Portsmouth to St Malo as a Foot Passenger: The Complete 2026 Guide

Travelling as a foot passenger on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry is entirely possible — and for many travellers, it’s the smartest way to cross. Whether you’re heading to St Malo for a city break, catching a train into Brittany or beyond, or simply prefer to travel light, this guide covers everything you need to know. From check-in at Portsmouth International Port to disembarking in St Malo and getting into town, we walk you through every step of the journey with verified 2026 information.

Last updated: February 2026 | Information verified from Brittany Ferries and Portsmouth International Port official sources

Family on Brittany ferries, Portsmouth to St Malo foot passenger

🚶 Foot Passenger Fast Facts

£49+

Foot passenger from

60 min

Check-in before departure

2 × 20kg

Max luggage recommended

~10 min

St Malo town on foot

✅ Foot passengers are welcome on all Portsmouth to St Malo sailings — no vehicle required
✅ Cabins are compulsory on overnight sailings — you cannot travel without one
✅ No luggage check-in — you carry everything yourself from terminal to cabin
✅ Pets are not permitted for foot passengers — a vehicle is required to travel with pets
✅ Valid passport required — no other document will be accepted for travel

Book Your Foot Passenger Ticket

Foot passenger fares from ~£49 | Overnight sailing with compulsory cabin | Book early for the best prices

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Can You Travel as a Foot Passenger on the Portsmouth to St Malo Ferry?

Yes — foot passengers are fully welcomed on all Portsmouth to St Malo sailings operated by Brittany Ferries. Unlike some French ferry routes where a vehicle is required, this route has always accommodated foot passengers and cycle tourists as well as those travelling light with a bag or two.

The key thing to understand before booking is the difference between the overnight outbound sailing and the daytime return. The departure from Portsmouth (around 20:15) is an overnight crossing arriving in St Malo at around 08:15. On this sailing, a cabin is compulsory — every foot passenger must book one. The return sailing from St Malo (around 10:30) is a daytime crossing arriving in Portsmouth at around 18:20, and on this sailing a cabin is optional.

⚠️ One important restriction: Pets cannot travel with foot passengers. If you are travelling with a dog, cat or other pet, you must have a vehicle to transport them in a pet-friendly cabin or kennel. The only exception is a registered assistance dog — if you need to travel as a foot passenger with a registered assistance dog, contact Brittany Ferries directly to arrange this.

Foot Passenger Prices 2026

Foot passenger fares on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry are considerably cheaper than travelling with a car, and represent excellent value for a long overnight crossing with a cruise-ferry experience. These are typical starting prices for 2026 — actual fares vary by date, season, and how far in advance you book.

Ticket Type	From Price	Notes
Foot Passenger	£49+ + Cabin	No cabin required. Lounges, restaurants, and decks available.
+ 4-Berth Inside Cabin	£70+	Budget option. Bunk beds, ensuite, VOD. Best value for groups of 3–4.
+ 2-Berth Inside Club Cabin	£100+	Twin beds, ensuite, tea & coffee, VOD. Comfortable solo or couple option.
+ 2-Berth Commodore Cabin	£140+	Queen bed, sea view, Les 8 Trésors lounge & breakfast included.

💡 Price tip: Foot passenger fares are priced per person, and cabin costs are per cabin — not per person. If you’re travelling as a couple or group of three, sharing a cabin brings the cost per head down considerably. A 4-berth inside cabin at £70+ shared four ways works out at just £17.50 per person — exceptional value for an ensuite berth on an overnight sailing. Book 6–12 months ahead for the best prices.

Getting to Portsmouth International Port as a Foot Passenger

Portsmouth International Port is one of the best-connected ferry terminals in the UK for foot passengers. It’s served by direct trains from London, a National Express coach route, and local bus services — and it’s also walkable from the city centre.

🚆 By Train

The fastest and most popular option for foot passengers. Direct trains from London Waterloo take just 85 minutes to Portsmouth. Services also run from Brighton, Gatwick Airport, Southampton, Cardiff and the Midlands.

Two stations serve the port: Portsmouth & Southsea (30-minute walk, or £5 taxi) and Portsmouth Harbour (slightly closer to the ferry terminal). Taxis are readily available at both stations — allow 5–10 minutes by taxi.

🚌 By Coach

National Express operates regular coach services directly to Portsmouth International Port terminal from London Victoria and Heathrow Airport, with connections from across the UK. Buy tickets in advance for the best fares.

Local buses also serve the port: Stagecoach route 20 and First Bus routes 8, X4 and X9 all stop nearby.

🚶 On Foot / By Taxi

The port is approximately 20 minutes’ walk from Portsmouth city centre and around 30 minutes from Portsmouth & Southsea station on foot. The walk is flat and straightforward.

Taxis queue at a rank outside the terminal building. If arriving by train, a taxi to the port costs around £5.

⚠️ Portsmouth Clean Air Zone: Portsmouth has a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) affecting certain older vehicles. If you’re arriving by taxi or rideshare, this won’t affect you — but be aware if you’re being dropped off by a vehicle that might be subject to the charge. Check the government CAZ checker at gov.uk if unsure.

🏨 Staying nearby before your crossing? The overnight sailing departs at around 20:15, so if you’re travelling from further afield, consider staying in Portsmouth the night before. The city has good accommodation options near the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays, both within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal.

Step-by-Step: Checking In at Portsmouth as a Foot Passenger

The process for foot passengers is slightly different to vehicle passengers — you won’t be queuing in car lanes, but there are still specific steps to follow. Here’s exactly what to expect.

Arrive at the Brittany Ferries Terminal Building

Follow signs to Portsmouth International Port and then the Brittany Ferries terminal building. As a foot passenger, you do not need to join the vehicle check-in lanes — head directly into the terminal building. You must check in at least 60 minutes before departure. For the 20:15 sailing, aim to arrive by 18:45 at the latest — earlier is better during peak season.

Check In at the Brittany Ferries Desk

Go to the Brittany Ferries check-in desk inside the terminal. Have your booking reference and valid passports ready for all passengers in your party. If you’ve pre-booked a cabin, your cabin number will be printed on your boarding card — which also acts as your cabin key. The Wi-Fi code for the ship is also printed on your boarding card.

Use the Terminal Facilities

Once checked in, you can relax in the terminal before boarding. Facilities include a Costa Coffee and bar on the mezzanine floor, a travel essentials shop (open 06:00–22:30), free and payable Wi-Fi, toilets, baby changing, a free water refill station, and a tourist information desk. Left luggage is available at the security desk for £10 per item. Listen out for boarding announcements.

Boarding — Passport Control & Security

When boarding is announced, make your way to the boarding gate with your boarding card and passport ready. Passport control takes place first, followed by security. Random spot checks are carried out at security — cooperate with officials and keep your bags accessible. After security, you will be directed to a bus which drives you to the foot passenger gangway.

Boarding the Ship

A bus transports foot passengers to the ship — you carry your own luggage. There is no luggage assistance between the terminal and the ship. Note that due to renovation work at Portsmouth, the passenger gangway is currently not in use — foot passenger disembarkation is through the garage on arrival, and may only begin 30 minutes after the ship docks. Plan your onward connections accordingly.

💡 Special needs: If you have any mobility requirements or other special travel needs, contact Brittany Ferries at least 48 hours before departure so they can make appropriate arrangements. Adapted minibuses are available for disabled foot passengers at Portsmouth.

Luggage as a Foot Passenger

This is arguably the most important practical consideration for foot passengers. Unlike travelling by car — where luggage stays in the vehicle until you disembark — foot passengers carry everything themselves throughout the journey. There are no porters and no baggage handlers.

📏 Luggage Limits

Brittany Ferries recommends a maximum of two pieces of luggage weighing 20kg each per passenger. This is a recommendation, not a hard limit — but it reflects the practical reality of carrying your bags through the terminal, onto a bus, up a gangway, and along ship corridors.

We recommend travelling with a wheeled suitcase and a backpack — the suitcase can be stored in the onboard luggage area while you keep your overnight essentials in the backpack for the cabin.

🧳 Luggage Storage Onboard

There is a designated luggage storage area on each ship where you can leave larger bags during the crossing. You don’t need to carry bags into your cabin if you don’t want to — leave the suitcase in the luggage area and just take overnight essentials to your cabin.

Most foot passengers take toiletries, pyjamas, a phone charger, and their travel documents to the cabin, and store larger bags separately.

🔒 Terminal Left Luggage

At Portsmouth International Port, left luggage is available at the security desk for £10 per item, open 05:30–23:59. This is useful if you’re arriving at the port early and want to explore Portsmouth before your sailing.

Luggage cannot be left overnight. Passenger use only.

⚠️ No luggage assistance: Brittany Ferries does not provide any assistance to foot passengers with their luggage between the terminal and the ship. If you have reduced mobility, contact Brittany Ferries in advance — adapted transport arrangements can be made.

Cabins for Foot Passengers — What You Need to Know

A cabin is compulsory on the overnight Portsmouth to St Malo sailing. You cannot board the ship as a foot passenger on this crossing without one. On the daytime return sailing from St Malo, a cabin is optional — many foot passengers prefer to use the lounges, restaurants, and outside decks for the shorter daylight crossing.

What’s included in every cabin (all grades, both ships): ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, fresh bed linen and towels, soap and shower gel, and free + paid Wi-Fi access. Your boarding card doubles as your cabin key — the first digit of the cabin number indicates your deck.

Which Cabin is Best for Foot Passengers?

The overnight crossing takes around 10 hours 45 minutes — you’ll mostly be asleep. With that in mind, here’s honest advice on which cabin grades suit different foot passenger situations:

🎒 Travelling Solo on a Budget

Best pick: 4-Berth Inside cabin. Although you’ll likely share with other passengers, it’s the most affordable private space. Alternatively, booking a 2-Berth Inside Club cabin solo gives you guaranteed privacy — no strangers — for a modest upgrade. For solo travellers willing to pay a bit more, the Club cabin is generally worth it for the peace of mind.

👫 Couples

Best pick: 2-Berth Inside Club cabin for a comfortable, private crossing at a reasonable cost. Stepping up to the 2-Berth Commodore adds a queen-size bed, sea view, luxury Phytomer toiletries, and breakfast in the Les 8 Trésors lounge — a genuinely special way to arrive in France. Many regular foot passengers consider the Commodore worth the upgrade for a special trip.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families & Groups

Best pick: 4-Berth Outside cabin for sea-view porthole and family space on MV Saint-Malo. The exclusive 6-Berth Outside cabin (MV Saint-Malo only) fits up to six people in one cabin — the only option of its kind on this route. Children often love the bunk beds. Book early: larger cabins sell out months ahead in school holidays.

🚴 Cyclists & Backpackers

Best pick: 4-Berth Inside cabin — best value per head when sharing with fellow travellers. Your bike should be booked separately and will be loaded by the crew. There is a designated luggage area for panniers and large bags onboard. Cyclists should check Brittany Ferries’ cycle booking process when reserving.

Seasickness tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, the ability to lie flat in a cabin is far more effective than staying in a public lounge. Lower decks feel less movement than upper decks. If you’re concerned, opt for a lower-deck cabin if possible — contact Brittany Ferries after booking to make a deck preference request.

Onboard: What to Expect as a Foot Passenger

The overnight sailing from Portsmouth to St Malo is operated by either the MV Saint-Malo (the primary ship, an LNG-electric hybrid cruise ferry that entered service in February 2025) or the Armorique. Which ship you travel on depends on your sailing date. Both are well-appointed cruise ferries — this is not a basic roll-on-roll-off experience. For a full breakdown of everything available onboard, see our complete onboard facilities guide.

🍽️ Restaurants & Bars

Both ships have multiple dining options — a self-service brasserie and a bar and lounge. Dinner in the restaurant is recommended on overnight sailings; the food is genuinely good. Prices are higher than on land but reasonable for onboard dining. The à la carte restaurant is typically open on overnight crossings only.

🛍️ Shops & Duty-Free

Both ships have onboard shops selling duty-free alcohol, perfume, confectionery, souvenirs, and travel essentials. An excellent selection of French produce, wine, and gifts is available at competitive prices. Stock up on the return sailing especially.

📶 Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi (approximately one hour) and paid packages are available. The Wi-Fi code is printed on your boarding card. Turn off mobile data roaming before boarding — once at sea, your phone may connect to the Telenor Maritime offshore network at very high rates.

🎬 Entertainment

Video on Demand is available in all cabins on both ships. There are also live entertainment areas, outdoor decks for fresh air, and a cinema on some sailings. Children’s areas, indoor playrooms and (on some ships) outdoor areas keep younger passengers entertained during evening hours before bedtime.

ℹ️ Information Desk

An Information Desk on Deck 6 or 7 is staffed by bilingual (English/French) crew members throughout the crossing. Ship plans on the walls of each deck help you locate your cabin. If you lose your boarding card/cabin key, visit the information desk with your travel documents.

🚿 Showers (Daytime Sailing)

On the daytime return sailing where cabins are not compulsory, public showers are available on both ships — useful for those who’ve been camping or want to freshen up before arriving in Portsmouth. Sleep Packs (pillow, blanket, eye shade, earplugs) can be purchased if you opt for a lounge seat on the return crossing.

⏰ Timekeeping onboard: All times onboard are UK time — departure and arrival times are given in local port time. Remember to adjust your watch when arriving in France (St Malo is one hour ahead of UK time, or two hours ahead during British Summer Time).

Arriving in St Malo as a Foot Passenger

The ship arrives in St Malo at approximately 08:15, giving you a full day to explore. The ferry docks at the Gare Maritime du Naye, the port terminal on the western edge of the city. Here’s what to expect on arrival and how to get into town. Once you’re there, our St Malo city guide covers all the top attractions, beaches, and restaurants, and our day trips from St Malo guide covers the best excursions into Brittany.

⏰ Vacating your cabin: You must leave your cabin 30 minutes before the ship docks. A wake-up alarm call is played in all cabins approximately one hour before arrival in St Malo — so around 07:15. Take all your belongings with you when you leave the cabin.

From the Terminal into St Malo

A shuttle bus transports foot passengers between the ship and the passenger terminal building. Transport for disabled passengers is provided directly to and from the ship. Once in the terminal, you’ll pass through French passport control and customs before exiting into the arrivals area.

🚶 Walking into Town

The walled city of St Malo (Intra-Muros) is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the terminal — an easy, flat stroll along the waterfront. This is the most enjoyable option on a fine morning: you’ll arrive to views of the ramparts and the old town as you approach.

🚌 Local Bus

A bus stop is just a 3 minutes’ walk from the terminal, next to the La Piscine du Naye swimming pool. The ‘Coeurs de Ville’ shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes to the town centre and the train station, costing around €1.30 per person. Operated by Keolis.

🚕 Taxi

Taxis wait outside the terminal for arrivals. A ride to the town centre costs around €8 (€10 after 7pm, on Sundays or public holidays). Main companies are Taxis Malouins and Taxi Radio Saint-Malo. Useful if you have heavy luggage or are travelling in a group.

🚆 Train Onward

St Malo train station (Gare de Saint-Malo, Place Jean Coquelin) is around a 20–25 minute walk or a short taxi ride (~€8.50) from the terminal. Trains run to Rennes (~1 hour) and Paris (TGV via Rennes, ~2.5 hours). There are also regional connections into Brittany.

St Malo Terminal Facilities

The terminal building at St Malo is a single-storey building, fully accessible by wheelchair. Facilities include a cafeteria (open during arrivals and departures), a newspaper and gift shop (in summer), free Wi-Fi (ask at the information desk for details), a tourist information desk (open in summer), and toilets including disabled facilities. A taxi rank is located directly outside. For full port information including directions and parking, see our St Malo Ferry Port guide.

St Malo Port Address: Gare Maritime du Naye, St Malo, 35400, Brittany, France. From the terminal, follow pedestrian signs towards the ramparts for the old walled city. St Malo town centre is visible from the port — you can’t miss the medieval walls.

What You Can (and Cannot) Bring

Post-Brexit rules on what you can carry between the UK and France apply to all passengers, including foot passengers. These restrictions are strictly enforced at the border and can result in fines if ignored. Some items are also prohibited onboard the ship regardless of direction of travel.

❌ Cannot Bring INTO the UK

Due to UK Government restrictions on foot and mouth disease in the EU, you cannot bring meat, dairy or other animal products into the UK. This includes:

Pre-packaged sandwiches, charcuterie, cheese
Items bought in duty-free (if they contain animal products)
Any fresh, chilled or frozen meat or dairy

If found with restricted items at the UK border, you will need to surrender them and risk a fine. Check the Government’s list of restricted items at gov.uk.

❌ Cannot Bring INTO France (from UK)

As a general rule, you cannot bring the following into the EU from the UK:

Plants and plant products
Products of animal origin (meat, dairy, eggs)
Soil or growing medium

For detailed guidance, see the French Customs website (douane.gouv.fr).

🚫 Prohibited Onboard — Either Direction

The following items are not permitted onboard the ferry regardless of your direction of travel:

Weapons or replica weapons
Flammable liquids (petrol, lighter fuel, etc.)
Explosives or fireworks
Large quantities of alcohol (duty-free limits apply)
Illegal drugs or substances

✅ What You Need to Travel

Valid passport (required for all passengers — not just adults)
Booking confirmation / reference
Any required visas (check for your nationality)
Travel insurance documentation (recommended)
EHIC / GHIC card (for healthcare)

No other ID is accepted. An expired passport, driving licence, or national ID card will not allow you to board.

Book Your Foot Passenger Ticket

Foot passenger fares from ~£49 | Overnight sailing with compulsory cabin | Book early for the best prices

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Portsmouth to St Malo Foot Passenger — Frequently Asked Questions

Can foot passengers travel on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?

Yes — foot passengers are fully welcome on all Portsmouth to St Malo sailings with Brittany Ferries. Unlike some other cross-Channel routes, no vehicle is required. You book a foot passenger ticket and, for the overnight outbound sailing, a cabin is also compulsory. The daytime return from St Malo to Portsmouth does not require a cabin, though one can be optionally booked.

How much does a foot passenger ticket cost from Portsmouth to St Malo?

Foot passenger fares start from around £49 for the daytime return sailing from St Malo to Portsmouth. For the overnight outbound sailing from Portsmouth, the passenger fare is added to the compulsory cabin cost — a standard 4-berth inside cabin starts from around £70, making a total of around £120+ per person depending on the date. Prices are significantly higher in peak season (July–August) and on Friday/Saturday sailings. Book 6–12 months ahead for the best prices.

Do foot passengers need a cabin on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?

On the overnight sailing from Portsmouth (departing ~20:15), yes — a cabin is compulsory for all passengers including foot passengers. You cannot travel on this sailing without one. On the daytime return sailing from St Malo to Portsmouth (~10:30 departure), a cabin is not required. Many passengers on the daytime crossing choose to use the lounges and restaurants rather than booking a cabin, though cabins are available at a reduced rate if you want one.

How early do foot passengers need to check in at Portsmouth?

Foot passengers must check in at least 60 minutes before departure at Portsmouth International Port. For the 20:15 overnight sailing, aim to arrive by 18:45 at the latest. During peak season (school holidays and summer) it’s advisable to arrive earlier, as the terminal can be busy. Check-in involves presenting your booking reference and valid passports at the Brittany Ferries desk.

How much luggage can foot passengers take on the ferry?

Brittany Ferries recommends a maximum of two pieces of luggage weighing 20kg each per passenger. This is a guideline rather than a hard rule, but it reflects the practical reality — foot passengers carry all their own luggage. There is no baggage handling between the terminal and the ship. A designated luggage storage area is available onboard so you don’t need to carry everything into your cabin.

Can I take a pet as a foot passenger on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?

No. Pets are not permitted for foot passengers on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry. If you are travelling with a dog, cat, or other pet, you must have a vehicle. Pets must travel in a designated pet-friendly cabin or kennel, which requires a vehicle booking. The only exception is a registered assistance dog — if you need to travel as a foot passenger with a registered assistance dog, contact Brittany Ferries directly to arrange this.

How do foot passengers get from St Malo port into town?

The walled city of St Malo is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the terminal — a flat, easy walk along the waterfront. A local bus (Keolis ‘Coeurs de Ville’ shuttle) runs every 20 minutes from a stop 3 minutes from the terminal to the town centre and train station, costing around €1.30. Taxis are available immediately outside the terminal — a town centre ride costs around €8 (€10 after 7pm or on Sundays/public holidays). The train station is a 20–25 minute walk or short taxi ride.

How do I get to Portsmouth International Port without a car?

Portsmouth International Port is easy to reach by public transport. Direct trains from London Waterloo take just 85 minutes — alight at Portsmouth & Southsea or Portsmouth Harbour stations, then take a 5-minute taxi (~£5) to the port. National Express coaches run directly to the terminal from London Victoria and Heathrow Airport. Local buses (Stagecoach 20 and First Bus routes 8, X4, X9) also serve the port. The port is around a 20-minute walk from Portsmouth city centre.

Can cyclists travel as foot passengers on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?

Yes — cyclists are treated as foot passengers and are welcome on all Portsmouth to St Malo sailings. Your bicycle is booked separately and loaded by the crew; you carry your panniers and luggage personally. Cyclists should check Brittany Ferries’ cycle booking requirements at the time of reservation. A cabin is still compulsory on the overnight outbound sailing.

Continue Planning Your Portsmouth to St Malo Trip

🛏️

Cabin Guide

Every cabin grade on MV Saint-Malo and Armorique — from Admiral suite to standard 4-berth

Cabins Guide →

⏰

Ferry Timetable

Full 2026 sailing schedule — departure times, seasonal dates, and which days sailings run

Timetable →

⚓

Portsmouth Port Guide

Parking, getting there, terminal facilities, check-in, EV charging and everything about Portsmouth port

Port Guide →

🗺️

St Malo City Guide

Ramparts, beaches, restaurants, attractions and the very best of St Malo — once you arrive

St Malo Guide →

Ready to Book Your Foot Passenger Ticket?

From ~£49 foot passenger | Overnight sailing | Cabin compulsory — book both together

Book early for the best cabin and sailing choices — Commodore and peak-season sailings fill up quickly.

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