connect with TGV services across France. See our dedicated foot passenger guide for full details.
How long is the ferry crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo?
The overnight Brittany Ferries crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo takes around 11 hours 30 minutes. The ferry departs Portsmouth at 20:15 and arrives at the Gare Maritime du Naye in St Malo at 08:45 French time the following morning. The crossing covers roughly 130–140 nautical miles across the English Channel and the Gulf of Saint-Malo. On MV Saint-Malo cabins are compulsory overnight — you sleep on board and wake up in Brittany.
Can I take my pet from Southampton to St Malo on the ferry?
Yes — pets are welcome on Brittany Ferries if you’re travelling with a vehicle. The MV Saint-Malo has kennels and pet-friendly cabins available, and there is an on-deck exercise area. Dogs must be on a lead and muzzled whenever they’re outside their kennel, cabin or vehicle. Since 22 April 2026, GB residents need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip — EU pet passports are no longer valid for GB residents travelling to the EU — plus proof of microchipping and up-to-date rabies vaccination. For the 20:15 sailing, pet check-in closes at 18:45 — 90 minutes before departure, earlier than for passengers without pets. Book a pet-friendly cabin at the time of your ferry reservation. See our pets guide.
More Portsmouth to St Malo Guides
✓
Complete Check-In Guide
Step-by-step check-in for cars, foot passengers, cyclists, pets, and motorbikes at Portsmouth
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