The Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry has closed. Brittany Ferries ended the route in September 2026, and no other company sails from the UK to Le Havre. The closest replacement is Portsmouth to Caen, from the same Portsmouth terminal, landing about 1 hour 20 minutes’ drive from Le Havre.
Why the route closed
Brittany Ferries announced that Portsmouth to Le Havre would close, with the last sailing planned for 28 September 2026. The final crossings were cancelled early because the ship, the Commodore Clipper, had a technical fault that meant she couldn’t run them. Booked passengers were offered a move to another Brittany Ferries sailing or a full refund.
Alternatives to Portsmouth to Le Havre
| Route | Ferry company | Crossing | Sailings | Drive to Le Havre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth to Caen | Brittany Ferries | 5h45 to 7h | Up to 3 a day | 103 km, about 1h20 |
| Newhaven to Dieppe | DFDS | About 4h | 1 or 2 a day | 117 km, about 1h30 |
| Portsmouth to Cherbourg | Brittany Ferries | Around 7h45 overnight | Up to 2 a week each way | 217 km, about 2h45 |
| Dover to Calais | P&O Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries | 1h30 to 1h40 | About 20 a day with P&O and Irish Ferries, plus DFDS | 286 km, about 3h10 |
Driving distances and times are from OpenStreetMap routing, without traffic or stops. Sailing times vary through the year, so check live times for your date.
For most people who used Le Havre, Portsmouth to Caen is the easiest switch: you sail from the same port with the same company, then cross the Seine on the Pont de Normandie toll bridge to reach Le Havre. For Paris, Caen ferry port is about 246 km (2 hours 55 minutes) away by road, and Dieppe is closer, at about 2 hours 30 minutes.
See our Le Havre ferry port page and all ferry routes to France, compared.
Portsmouth to Le Havre Ferry FAQs
Is the Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry still running?
No. Brittany Ferries closed the route in September 2026. The last sailing was planned for 28 September, but crossings stopped earlier after a technical problem with the ship, the Commodore Clipper.
What is the best alternative to Portsmouth to Le Havre?
Portsmouth to Caen with Brittany Ferries: up to 3 sailings a day, taking 5 hours 45 minutes to 7 hours, and Caen (Ouistreham) ferry port is about 1 hour 20 minutes' drive from Le Havre.
Is there any other ferry from England to Le Havre?
No. Since the Brittany Ferries route closed, no passenger ferry sails between the UK and Le Havre. Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS lands about 1 hour 30 minutes' drive from Le Havre.
What if I had a Portsmouth to Le Havre booking?
Brittany Ferries said booked passengers could transfer to another Brittany Ferries sailing or get a full refund.