Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) Ferry
Brittany Ferries' shortest Portsmouth-France route — around six hours by day cruise-ferry to Ouistreham, the port of Caen. Lands you in central Normandy 15 km from the D-Day beaches.
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Other ways to get from Portsmouth to Caen
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fly London → Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | For Paris and the north of France. Compare flights → · Car hire at Paris Charles de Gaulle → |
| Fly London → Rennes (RNS) | For Rennes and inland Brittany. Compare flights → · Car hire at Rennes → |
Read more: Flights to Paris from the UK — compareflights.co.uk (our sister site).
Flight times and fares are on the search page; we do not show them here.
The Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) ferry
Portsmouth to Caen is Brittany Ferries' most popular Normandy crossing, landing at Ouistreham, the ferry port of Caen, about 15 km from the city and right on the doorstep of the D-Day landing beaches. The cruise-ferries take around six hours by day or a little longer overnight, with cabins, restaurants, a cinema and shops that make the journey part of the holiday. Sailings run up to three times a day in season. Portsmouth International Port is easy to reach off the M275 and M27, and Caen-Ouistreham puts you straight into central and lower Normandy — Bayeux, Honfleur, the Cotentin and the route south towards the Loire and beyond. It is a relaxed alternative to the long drive down from Calais, especially for the west of France.
- Lands at Ouistreham, 15 km from Caen and minutes from the D-Day beaches
- Cruise-ferry comfort — cabins, restaurants and a cinema on board
- Up to three sailings a day in season, day and overnight options
- Saves the long drive south from the Calais area
Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) ferry fares we have seen
| Fare basket | Fare seen | Seen on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult foot passenger, single — Direct Ferries 'from' price | £126.00 | 18 October 2026 | Direct Ferries route page (figures from the last 30 days of searches, updated 16/10/2026, excluding booking fees) |
| Average paid for a crossing with a car — Direct Ferries, last 30 days | £257.00 | 18 October 2026 | Direct Ferries route page (figures from the last 30 days of searches, updated 16/10/2026, excluding booking fees) |
Fares change with date, demand and vehicle; these are figures we saw on the dates shown, not quotes. A booking fee may be added. Check live prices in the search above.
What to know about the Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) crossing
Foot passengers
Foot passenger fares are sold on this route (day-trip foot passenger return listed). Brittany Ferries' walk-on check-in time and boarding procedure were not stated on pages read. (brittany-ferries.co.uk)
Bicycles
A bicycle and rider fare is sold (day-trip return listed). Brittany Ferries' bicycle carriage rules were not found on pages read. (brittany-ferries.co.uk)
Cabins and onboard
Two-berth or four-berth cabins. Onboard: a la carte restaurant and self-service restaurant serving French food, bar, coffee shop, cinemas, shops, games rooms, sun decks. (brittany-ferries.co.uk)
Where the ferry leaves from and arrives
Portsmouth International Port
- Address
- George Byng Way, Portsmouth, PO2 8SP
- Getting there
- Port states 'easy access from the motorway and major shipping lanes'; Brittany Ferries describes Portsmouth as 2 hours' drive from London
- Parking
- Not stated on pages read
- Facilities
- Not stated on pages read
- Onward travel
- Not stated on pages read
Source: portsmouth-port.co.uk, checked 2026-10-18.
Arriving in Caen? Book a car in Caen →
Staying in or around Caen
Ports & operators on this route
Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) ferry — common questions
How long is Portsmouth to Caen?
Around six hours on a day crossing, or a little longer on the overnight sailing.
Where does the Caen ferry actually dock?
At Ouistreham, the port of Caen, about 15 km from the city centre and close to the Normandy landing beaches.
Who sails Portsmouth to Caen?
Brittany Ferries is the sole operator, with up to three crossings a day in peak season.
How long is the Portsmouth to Caen ferry?
Brittany Ferries describes the Portsmouth to Caen route as a six-hour sailing.
Which ships sail Portsmouth to Caen?
Brittany Ferries names Mont St Michel and Guillaume de Normandie on this route.
Can I take a dog on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry?
Brittany Ferries accepts dogs, cats and ferrets on all its routes. A pet can stay in the vehicle, a kennel or a pet-friendly cabin depending on the ship. Check in at least 90 minutes before departure with a pet, and dogs must be muzzled outside the vehicle, kennel or pet-friendly cabin.
How early do I check in for Brittany Ferries?
Brittany Ferries states passengers must check in at least 60 minutes before departure, and at least 90 minutes with a pet.
Related ferry routes
Other routes from Portsmouth
More Brittany Ferries routes
Where these facts come from
Checked by the CheapFerries editorial team on 18 October 2026. Operators change timetables, fares and rules, so confirm details for your sailing when you book.
- brittany-ferries.co.uk www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/ferries-france/portsmouth-caen/timetable
- portsmouth-port.co.uk www.portsmouth-port.co.uk/
- directferries.co.uk www.directferries.co.uk/portsmouth_caen_ferry.htm
- brittany-ferries.co.uk www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/offers/ferry/day-trips-france
- brittany-ferries.co.uk www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/ferries-france/portsmouth-caen/onboard