The Portsmouth to Jersey ferry connects Portsmouth Harbour on the Hampshire coast with Elizabeth Terminal in St Helier, Jersey's main passenger port. The crossing covers approximately 177 miles and takes between 8.5 and 10.5 hours. Services carry both foot passengers and vehicles including cars, motorcycles, campervans, and caravans. Cabin accommodation is available on board for the longer crossing. For travellers coming from London, the south-east, or the Midlands, Portsmouth is often the more convenient departure point compared to Poole.
Portsmouth to Jersey Ferry Timetable
Portsmouth to Jersey Route Map
Portsmouth to Jersey Ferry Companies
Portsmouth to Jersey ferry overview
The crossing takes between 8.5 and 10.5 hours. Sailing frequency and departure times vary by season and operator; check the timetable at the time of booking for current schedules. The longer crossing gives passengers more time to make use of onboard facilities before arriving in St Helier.
Cabin accommodation is available on this route, which is worth considering for a crossing of this length. Depending on the operator and vessel, options can include standard cabins, premium lounge upgrades, and dedicated seating areas. The longer crossing also means more time to make use of restaurant and bar services, and duty-free shopping. Duty-free allowances apply when travelling between Jersey and the UK, as Jersey falls outside the UK VAT area.
On arrival at Elizabeth Terminal in St Helier, vehicles disembark from the car deck. The terminal is centrally located in the harbour, close to St Helier town centre. From there, Jersey's main roads fan out across the island to the north coast, the western beaches, and the quieter rural parishes inland.
Getting to Portsmouth Harbour and transfers
Portsmouth is well served by road and rail. By car, the port is reached via the M27 from the west or the A3 from London and the north, joining the M275 into the port. Portsmouth Harbour station is close to the ferry terminal, with regular direct services to London Waterloo. Portsmouth International Port has its own parking facilities; booking in advance is recommended, particularly in summer.
In Jersey, Elizabeth Terminal is on the northern edge of St Helier harbour, reached via the A1 coast road. Taxis and local buses are available at the terminal, and car hire can be arranged nearby for foot passengers. Jersey is a compact island, and most destinations are within 30 to 40 minutes by car from St Helier.
If your journey starts further west or in Dorset, the Poole to Jersey route is a shorter crossing at around 4 hours 30 minutes and may be more convenient depending on where you are travelling from.