Caen Ferry Port (Ouistreham): Complete 2026 Passenger Guide

Q: Where is Caen ferry port?

Caen ferry port is located in Ouistreham, a coastal town at the mouth of the Caen Canal, approximately 15km north of Caen city centre. The full address is Avenue du Grand Large, Ouistreham, Normandy, 14150, France. The port is also called Ouistreham ferry port or Caen-Ouistreham ferry port.

Q: What is the postcode for Caen ferry port?

The postcode for Caen ferry port is 14150 (Ouistreham). The full address for sat nav is Avenue du Grand Large, Ouistreham, 14150, France. The GPS coordinates are 49.284013, -0.249698.

Q: How much does parking cost at Caen ferry port?

Parking at Ouistreham ferry port is free for the first 2 hours. After that: 2 euros per hour for 2-6 hours, 1.30 euros per hour for 6-14 hours, and a day rate of 8.80 euros (from 2pm, up to 24 hours). Each additional 24-hour period costs 8.80 euros. A 7-day stay costs 43.50 euros. A lost ticket is charged at 150 euros. Overnight parking in the check-in lanes is permitted after the last departure if travelling on the first morning sailing, at the vehicle owner's own risk.

Q: How do I get from Caen to the ferry port?

From Caen city centre, by car, follow the ring road and signs for 'CAR FERRY', approximately 20 minutes. By taxi, fares from Caen train station are approximately 38 euros in the day (07:00-19:00) or 53 euros in the evening (19:00-07:00). By Twisto bus, the service takes approximately 15 minutes and costs from 1.60 euros one way, but does not run for evening ferry arrivals or departures.

Q: Is there a bus from Caen ferry port to Paris?

Yes, Flixbus operates a direct service from Ouistreham ferry terminal to Paris, making it the only coach operator with a stop at the port itself. Flixbus also operates from Caen city centre to Rouen, Amiens, Nantes, Avranches, Dinard and Lille.

Q: Can I bring my dog to Caen ferry port?

Yes, muzzled dogs on a lead are permitted in all areas of Caen ferry port, including inside the terminal building. Past the security checkpoint there is a dedicated water point and sandpit for animals. Passengers travelling with pets must check in at least 90 minutes before departure for pet documentation checks.

Q: Is there a bureau de change at Ouistreham ferry port?

No, there is no bureau de change at the port. The nearest options are in Caen city centre, 15km away: Caen Change at 115 Rue Saint-Jean, and CHANGE by Fidso at 31 Place Saint-Sauveur.

Q: Is there car hire at Caen ferry port?

There is no car hire available in Ouistreham. All major car hire companies are located at Caen train station, 18km from the port. Europcar can arrange a hire car delivered to the terminal if pre-booked.

Everything you need to know about Caen ferry port — also known as Ouistreham ferry port — for your return crossing to Portsmouth. The port sits at the mouth of the Caen Canal, in Ouistreham, 15km north of Caen city centre, with direct access to the French autoroute network for onward travel to Paris, Normandy, Brittany and beyond. This guide covers parking charges, check-in times, how to get there by car, train, bus and taxi, all terminal facilities, and the onward road routes most useful for Portsmouth to Caen passengers.

Last updated: June 2026 | All information verified from official Brittany Ferries sources

Caen Ferry Port Ouistreham Inside the terminal

Andy Li, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

⚓ Caen Ferry Port at a Glance

Brittany Ferries terminal at Ouistreham — 15km from Caen, direct access to the autoroute network

45 min

Standard check-in

90 min

Check-in with pets

FREE

Parking up to 2 hrs

€8.80

Day parking rate

15km

From Caen city centre

~2 hrs

Paris by train

✅ Address: Avenue du Grand Large, Ouistreham, Normandy, 14150, France
✅ Tel: +33 2 31 36 36 50
✅ Only route: Ouistreham to Portsmouth — operated exclusively by Brittany Ferries
✅ Parking: Free up to 2 hours · €8.80 day rate · overnight in check-in lanes permitted
✅ Dogs: Muzzled dogs on a lead permitted in all areas of the port · water point and sandpit past security
✅ No bureau de change at the port — nearest in Caen city, 15km away

Book Your Return Crossing →

Getting to Caen Ferry Port

Caen ferry port is located in Ouistreham, at the mouth of the Caen Canal on the Normandy coast. For passengers returning from France, the port is well connected by road, taxi, bus and coach. Follow signs for “CAR FERRY” from the main access routes around Caen — this signage is used consistently throughout the area.

🚗 By Car

The terminal is well signposted from all main routes around Caen. The autoroute is close to the port, providing direct access for passengers heading to the ferry from across France.

From Paris: A13 motorway towards Caen → follow CAR FERRY signs (approximately 2.5–3 hours)

From Bayeux / D-Day beaches: N13 east → follow CAR FERRY signs from Caen ring road

From Brittany: N175 east → Caen ring road → CAR FERRY signs north to Ouistreham

From Loire Valley / Le Mans: N158 north → Caen ring road → follow CAR FERRY signs

Sat nav address: Avenue du Grand Large, 14150 Ouistreham, France

⚠️ Crit’Air sticker & French low-emissions zones (ZFE): The city of Caen (inside the ring road) operates a low-emissions zone. The port at Ouistreham is not inside the zone, so you can drive directly to the ferry without a Crit’Air sticker. However, if your route passes through Caen city centre, or other ZFE cities such as Rouen, Le Havre, Rennes or Nantes, you must display a Crit’Air sticker. Stickers cost less than €5 including postage and must be purchased from the official French government website before travel. Driving in a ZFE without displaying a sticker may result in a fine.

🚆 By Train

The nearest railway station is Caen, approximately 18km from the ferry port. Regular TER and Intercité services run from Caen to Paris St Lazare (approximately 2 hours). The SNCF operates the main Paris services.

⚠️ No direct rail link to the port. From Caen train station you will need to take a taxi (€38 day / €53 evening) or the Twisto bus service to reach Ouistreham. See bus and taxi sections below. There is no car hire available in Ouistreham — all major car hire companies are located at Caen train station. Europcar can deliver a car to the terminal if pre-booked: +33 825 358 358.

🚕 By Taxi

Taxis usually wait outside the terminal building for all ship arrivals and departures. If there are no taxis available when you arrive, the tourist information desk inside the terminal can call one for you.

Day rate (07:00–19:00)
Ouistreham port → Caen train station: approximately €38

Evening rate (19:00–07:00)
Ouistreham port → Caen train station: approximately €53

🚌 By Bus & Coach

🚌 Twisto Bus — Ouistreham to Caen

Twisto operates the bus service between Ouistreham and Caen city centre. The bus stop is approximately 500 metres from the terminal. Journey time is approximately 15–16 minutes.

Ticket type	Price
One way	€1.60
Return	€2.70
24-hour ticket	€3.75

⚠️ Important: The Twisto bus does not run for evening ferry arrivals or departures. The bus is also not adapted for disabled travellers. Check the Twisto website for current timetables before travel.

🚍 Flixbus — Direct to Paris & Beyond

Flixbus operates directly from Ouistreham ferry terminal to Paris — the only coach service with a stop at the port itself rather than Caen city. From Caen city centre, Flixbus also serves:

Rouen
Amiens
Nantes
Avranches
Dinard
Lille

Check flixbus.fr for current schedules and prices.

Parking at Caen Ferry Port

There is an open car park at the passenger terminal in Ouistreham. The first two hours are free — useful for passengers arriving early or being dropped off. Longer stays are charged at the rates below.

💶 Parking Charges (all prices in euros)

Duration	Rate
Less than 2 hours	FREE
2–6 hours	€2.00/hour
6–14 hours	€1.30/hour
Day rate (beyond 2pm, up to 24 hours)	€8.80
Each additional 24 hours	€8.80
7 days	€43.50
After 7 days (per day)	€6.50/day
1 month	€126.00
After 1 month (per day)	€4.50/day
Weekend special: arrive Fri 20:00–23:00, depart Sun 06:00–09:00	€16.50
Lost ticket	€150.00

💡 Overnight parking in check-in lanes: If you are travelling on the first departure of the morning, you may park your vehicle in the check-in lanes after the last departure of the previous day. Your vehicle is parked entirely at your own risk, must not be left unattended, and toilet facilities are closed overnight.

⚡ Electric Vehicle Charging

Caen-Ouistreham port has 6 electric vehicle charging points. Visit the port or check the Brittany Ferries port page for current rates and how the charging points work.

Terminal Facilities

Caen ferry port is a compact, single-storey terminal — noticeably different in scale from Portsmouth International Port. It has all the essentials for a comfortable wait before your return sailing, with a few important things to know before you arrive.

☕ Café / Bar

Café and bar serving hot and cold food, drinks and snacks. Open from 06:30 to 23:00.

📶 Wi-Fi

Free and payable Wi-Fi options available throughout the terminal.

📞 Payphones

Payphones available in the terminal. Phone cards can be purchased from the tourist information desk, which is open for all sailings.

🚌 Foot Passenger Shuttle

A dedicated shuttle bus runs between the terminal building and the ship for all arrivals and departures. The shuttle has a ramp and is wheelchair accessible.

🐕 Dogs Welcome (All Areas)

Muzzled dogs on a lead are permitted throughout all areas of the port. Past the security checkpoint there is a dedicated water point and sandpit for animals. Follow the ground markings once through security.

ℹ️ Tourist Information

Tourist information desk open for all sailings. Staff can call a taxi if none are waiting at the terminal. Tel: +33 2 31 96 89 70.

❌ No Bureau de Change at the Port

There is no bureau de change at Ouistreham ferry port. The nearest options are in Caen city centre, 15km away. If you need to change money before boarding:

Caen Change — 115 Rue Saint-Jean, 14000 Caen
CHANGE by Fidso — 31 Place Saint-Sauveur, 14000 Caen

♿ Accessible & Disabled Facilities

The terminal building is single-storey and fully wheelchair accessible throughout:

Disabled parking bays directly outside the terminal
Single-storey wheelchair-accessible building — no lifts needed
Disabled toilets located in the vehicle check-in lanes
A wheelchair is available at the terminal on request — ask at the information desk (used to board the shuttle bus to the ship)
Foot passenger shuttle bus has a ramp and is wheelchair accessible
Note: The Twisto city bus to Caen is not adapted for disabled travellers — use the taxi service instead

Check-In Times & Passenger Information

⏰ Check-In Times

45 min

All standard passengers
(vehicles & foot passengers)

90 min

All passengers with pets
(DEFRA / AHC checks)

Times shown are the minimum. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact check-in time for your specific sailing. Arrive earlier during peak season.

🐕 Travelling with Pets at Ouistreham

Pet rules at Caen ferry port are notably more relaxed than at Portsmouth. Muzzled dogs on a lead are permitted throughout all areas of the port, including the terminal building itself. Once through the security checkpoint, there is a dedicated water point and sandpit for animals — follow the ground markings.

Muzzle and lead required in all port areas
Water point and sandpit available past the security checkpoint
Check-in: at least 90 minutes before departure
Pet documentation (AHC / pet passport) will be checked at check-in

For full details on AHC certificates and travelling with pets from France to the UK, see our pet travel guide →

Onward Routes from Caen Port into France

One of the key advantages of the Portsmouth to Caen route is that the port at Ouistreham has direct access to the French autoroute network, putting the whole of France within easy reach the moment you disembark. The main road destinations are clearly signed from the port.

🗼 Paris & the autoroute

The autoroute from Ouistreham connects directly to the French motorway network for Paris, the Loire, southern France and Brittany. Paris is approximately 2.5–3 hours by road via the A13.

⚔️ Bayeux & Cherbourg — N13

Take the N13 west for Bayeux (30 minutes), the D-Day beaches and Cherbourg. Bayeux is the closest major town to most of the Normandy landing beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry.

🏰 Mont Saint-Michel & Brittany — N175

Take the N175 south-west for Mont Saint-Michel (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) and onward into Brittany.

🌊 Loire Valley & Le Mans — N158

Take the N158 south for Le Mans and the Loire Valley. The A28 south from Le Mans connects to Tours and the châteaux of the Loire.

what3words — Precise Navigation to Check-In

Caen ferry port uses what3words addresses to direct passengers to the precise check-in locations — particularly useful on a first visit to Ouistreham.

Check-in Location 1

///wags.scramble.require

Check-in Location 2

///sunbeams.slept.gemstones

Enter either address into the free what3words app (iOS and Android) or a compatible sat nav for precise directions to the check-in lanes.

Port Address & Contact

📍 Address

Brittany Ferries Terminal
Avenue du Grand Large
Ouistreham
Normandy, 14150
France

📞 Contacts & Navigation

Brittany Ferries port: +33 2 31 36 36 50
Tourist information: +33 2 31 96 89 70
Sat nav: Avenue du Grand Large, 14150 Ouistreham
GPS: 49.284013, -0.249698
what3words: ///wags.scramble.require
EV charging: 6 points at port

Caen Ferry Port — Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Caen ferry port?

Caen ferry port is located in Ouistreham, a coastal town at the mouth of the Caen Canal, approximately 15km north of Caen city centre. The full address is: Avenue du Grand Large, Ouistreham, Normandy, 14150, France. Sat nav users should use this address. For precise check-in navigation use what3words: ///wags.scramble.require or ///sunbeams.slept.gemstones. The port is also called Ouistreham ferry port or Caen-Ouistreham ferry port.

What is the postcode for Caen ferry port?

The postcode for Caen ferry port is 14150 (Ouistreham). The full address for sat nav is: Avenue du Grand Large, Ouistreham, 14150, France. The GPS coordinates are 49.284013, -0.249698. For pinpoint navigation to the check-in lanes, use the what3words addresses ///wags.scramble.require or ///sunbeams.slept.gemstones.

How much does parking cost at Caen ferry port?

Parking at Ouistreham ferry port is free for the first 2 hours. After that: €2.00/hour for 2–6 hours, €1.30/hour for 6–14 hours, and a day rate of €8.80 (from 2pm, up to 24 hours). Each additional 24-hour period costs €8.80. A 7-day stay costs €43.50. A lost ticket is charged at €150 — keep yours safe. Overnight parking in the check-in lanes is permitted after the last departure if you’re travelling on the first morning sailing — vehicle parked at your own risk.

How do I get from Caen to the ferry port?

From Caen city centre: by car, follow the ring road and signs for ‘CAR FERRY’ — approximately 20 minutes. By taxi, fares from Caen train station are approximately €38 in the day (07:00–19:00) or €53 in the evening (19:00–07:00) — taxis wait outside the terminal for all arrivals. By Twisto bus, the service takes approximately 15 minutes and costs from €1.60 one way, but does not run for evening ferry arrivals or departures. The bus stop is approximately 500 metres from the terminal.

Is there a bus from Caen ferry port to Paris?

Yes — Flixbus operates a direct service from Ouistreham ferry terminal to Paris, making it the only coach operator with a stop at the port itself. Flixbus also operates from Caen city centre to Rouen, Amiens, Nantes, Avranches, Dinard and Lille. Check current schedules and prices on flixbus.fr. The Twisto local bus (route to Caen city) is a separate service — it does not go to Paris and does not run for evening ferry arrivals or departures.

Can I bring my dog to Caen ferry port?

Yes — muzzled dogs on a lead are permitted in all areas of Caen ferry port, including inside the terminal building. This is more relaxed than Portsmouth where dogs are not allowed inside. Past the security checkpoint, there is a dedicated water point and sandpit for animals — follow the ground markings. Passengers travelling with pets must check in at least 90 minutes before departure for pet documentation checks.

Is there a bureau de change at Ouistreham ferry port?

No — there is no bureau de change at the port. The nearest options are in Caen city centre, 15km away: Caen Change at 115 Rue Saint-Jean, and CHANGE by Fidso at 31 Place Saint-Sauveur. If you need to change money before returning to Portsmouth, do so before heading to Ouistreham.

Is there car hire at Caen ferry port?

There is no car hire available in Ouistreham. All major car hire companies are located at Caen train station, 18km from the port. If you need a hire car delivered to the terminal, Europcar can arrange this if pre-booked — call +33 825 358 358 before travelling.

Do I need a Crit’Air sticker to drive to Caen ferry port?

The port at Ouistreham is not inside Caen’s low-emissions zone (ZFE), so no Crit’Air sticker is required to drive directly to the ferry terminal. However, if your route takes you through Caen city centre (inside the ring road), or through other ZFE cities such as Rouen, Le Havre, Rennes or Nantes, you will need to display a Crit’Air sticker. Stickers cost less than €5 including postage from the official French government website and must be purchased before travelling in France.

How far is Caen ferry port from the D-Day beaches?

Caen ferry port at Ouistreham is exceptionally well placed for the Normandy D-Day beaches. Sword Beach is adjacent to Ouistreham itself — less than 2km from the terminal. Gold Beach near Arromanches is approximately 30 minutes west. The entire D-Day coastline stretches from Ouistreham in the east to Utah Beach near Sainte-Mère-Église in the west. Bayeux, the closest town to Omaha Beach and the home of the Bayeux Tapestry, is approximately 30 minutes west on the N13. See our D-Day beaches guide →