Cruise port Saint-Malo
Port information & tips for Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is the legendary corsair city of Brittany and a glamorous highlight on the French Emerald Coast. The historic port city impresses with its majestic granite fortress walls and the maritime flair of the winding alleys within the historic old town. Absolute highlights include a walk along the mighty city walls, Les Remparts, with vast views over the Atlantic, the impressive Château de Saint-Malo, and the island fortress Fort National, which can be reached on foot at low tide. Cruise ships dock directly at the Gare Maritime du Naye or, for larger vessels, use the central tender pier Cale de la Bourse. From both locations, visitors can comfortably reach the heart of the Intra-Muros old town in just a few minutes on foot and also enjoy direct access to the regional specialties of the Breton coast.
Saint-Malo, a charming jewel on France's Emerald Coast, is easily accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region. The port features the modern Terminal de Naye, which allows for a pleasant and efficient embarkation. Thanks to its central location, the historic old town (Intra-Muros) and important transport links are quickly reachable.
Car
Arrival by car is convenient thanks to good road connections. From Rennes, the N137 expressway leads directly to Saint-Malo, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. From the direction of Paris, the journey via the A11 and N137 takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Unattended short-term and long-term parking spaces are available directly at the Terminal Ferry du Naye, which are subject to a fee. There are also charging stations for electric vehicles near the quay. Another option is the Paul Féval park-and-ride car park just outside the city, from which free shuttle buses run to the center and the port.
Train
The SNCF station in Saint-Malo offers direct TGV connections from Paris-Montparnasse in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. In addition, there are TER regional train connections from Rennes, Dol-de-Bretagne, and Dinan. The ferry port is about 2 kilometers from the station, which you can easily reach by taxi in 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, the MAT bus line 8 runs in about 5 minutes from the station to the "Gare Maritime" (ferry terminal). On foot, the path takes about 25 minutes.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Dinard–Pleurtuit–Saint-Malo (DNR), which is located only about 9 kilometers from Saint-Malo. This smaller airport mainly serves seasonal flights. Another option is Rennes-Saint-Jacques (RNS) airport, which is about 68 to 75 kilometers away. From Rennes, you can reach Saint-Malo by car or transfer in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Private transfers offer a comfortable door-to-door service. For travelers from the DACH region with longer flights, staying overnight in Saint-Malo the day before embarkation is recommended to start the cruise relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled for about one hour before the planned departure.
Also during the voyage: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Saint-Malo, a charming jewel on France's Emerald Coast, is easily accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region. The port features the modern Terminal de Naye, which allows for a pleasant and efficient embarkation. Thanks to its central location, the historic old town (Intra-Muros) and important transport links are quickly reachable.
Car
Arrival by car is convenient thanks to good road connections. From Rennes, the N137 expressway leads directly to Saint-Malo, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. From the direction of Paris, the journey via the A11 and N137 takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Unattended short-term and long-term parking spaces are available directly at the Terminal Ferry du Naye, which are subject to a fee. There are also charging stations for electric vehicles near the quay. Another option is the Paul Féval park-and-ride car park just outside the city, from which free shuttle buses run to the center and the port.
Train
The SNCF station in Saint-Malo offers direct TGV connections from Paris-Montparnasse in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. In addition, there are TER regional train connections from Rennes, Dol-de-Bretagne, and Dinan. The ferry port is about 2 kilometers from the station, which you can easily reach by taxi in 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, the MAT bus line 8 runs in about 5 minutes from the station to the "Gare Maritime" (ferry terminal). On foot, the path takes about 25 minutes.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Dinard–Pleurtuit–Saint-Malo (DNR), which is located only about 9 kilometers from Saint-Malo. This smaller airport mainly serves seasonal flights. Another option is Rennes-Saint-Jacques (RNS) airport, which is about 68 to 75 kilometers away. From Rennes, you can reach Saint-Malo by car or transfer in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Private transfers offer a comfortable door-to-door service. For travelers from the DACH region with longer flights, staying overnight in Saint-Malo the day before embarkation is recommended to start the cruise relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled for about one hour before the planned departure.
Also during the voyage: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Saint-Malo impresses with its excellent location directly in front of the historic old town, allowing for an uncomplicated exploration of the region.
On Foot
The fortified city of Intra-Muros can be reached in about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the berth, and invites you to take a pleasant stroll along the quays. The path leads directly to the main gates of the city and offers initial impressions of the impressive architecture.
Taxi
Official taxis wait directly at the Gare Maritime terminal building as well as at the Esplanade Saint-Vincent in front of the city gates. Drivers provide a reliable service for trips to the train station or destinations in the surrounding area and are also available for individual sightseeing tours.
Sea Bus (Navette)
The passenger ferries of the Compagnie Corsaire depart from Quai Saint-Louis and connect Saint-Malo directly with neighboring Dinard. This crossing takes only 10 minutes and offers a wonderful opportunity to admire the Emerald Coast from the water.
To make the most of your stay in Saint-Malo, we recommend exploring the historic old town directly by the harbor, combined with a visit to the extensive beaches or an excursion to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site.
Intra-Muros
Enclosed by massive fortress walls, the old town impresses with its historic charm and offers numerous opportunities in its winding granite alleys to enjoy regional specialties, as well as a panoramic view over the sea directly from the accessible ramparts.
Grande Plage du Sillon
This award-winning sandy beach stretches directly northeast of the city walls and, thanks to its characteristic wooden breakwaters and lively promenade, is perfect for a relaxed stroll with views of the emerald-green coast.
Mont-Saint-Michel
The world-famous monastery on the island rock is an ideal destination for a shore excursion thanks to its good connections to the port; furthermore, the architectural masterpiece fascinates with its location amidst the dramatic tidal landscape of the bay.
Grande Plage du Sillon
The Grande Plage du Sillon is easily accessible from the port in about fifteen minutes on foot and, with its three kilometers of fine sandy beach, offers the ideal location for excellent relaxation by the sea. This section of coast, which has been voted the most beautiful beach in France several times, impresses with its striking wooden breakwaters and a lively promenade with inviting cafes and first-class crêperies. Thanks to the direct proximity to the historic silhouette of the city, you can enjoy a maritime panorama here that is perfect for relaxing hours and high-quality vacation photos. Ideally, visit the beach at low tide to fully enjoy the impressive expanse of sand, and plan the short walk back to the ship about sixty minutes before departure.
The journey back to the port of Saint-Malo is particularly relaxed and safe thanks to the short distances and excellent signage. If you are returning by tender boat, simply plan a small time buffer for the walk to the pier.
On Foot
From the historic old town, Intra-Muros, you can take a comfortable ten-minute walk directly to the Cale de la Bourse, where the tender boats depart. If your ship is docked at the Gare Maritime du Naye, a well-maintained and secure path along the harbor basins leads to the terminal in about twenty minutes.
Taxi
Central taxi stands are located directly at the main gate of the old town, the Porte Saint-Vincent, as well as at Place de la Mer. Additionally, reception staff in the large hotels along the Promenade du Sillon or in the Paramé district will be happy to order a vehicle for a direct and comfortable ride to the port.
Local Buses
Buses operated by the MAT transport network reliably connect the surrounding beaches and sights with the city center and the port area. Thanks to stops in the immediate vicinity of the Gare Maritime and the clear route layout, you will reach your ship on time and enjoy a pleasant ride through the city area.
