Your complete guide to Portsmouth ferries

Portsmouth, Hampshire is the UK’s only island bound city as it is located mostly on the island of Portsea. The city can be found half way between Southampton and Chichester and is just over 60 miles south of London. Portsmouth has a new international harbour which is Britain’s best connected ferry port providing easy access to France, Spain and the Channel Islands. The city itself has an extensive sea-faring history from an impressive naval stronghold and strategic point for Admiral Nelson to a solid export/import industry that is still going strong today. When it comes to matters of the sea and transportation, Portsmouth is the place to be. Here’s a quick guide to Portsmouth ferries and their routes so you can find the right one for your family holiday.

Brittany Ferries

Brittany Ferries is one of the bigger names operating out of Portsmouth and offer the widest range of routes to choose from. In France, they can deliver you safely to Caen, St Malo, Cherbourg, or Le Havre, while Spanish ports include Bilbao and Santander. All of the routes use a standard cruise ferry with restaurants, bars, lounges, shops and cabin options on board. If you are heading to Caen or Cherbourg, there is the option to take the catamaran-style fast ferry which cuts the journey down to 3 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours, respectively (it would normally take over 6 hours).

Condor Ferries

From Portsmouth, Condor Ferries runs only one service a week to Cherbourg during the peak months. However, the company specialises in channel crossings to St Helier in Jersey (8 hours) and St Peter Port in Guernsey (7 hours).

Gosport Ferries

As one of the UK’s longest running ferry services, Gosport Ferries has offered travellers regular trips around the Solent area since 1883. The company’s motto is ‘It's shorter by water’ and seasoned travellers will be delighted to hear that the service is currently achieving a 99.9% reliability rate! The ferries run from 5.30am until midnight everyday of the year. Ticket prices are very reasonable, with adult tickets costing £2.90, kids and concession tickets costing £1.90. Bikes and wheelchairs are £1.10, while motorised wheelchairs and motorbikes are £1.40.

Wightlink

Wightlink operate with travellers in mind, with plenty of ways to save money! Bicycles and dogs are allowed onboard for free. If caravan owners take an off peak ferry, they qualify for a special discount. Booking ahead is recommended to make sure the discount is applied and that there are enough spaces onboard. During the peak summer months, a car and four people can secure a place for as little as £43. The crossing to Fishbourne takes 40 minutes and it is possible to reach Ryde after only 22 minutes at sea.

Hovertravel

If Wightlink’s 22 minute crossing isn’t quick enough for you, there is always the option of Hovertravel which cuts the journey time from the mainland to Ryde in half. Instead of departing from Portsmouth, the craft is based at Southsea, but there is a connection bus which provides unlimited travel around Portsmouth and Southsea at £3.50 for adults and £2.80 for kids. Hovertravel is the world’s longest running commercial hovercraft company, and the only one of its kind in Europe. A ticket will cost adults £14 for a single, £16.50 for a day return and £25 for a return ticket valid for 90 days. There are also reduced rates for kids and concession adults.

Getting to Portsmouth harbour could not be simpler as a number of city buses incorporate the port into their routes. There is also a dedicated shuttle bus that loops between Portsmouth International Port and Portsmouth and Southsea rail station. The number 20 and 700 stagecoach services have a drop off point at the port too. Of course, access via car is also possible. However, we would advise you to allow plenty of time for your journey in case you get caught in the city’s rush hour traffic.

Take some time to explore the fantastic tourist attractions the city of Portsmouth has to offer. The Spinnaker Tower is a relatively new addition to the shore’s skyline and offers fantastic views out over the water and city. Any trip to Portsmouth wouldn’t be complete without exploring the illustrious naval heritage. Take a trip to the historic dockyards and board the celebrated HMS Victory. There are plenty of camping and caravanning options on Hayling Island to the east, plus near Southsea, Gosport, and on the right side of Fareham which has access to Portsmouth Port.