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Portsmouth to St Malo as a Foot Passenger: The Complete 2027 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 2027 information.
Last updated: October 2026 | Information verified from Brittany Ferries and Portsmouth International Port official sources
🚶 Foot Passenger Fast Facts
£53+
Foot passenger from
60 min
Check-in closes before departure
2 × 20kg
Max luggage recommended
15–20 min
St Malo old town on foot
✅ Foot passengers are welcome on all Portsmouth to St Malo sailings — no vehicle required
✅ Cabins are compulsory on overnight sailings on MV Saint-Malo — on the Armorique (7–20 March 2027) you can choose a cabin or a reserved seat
✅ 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 £53 | Overnight sailing with compulsory cabin | Book early for the best prices
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, the only operator on the route. 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 overnight and daytime sailings. Every departure from Portsmouth (20:15) is an overnight crossing arriving in St Malo at 08:45 French time. On MV Saint-Malo, which sails the route almost all year, a cabin is compulsory on overnight sailings — every foot passenger must book one. Between 7 and 20 March 2027 the Armorique operates a small number of sailings instead of the Saint-Malo, and on her you can choose a cabin or a reserved lounge seat.
Most return sailings from St Malo are daytime crossings (10:45, arriving in Portsmouth at 18:20), and on these a cabin is optional. A few return sailings are overnight (20:30, arriving at 07:45) — on those, you’ll need a cabin just as you do outbound. See our 2027 ferry timetable for which days each sailing runs.
⚠️ 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 2027
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 one-way starting prices for 2027 (off-peak, booked early) — actual fares vary by date, season, and how far in advance you book. For the full picture, including ticket types, see our prices and booking guide.
Ticket Type
From Price
Notes
Foot Passenger
£53+
Per person, one way. Children 4–15 half price; under-4s free. Add a cabin on overnight sailings.
+ 4-Berth Inside Cabin
£70+
Budget option. Bunk beds, ensuite, VOD. Best value for parties 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, with breakfast in the lounge or your cabin.
+ Reserved Lounge Seat (Armorique only)
£10+
Only on Armorique sailings, 7–20 March 2027. MV Saint-Malo has no reserved seats.
💡 Price tip: Foot passenger fares are priced per person, and cabin costs are per cabin — not per person. A solo traveller pays from around £123 outbound (£53 fare + £70 cabin), but 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 around a 30-minute walk from the city centre.
🚆 By Train
The fastest and most popular option for foot passengers. Direct trains from London Waterloo take around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes to Portsmouth. Services also run from Brighton, Gatwick Airport, Southampton, Cardiff and the Midlands.
Two stations serve the port: Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour. Each is around a 30-minute walk from the ferry terminal, or a taxi of around £5. 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 around 30 minutes’ walk from Portsmouth city centre and from either railway station. 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. If someone is dropping you off, there are 20-minute drop-off bays outside the terminal.
⚠️ Portsmouth Clean Air Zone: Portsmouth has had a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) since 29 November 2021, but it doesn’t cover the M275 or the route into the port — it starts just after the port entrance, heading into the city. It only charges older buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles and HGVs; private cars, vans and motorbikes aren’t charged. If a friend or family member drops you off by car, there’s nothing to pay. Check the government vehicle checker at gov.uk if unsure, and see our Portsmouth International Port guide for more.
🏨 Staying nearby before your crossing? The overnight sailing departs at 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 by Portsmouth Harbour station — around 30 minutes’ walk or a short taxi ride from 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. For every check-in deadline, see our check-in guide.
1
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. Check-in for foot passengers closes 60 minutes before departure — 19:15 for the 20:15 sailing (check your ticket). This is a deadline, not an arrival time: aim to arrive at least an hour before it, so by around 18:15. If you miss the deadline, the ship will leave without you and you won’t get a refund.
2
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.
3
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 shop and Travel Exchange (open 06:00–22:30), free and payable Wi-Fi, toilets, baby changing and breastfeeding facilities, 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.
4
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 out to the ship.
5
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. While the passenger gangway at Portsmouth is closed for renovation, foot passengers board and leave the ship through the garage (car deck). When you arrive back in Portsmouth, foot passenger disembarkation may start up to 30 minutes after the ship docks. Plan your onward connections accordingly.
💡 Special needs: If you have any mobility requirements or other special travel needs, tell Brittany Ferries at least 48 hours before departure so they can make appropriate arrangements — call the access line on 0330 159 5015 or email access@brittanyferries.com. Check-in for passengers with reduced mobility also closes 60 minutes before departure. Adapted minibuses are available for disabled foot passengers at Portsmouth. See our accessible travel guide for full details.
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, through the car deck, 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. There is no left luggage at the St Malo terminal.
⚠️ No luggage assistance: Brittany Ferries does not provide general luggage assistance to foot passengers between the terminal and the ship. If you have reduced mobility, give full details when you book — someone can help you board and disembark with a personal bag or medical equipment, and adapted transport can be arranged.
Cabins for Foot Passengers — What You Need to Know
A cabin is compulsory on overnight sailings on MV Saint-Malo — that’s every outbound sailing from Portsmouth, plus the occasional overnight return. MV Saint-Malo has no reserved seats, so you can’t board one of these crossings as a foot passenger without a cabin. On the Armorique (7–20 March 2027 only) you can choose a reserved lounge seat instead. 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 MV Saint-Malo cabin: ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, fresh bed linen and towels, toiletries, and a TV with free Video on Demand. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship (one hour free, then paid packages). Your boarding card doubles as your cabin key — the first digit of the cabin number indicates your deck. For every cabin grade on both ships, see our cabins guide.
Which Cabin is Best for Foot Passengers?
The overnight crossing takes around 11 hours 30 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 (from £70). Cabins are booked and priced per cabin, so it’s yours alone — you won’t be sharing with strangers. It’s usually the cheapest private space on board. If you’d prefer twin beds to bunks, a 2-Berth Inside Club cabin (from £100) is a modest upgrade.
👫 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, a minibar and access to the Les 8 Trésors lounge, with breakfast there or continental breakfast in your cabin — a genuinely special way to arrive in France. Many regular foot passengers consider the Commodore worth the upgrade for a special trip.
👨👩👧 Families
Best pick: 4-Berth Outside cabin for a sea view and family space on MV Saint-Malo. The new 6-Berth Outside cabin (MV Saint-Malo only, from £100) has twice the space of a 4-berth, with a queen-size double and two single fixed beds, plus two bunk-style upper berths — the only option of its kind on this route. The only downside is deciding who gets the top bunk — and who gets the queen-size bed! Book early: larger cabins sell out months ahead in school holidays. See our family travel guide.
🚴 Cyclists & Backpackers
Best pick: 4-Berth Inside cabin — best value per head when sharing with fellow travellers. Cyclists book as a passenger with a bicycle, from £62 — that’s the whole fare including your bike, not a supplement. Cyclists check in with foot passengers and the crew secure your bike on board. There is a designated luggage area for panniers and large bags. See our cycling guide.
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 Portsmouth to St Malo route is sailed by the MV Saint-Malo, Brittany Ferries’ first hybrid LNG ship, which entered service in February 2025. Between 7 and 20 March 2027 the Armorique operates a small number of sailings instead of the Saint-Malo. 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
On MV Saint-Malo you can eat at Le Littoral (Deck 7), a French brasserie with buffet and main dishes; Le Jardin (Deck 8), a quicker counter-service option; or CClub (Deck 8), a lounge-restaurant anyone can book (dinner buffet £47 per adult, breakfast £16). Le Littoral doesn’t take bookings. The Breizh Ma Bro bar on Deck 8 has live entertainment. Meals aren’t included in standard fares, so budget for dinner and breakfast. On the Armorique, Le Restaurant is self-service.
🛍️ 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. The shop opens around 15 minutes after departure, and you can pay in Sterling or Euros. Stock up on the return sailing especially.
📶 Wi-Fi
One hour of free Wi-Fi is available, with paid packages from £2.65 if you pre-book (10% cheaper than buying onboard). 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
On MV Saint-Malo, Video on Demand is free in every cabin and around the ship, and there’s live entertainment in the bar, an Exhibition Gallery, a children’s playroom (Deck 8) and an outdoor play area (Deck 10). There’s no cinema on the Saint-Malo. The Armorique has two cinemas but no Video on Demand. Both ships have outdoor decks for fresh air.
ℹ️ Information Desk
The Information Desk is on Deck 7 on MV Saint-Malo (open 24 hours) and on Deck 6 on the Armorique, 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’re relaxing in the lounges 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 the UK all year round, so the 08:45 arrival is 07:45 UK time.
Arriving in St Malo as a Foot Passenger
The ship arrives in St Malo at 08:45 French time (on a handful of dates the tides shift this slightly), giving you a full day to explore. The ferry docks at the Gare Maritime du Naye (signposted Terminal Ferry du Naye), a short walk from the walled 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 07:45. 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.
Entry/Exit System (EES): EES has been fully live since 10 April 2026. If it’s your first trip into the Schengen area since then, you’ll register at St Malo passport control — fingerprints and a photo (children under 12 don’t give fingerprints). Your exit is logged at St Malo when you leave, and UK Border Force checks you at Portsmouth on your return.
🚶 Walking into Town
The walled city of St Malo (Intra-Muros) is around 15–20 minutes’ walk from the terminal — an easy, flat stroll. 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-minute walk from the terminal, next to La Piscine du Naye swimming pool. It’s served by Ligne 8 on the local Réseau MAT network. Services can be infrequent, so check current times and fares with Réseau MAT before you travel.
🚕 Taxi
Taxis wait outside the terminal for arrivals. A ride to the town centre costs around €8 (around €10 in the evening, on Sundays or public holidays). Main companies are Taxis Malouins and Taxi Radio Saint-Malo. Useful if you have heavy luggage or are travelling with family.
🚆 Train Onward
St Malo train station (Gare de Saint-Malo, Place Jean Coquelin) is around a 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. There’s no left luggage, no bureau de change and no ATM, so bring some euros or a card that works abroad. 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 (Terminal Ferry 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.
Book Your Foot Passenger Ticket
Foot passenger fares from £53 | Overnight sailing with compulsory cabin | Book early for the best prices
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, on overnight sailings on MV Saint-Malo, a cabin is also compulsory. On the Armorique (7–20 March 2027) you can choose a reserved seat instead. 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 £53 per person, one way, when booked early for an off-peak date. On the overnight sailing from Portsmouth you also pay for the compulsory cabin, which is priced per cabin — a 4-berth inside cabin starts from around £70. A solo traveller pays from around £123, while four people sharing a cabin pay from around £70.50 each. Children aged 4–15 pay half price on most fares and under-4s travel free. Prices are significantly higher in peak season (July–August). 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 — on MV Saint-Malo a cabin is compulsory for all passengers including foot passengers, as the ship has no reserved seats. The same applies to the occasional overnight return from St Malo (20:30). On the Armorique, which operates a small number of sailings from 7 to 20 March 2027, you can book a reserved lounge seat instead. On the daytime return sailing from St Malo (10:45 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?
Check-in for foot passengers closes 60 minutes before departure at Portsmouth International Port — 19:15 for the 20:15 overnight sailing (check your ticket). This is a deadline, not an arrival time: aim to arrive at least an hour before it, so by around 18:15. If you miss the deadline, the ship will leave without you and you won’t get a refund. 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 around 15–20 minutes’ walk from the terminal — a flat, easy walk. A Ligne 8 bus (Réseau MAT) stops 3 minutes from the terminal, next to La Piscine du Naye. Taxis are available immediately outside the terminal — a town centre ride costs around €8 (around €10 in the evening or on Sundays/public holidays). The train station is around a 25-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
Do foot passengers need to register for EES in St Malo?
Yes, if it’s your first trip into the Schengen area since the Entry/Exit System went fully live on 10 April 2026. Portsmouth passengers register at St Malo passport control on arrival, giving fingerprints and a photo (children under 12 don’t give fingerprints). Your exit is logged at St Malo when you leave, and UK Border Force checks you at Portsmouth on your return.
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 around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes — get off at Portsmouth & Southsea or Portsmouth Harbour, both around a 30-minute walk from the port, or take a 5–10 minute taxi (~£5). 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 30-minute walk from Portsmouth city centre.
Can cyclists travel as foot passengers on the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry?
Yes — cyclists check in with foot passengers and are welcome on all Portsmouth to St Malo sailings. You book as a passenger with a bicycle, from £62 — that’s the whole fare including your bike. Cyclists usually board before the cars and the crew secure your bike; at St Malo the cars disembark first, then cyclists walk their bikes down the ramp. Tandems and trailers are booked by phone on 0330 159 7000. 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
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