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Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry Timetable & Schedule 2027
The Portsmouth to St Malo ferry departs Portsmouth at 20:15 and arrives in St Malo at 08:45 French time the next morning – an overnight crossing of around 11 hours 30 minutes.
This complete Portsmouth to St Malo ferry timetable guide covers departure and arrival times in both directions for late 2026 and 2027 (the current timetable runs to 7 November 2027), seasonal variations, how to choose the right sailing, cabin requirements, check-in times, and everything you need to plan your Portsmouth to St Malo crossing. The MV Saint-Malo – Brittany Ferries’ LNG-electric hybrid ship – has operated this route since February 2025, replacing the Bretagne.
The Portsmouth to St Malo ferry is operated exclusively by Brittany Ferries and runs all year round, sailing overnight from Portsmouth and returning mostly by day from St Malo. With up to 7 sailings per week in July and August, the MV Saint-Malo connects Portsmouth International Port with St Malo’s Gare Maritime du Naye on a crossing that takes around 11 hours 30 minutes outbound and around 8 hours 35 minutes on the daytime return.
Last updated: September 2026 | Times taken from the Brittany Ferries timetable for November 2026 to November 2027
⏰ Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry Timetable at a Glance
Up to 7
Sailings Per Week (July & August)
~11.5 hrs
Overnight Crossing
~8.5 hrs
Daytime Return
Year-Round
4 a week in winter, up to 7 in summer
✅ Brittany Ferries – Sole operator on this route
✅ MV Saint-Malo – LNG-electric hybrid cruise ferry with 386 cabins, Le Jardin self-service restaurant, the CClub lounge, wellness spa, duty-free
✅ Overnight from Portsmouth – Departs 20:15, arrives St Malo 08:45
✅ Daytime from St Malo – Departs 10:45, arrives Portsmouth 18:20
✅ Cabin compulsory on overnight MV Saint-Malo sailings (cabin or reserved seat on Armorique)
Portsmouth to St Malo is an overnight sailing. Brittany Ferries departs Portsmouth International Port in the evening and arrives at St Malo’s Gare Maritime du Naye the following morning – so you wake up in France. The standard departure is 20:15 Portsmouth time, with arrival in St Malo at 08:45 French time.
📌 Time Zone Note: All times shown are local times. Portsmouth is on UK time (GMT/BST); St Malo is on French time (CET/CEST). France is 1 hour ahead of the UK year-round. A 20:15 departure from Portsmouth equals 21:15 French time – the crossing takes around 11 hours 30 minutes.
Departs Portsmouth
Arrives St Malo
Duration
Frequency
Notes
20:15
08:45 (+1 day, French time)
~11h 30m
Every day except Tuesday from 22 March 2027; daily in July and August; Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun in winter
Standard overnight sailing. Cabin compulsory.
20:15
Between 07:10 and 09:45 (+1 day)
Varies
A handful of dates, mainly April–August
Same departure time, earlier or later arrival because of the tides. Cabin compulsory.
20:15 (23:00 on Sun 7 March)
08:45 (+1 day, French time)
~11h 30m
7–19 March 2027 – operated by Armorique
Armorique operates these sailings instead of the Saint-Malo. Cabin or reserved seat compulsory.
+1 indicates arrival the following morning. The 20:15 departure leaves Monday evening and arrives Tuesday morning, for example. In October 2026 most sailings arrive at 08:15, and a few leave later (20:45 or 21:45) because of the tides. Arrival times vary slightly by date – always confirm before booking onward travel.
⚠️ Cabin Required: A cabin is compulsory on all overnight MV Saint-Malo sailings from Portsmouth to St Malo – she has no reserved seats, so you cannot travel without one. On the few Armorique sailings in March, you can book a cabin or a reserved lounge seat. Cabin accommodation is priced separately on top of your fare. Options range from standard 2-berth and 4-berth (inside and outside), 6-berth cabins for larger families, Commodore cabins with breakfast in the Les 8 Trésors lounge, the Admiral suite, plus allergy-friendly, pet-friendly, and wheelchair-accessible cabins.
The crossing route takes the ferry south-west out of the Solent and into the English Channel, passing the Channel Islands before turning into St Malo’s natural harbour. The approach into St Malo – through the Rance estuary with the walled city emerging from the sea – is one of the most dramatic port arrivals in Europe.
Return Journey: St Malo to Portsmouth Timetable 2027
The return from St Malo to Portsmouth runs as a daytime sailing on most days from late March to early November – departing mid-morning and arriving in Portsmouth early evening, giving you a final morning in St Malo. There is also an overnight return on Tuesdays for most of the season, and in winter most returns are overnight.
📌 Daytime Crossing Note: No cabin is required on the daytime St Malo to Portsmouth sailing, although you can book one for privacy and comfort. The daytime crossing takes around 8 hours 35 minutes. You depart St Malo in French time and arrive in Portsmouth in UK time – gaining an hour back on the clock as you cross.
Type
Departs St Malo
Arrives Portsmouth
Duration
Frequency
Daytime
10:45 (French time)
18:20 (UK time)
~8h 35m
Thursday to Monday from late March to early November; every day in July and August; Mondays in winter
Overnight
20:30 (French time)
07:45 (+1 day, UK time)
~12h 15m
Tuesdays from late March to early November (not July or August, apart from 31 August); Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in winter. Cabin compulsory.
Daytime
10:00 (French time)
16:30 (UK time)
~7h 30m
Four Wednesdays only: 7 and 21 July, 4 and 18 August 2027
On a handful of dates the daytime sailing leaves St Malo a little earlier or later – anywhere between 09:40 and 11:45 – because of the tides, still arriving in Portsmouth at 18:20. Until the end of October 2026, most daytime sailings leave at 10:30. Always verify your specific sailing before booking onward travel.
💡 Time Zone Tip for the Return: Departing St Malo at 10:45 French time, you arrive in Portsmouth at 18:20 UK time – the clock actually goes back an hour as you cross. That 10:45 departure is only 09:45 UK time, and the crossing takes roughly 8 hours 35 minutes. Your last morning in St Malo gives you time to walk the ramparts, have breakfast in Intra-Muros, and still make a mid-morning sailing.
Seasonal Timetable Variations – What Changes Month by Month
Unlike shorter Channel crossings, the Portsmouth to St Malo schedule varies significantly by season. The route runs all year round, but Brittany Ferries does not sail every day – frequency, the direction of the return sailing, and even the ship used change through the year.
❄️ Winter (Nov 2026 – mid-March 2027)
Four sailings a week in each direction, all winter. Departures from Portsmouth run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 20:15. Return sailings from St Malo are mostly overnight – 20:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – plus a 10:45 daytime sailing on Mondays. From 7 to 20 March 2027, Armorique operates a small number of sailings instead of the Saint-Malo, on the same pattern (the Sunday 7 March departure leaves at 23:00).
🌸 Spring (late Mar–May 2027)
From 22 March 2027 the Saint-Malo sails from Portsmouth every day except Tuesday. The 10:45 daytime return runs Thursday to Monday, with an overnight return on Tuesdays – there is no sailing from St Malo on Wednesdays. Easter and bank holiday weeks follow the same pattern, so book early.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug 2027)
Peak season – daily sailings in both directions in July and August. June follows the spring pattern (no Tuesday departures from Portsmouth until 29 June). From 29 June to the end of August there is a Portsmouth departure almost every day, and every return is a daytime sailing – including four Wednesdays with an earlier 10:00 departure arriving at 16:30. Book 10–12 weeks ahead for peak July/August dates.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–early Nov 2027)
September and October return to six sailings a week from Portsmouth (every day except Tuesday), with the Tuesday overnight return back in place. The current timetable runs to 7 November 2027; after that the route is expected to drop back to its winter pattern. Until the end of October 2026, sailings run every day except Tuesday.
⚠️ Key Warning – Not a Daily Service: Portsmouth to St Malo only runs every day in July and August. For the rest of the season there is no Tuesday departure from Portsmouth, and from November to mid-March there are only four sailings a week. Always verify your specific travel dates before booking onward travel or accommodation – do not assume a sailing exists without checking.
Ready to Book Your Ferry?
Foot passenger from £53 | Car + 2 passengers from £184 | Admiral suite available
The Portsmouth to St Malo route operates quite differently from shorter Channel crossings – the overnight structure means the choice of direction and sailing time shapes your entire trip.
The Standard Pattern – and Why It Works
Most passengers travel outbound on the 20:15 overnight from Portsmouth and return on the 10:45 daytime sailing from St Malo. This gives you:
✅ A full day in Portsmouth before departure – no need to rush
✅ A comfortable night’s sleep at sea in your cabin
✅ Arrival in St Malo at 08:45 – a full day from the moment you land
✅ A final morning in St Malo before the 10:45 return departure
✅ Back in Portsmouth by 18:20 – home the same evening
The Overnight Portsmouth Departure (20:15) – Best For
Families who want children asleep on the crossing
Anyone maximising time in Brittany – wake up already there
Those travelling to destinations beyond St Malo (Normandy, Paris, Dordogne)
Passengers who prefer not to lose a day travelling
Advantages:
✅ Arrive refreshed with a full day ahead
✅ Save on one night’s hotel accommodation
✅ Relaxed check-in – port is calm in the evening
✅ Departure view of Portsmouth Harbour at dusk
✅ Excellent onboard facilities – Le Jardin self-service restaurant, the CClub lounge, wellness spa, sun deck
Considerations:
⚠️ Cabin is compulsory – factor this into your budget
⚠️ Vehicle check-in closes 45 minutes before departure (19:30 for a 20:15 sailing) – aim to arrive at least an hour before that
⚠️ Prices are higher than daytime-only routes – this is a cruise ferry experience
Perfect Outbound Itinerary:
18:30 – Arrive at Portsmouth port – at least an hour before vehicle check-in closes
19:30 – Vehicle check-in closes (miss it and the ship leaves without you)
20:15 – Departure from Portsmouth International Port
21:00 – Dinner in Le Jardin (self-service) or the Le Littoral restaurant
23:00 – English Channel at night – a nightcap in the Breizh Ma Bro bar
07:45 – Wake up as the Saint-Malo approaches the Rance estuary (French time)
08:45 – Arrive St Malo Gare Maritime du Naye (French time)
The Daytime Return (10:45 from St Malo) – Best For
A final morning in St Malo – breakfast on the ramparts, then board for the 10:45
Families who find it easier to travel with children during daylight
Those who prefer not to need a cabin on the return
Passengers who want a scenic crossing – the Channel looks very different by day
Advantages:
✅ No cabin required (though bookable for privacy)
✅ Daytime views of the Channel Islands and coastline
✅ Typically lower fare than the overnight
✅ Arrive Portsmouth 18:20 – evening to recover at home
✅ Last morning in St Malo – make the most of Intra-Muros
Considerations:
⚠️ Check-in in St Malo closes 45 minutes before the 10:45 departure for vehicles – check out of your accommodation in good time
⚠️ St Malo port is a 15–20 min walk from Intra-Muros (allow time)
⚠️ Not available on every day – in spring and autumn there is no daytime return on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and in winter it runs on Mondays only
The Overnight Return (20:30 from St Malo) – Best For
Available on Tuesdays from late March to early November (except July and most of August), and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in winter. This maximises your final day in France completely – depart in the evening, arrive Portsmouth at 07:45 UK time the following morning.
✅ A full final day in St Malo – right up to dinner time
✅ Arrive Portsmouth early – drive home in the morning with roads clear
⚠️ Cabin is compulsory on the overnight return too (or a reserved seat on Armorique)
⚠️ Only runs on set days – check availability on the Brittany Ferries site
💡 Cabin Recommendation: Even on daytime sailings, consider booking an outside cabin. The MV Saint-Malo’s sea-view cabins are a genuine pleasure – quiet, private, and the views approaching St Malo through the Rance estuary are worth being awake and settled for. Commodore and Admiral cabins include breakfast in the private Les 8 Trésors lounge, or a continental breakfast served in your cabin on overnight sailings. See all cabin types and prices here.
Getting to Portsmouth Ferry Port
Portsmouth International Port is well-connected by road, rail, and coach. For a 20:15 departure, vehicle check-in closes at 19:30 (19:15 for foot passengers, 18:45 with a pet) – aim to arrive at least an hour before your check-in deadline.
🚗 By Car
Exit M27 at Junction 12, take M275 south to Portsmouth. Follow blue ferry port signs. Portsmouth International Port: George Byng Way, Portsmouth PO2 8SP. Long-stay multi-storey parking (APCOA) available at the port.
🚂 By Train
Direct trains from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour (around 1h30–1h50). Also direct from Brighton (1h 10m) and Southampton (50m). Portsmouth Harbour station is the closest to the international port – a short taxi ride or around a 30-minute walk.
🚌 By Coach
National Express coaches operate from London Victoria and other UK cities to Portsmouth. Foot passengers travelling by coach should allow extra time to transfer from the coach station to the port.
🛳️ At the Port
Portsmouth International Port has a Costa Coffee and bar, a travel shop (open 06:00–22:30), free Wi-Fi, left luggage, and baby-changing facilities. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure for vehicles, 60 minutes for foot passengers and cyclists, and 90 minutes with a pet.
The MV Saint-Malo – What to Expect Onboard
Brittany Ferries operates the MV Saint-Malo on the Portsmouth to St Malo route – an LNG-electric hybrid cruise ferry that entered service in February 2025, replacing the veteran Bretagne. She is powered by a combination of liquefied natural gas and a 12MWh battery – described as the world’s largest marine battery when it was installed in 2024 – which lets her manoeuvre into and out of port on battery power. With 1,310 passengers, 386 cabins including 28 pet-friendly, and restaurants, a wellness spa, and the CClub lounge, the crossing is very much part of the holiday rather than just a way to get there.
🍽️
Restaurants
Le Jardin self-service restaurant (locally sourced Breton cuisine – vegetables grown on Brittany partner farms) and the Le Littoral restaurant. French chefs throughout. Widely praised quality.
🍸
The CClub & Bar
The CClub is an exclusive lounge with panoramic sea views and a premium buffet – CClub breakfast and dinner can be pre-booked. The Breizh Ma Bro bar is the ship’s bar, and La Plage on Deck 7 is a beach-themed lounge with an outdoor terrace – both ideal for the evening crossing.
🛏️
Cabins
386 cabins across six grades: standard 2-berth and 4-berth (inside/outside), 6-berth for larger families, plus allergy-friendly, 28 pet-friendly, and wheelchair-accessible. Commodore and Admiral guests receive breakfast in the Les 8 Trésors private lounge, or in their cabin on overnight sailings. Admiral suite: 27m², queen bed, separate lounge, plus a Le Littoral table reservation and free Wi-Fi.
🛍️
Duty-Free & Shops
Duty-free shop selling perfume, spirits, wine, and French specialities. A genuine incentive to cross by ferry over the tunnel.
🌅
Sun Decks & Wellness Spa
Open sun decks for watching the departure from Portsmouth Harbour and – best of all – the morning arrival into St Malo through the Rance estuary. There is also a wellness room/spa on board.
👨👩👧
Family Facilities
Children’s entertainment programme in school holidays. Pierre Le Bear mascot during peak season. Cots in cabin available for infants under 24 months.
💡 Arrival Experience: Set an alarm for around 07:45 French time on your outbound crossing. The Saint-Malo’s approach into St Malo through the Rance estuary – with the walled city appearing on the port side, Fort National emerging from the sea, and Dinard’s villas glittering to starboard – is genuinely spectacular. The sun deck fills quickly, so claim your spot early. This is the one ferry arrival in Europe worth losing sleep for.
Plan Your Full Journey
Everything you need for a smooth Portsmouth to St Malo crossing
Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry crossing?
The overnight Portsmouth to St Malo crossing takes around 11 hours 30 minutes. The standard departure is 20:15 from Portsmouth, arriving 08:45 St Malo time the following morning. The daytime return from St Malo to Portsmouth takes around 8 hours 35 minutes, departing 10:45 French time and arriving 18:20 UK time. The overnight return leaves St Malo at 20:30 and arrives in Portsmouth at 07:45 the next morning – around 12 hours 15 minutes, timed so you arrive at a sensible hour.
Which ferry company operates Portsmouth to St Malo?
Brittany Ferries is the sole operator on the Portsmouth to St Malo route. The MV Saint-Malo sails the route all year, with the Armorique operating a small number of sailings instead of her in March 2027. The Saint-Malo is a full cruise ferry with cabins, restaurants (Le Jardin self-service and Le Littoral), the CClub lounge, a wellness spa, sun decks, duty-free shopping, and 28 pet-friendly cabins. There is no other operator, and there is no fast ferry or budget option on this route.
Do I need a cabin on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
Yes – a cabin is compulsory on all overnight MV Saint-Malo sailings from Portsmouth to St Malo. She has no reserved seats, so you cannot travel on the overnight crossing without booking a cabin. On the few Armorique sailings in March, you can choose a cabin or a reserved lounge seat. Cabin options include standard 2-berth (inside and outside), 4-berth (inside and outside), 6-berth for larger families, Commodore cabins (2-berth; some 3-berth) with breakfast in the exclusive Les 8 Trésors lounge or in your cabin on overnight sailings, and the Admiral suite (27m², queen bed, separate lounge, the same breakfast options). Allergy-friendly, pet-friendly, and wheelchair-accessible options are also available. On the daytime return (St Malo to Portsmouth), a cabin is not required, though you can book one if you prefer privacy and somewhere to relax. Overnight sailings from St Malo also require a cabin.
How much does the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry cost in 2027?
Foot passenger fares start from approximately £53. A car plus 2 passengers starts from £184 each way (off-peak, booked 3+ months ahead) – cabin accommodation is priced additionally on top of this. Standard cabins start from around £70+ per cabin. Peak summer fares rise to £250+ for a car. Book early and avoid school holidays for the best prices.
How many sailings per week does Portsmouth to St Malo have?
Up to 7 sailings per week in July and August, when the ferry leaves Portsmouth every day. From 22 March to early November 2027 there are 6 a week (every day except Tuesday), and from November 2026 to mid-March 2027 there are 4 a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Always check Brittany Ferries for your specific travel dates before assuming a sailing is available.
What time should I arrive at Portsmouth port for the ferry?
Vehicle check-in closes 45 minutes before departure – 19:30 for a 20:15 sailing. For foot passengers and cyclists it closes 60 minutes before (19:15), and for passengers travelling with pets it closes 90 minutes before (18:45). These are deadlines – miss them and the ship leaves without you. Aim to arrive at Portsmouth International Port at least an hour before your check-in deadline.
Can I travel as a foot passenger on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
Yes – foot passengers are welcome on all sailings. Portsmouth Harbour station is around a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride from Portsmouth International Port (George Byng Way, PO2 8SP). In St Malo, the Gare Maritime du Naye is about a 20-minute walk from the Intra-Muros old town. Local buses and taxis serve both ports. A cabin is still compulsory for foot passengers on overnight MV Saint-Malo sailings.
What is the time difference between Portsmouth and St Malo?
France is 1 hour ahead of the UK year-round. When you depart Portsmouth at 20:15 UK time, it is already 21:15 in St Malo. When you arrive in St Malo at 08:45 French time, it is 07:45 in Portsmouth. On the return, departing St Malo at 10:45 French time means it is 09:45 in Portsmouth – and you arrive at 18:20 UK time. Both countries observe daylight saving time, so the 1-hour difference remains constant in summer and winter.
Ready to Book Your Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry?
Foot passenger from £53 | Car + 2 passengers from £184 | Cabins from £70+ | Commodore and Admiral suites available
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