Ferry to Spain from the UK
UK to Spain ferries at a glance
- Operator: Brittany Ferries
- Routes: Portsmouth-Santander, Portsmouth-Bilbao and Plymouth-Santander
- Crossing: roughly 20 to 36 hours across the Bay of Biscay
- Shortest option: Plymouth-Santander
- No direct UK ferry to Barcelona, Mallorca or the Mediterranean coast
Ferries from the UK to Spain
There are three direct ferry routes from the UK to Spain, all operated by Brittany Ferries: Portsmouth-Santander, Portsmouth-Bilbao and Plymouth-Santander. They all cross the Bay of Biscay to the northern Atlantic coast of Spain, so this is not a quick hop: it is an overnight sea journey where your cabin, vehicle booking and arrival port really matter.
Crossings take roughly 20 to 36 hours depending on the route, vessel and timetable. Plymouth-Santander is usually the shortest option, while the Portsmouth sailings give you a choice between Santander and Bilbao. The best route depends less on the headline sailing time and more on your UK starting point, your Spanish destination and whether you are travelling with a car, camper or motorhome.
These routes are especially useful for road trips: you arrive in northern Spain with your own vehicle and luggage, ready to continue towards the Picos de Europa, the Basque Country, Madrid, Portugal or the Mediterranean. There is no direct ferry from the UK to Barcelona, Mallorca or the Spanish south coast, so for those trips you either sail to northern Spain and drive on, or cross to France first.
Map: ferries to Spain from the UK
The map shows the three direct UK to Spain routes across the Bay of Biscay, from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao. Use it first to see where the Spanish ports sit, then choose based on your onward drive rather than sailing time alone.
Which ferry to Spain should you choose?
All three routes land on the northern coast of Spain, but they do not suit the same trip. Use this as a quick guide, then check the live timetable for your dates.
| Route | Best for | Crossing style | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth-Santander | Central and northern Spain, the Picos de Europa and onward driving towards Portugal | Long overnight crossing, often one or two nights | The strongest all-round choice if Portsmouth is convenient |
| Portsmouth-Bilbao | The Basque Country, San Sebastián, Rioja, the Pyrenees and eastern Spain | Long overnight crossing, usually around 30+ hours | Arrives closest to France and the Pyrenees |
| Plymouth-Santander | South West England, Devon, Cornwall, South Wales and the shortest direct sea crossing | Usually one night, roughly 20 to 22 hours | Very useful if Plymouth saves you a long drive to Portsmouth |
Santander or Bilbao: which Spanish port?
Both ports sit on the northern Atlantic coast, but they point you towards different parts of Spain.
- Choose Santander if you are heading for central or northern Spain, the Picos de Europa, Cantabria, Asturias, Madrid or Portugal. It is served from both Portsmouth and Plymouth, which gives you more choice.
- Choose Bilbao if you are visiting the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Rioja, the Pyrenees or eastern Spain. Bilbao is also the more logical arrival if you plan to drive towards Barcelona or the Mediterranean. The ferry port is at Zierbena, outside Bilbao itself.
For many road trips the Spanish arrival port matters more than the UK departure port. Santander can save time if you are heading west or south-west. Bilbao is better for the Basque Country and eastern Spain.
Portsmouth or Plymouth: which UK port?
Your UK departure port often matters as much as the Spanish one.
- Portsmouth offers both Santander and Bilbao. It is usually easier to reach from London, the South East, the Midlands and much of southern England, and gives you the widest route choice.
- Plymouth runs to Santander only, but it is usually the shortest direct UK-Spain crossing. It suits travellers from Devon, Cornwall and South Wales who would rather not drive east to Portsmouth before sailing.
If your dates are fixed, check the live timetable early. Spain crossings are long-haul sailings and cabins, vehicle spaces and pet-friendly options can sell out well before the summer peak.
On board the ferries to Spain
Because these are long Bay of Biscay crossings, the ships are built around the journey rather than just transport. Expect cabins, restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment such as a cinema, family shows and games areas. On Pont-Aven, there is even a swimming pool. For families, younger children and anyone who dislikes long drives, this is where the ferry can make sense: you board in the UK, sleep, eat, walk around and arrive with your own vehicle in Spain.
For most travellers, a private cabin is worth it. These are not crossings where we would try to save every pound by relying on a reclining seat, especially with children, pets or a long drive after arrival.
On board impressions from Brittany Ferries, including Santoña. Vessel assignments can change, so always check the ship shown for your sailing before booking.
Taking a car, camper or trailer to Spain
The main appeal of these routes is that you arrive in Spain with your own vehicle and luggage, ready to drive on. A few things are worth sorting before you book:
- Cars, motorbikes, campers, motorhomes and trailers can be carried, but spaces depend on the sailing.
- Enter the correct vehicle height and length, including roof boxes, bike racks, trailers and camper conversions.
- Pack a small overnight bag before boarding, because the car deck is not freely accessible during the crossing.
- Vehicle space is limited in summer and school holidays, so book early if your dates are fixed.
- Remember to drive on the right after you disembark, and carry your vehicle documents.
Foot passengers
Foot passengers are normally accepted on the UK to Spain sailings, but always check your exact route and date before booking. These are long overnight crossings, so a cabin is strongly recommended rather than a reclining seat. Once in Santander or Bilbao you can continue by train or bus, though the ferry is at its most useful when you bring your own car, camper or motorbike.
Travelling with pets
Brittany Ferries allows pets on Spain routes, with options that can include pet-friendly cabins or onboard kennels depending on the ship and sailing. This is one of the main reasons many families choose the ferry over flying. Rules vary by route, booking type and the documents your pet needs to enter the EU, so check the current requirements before booking. Our guide to travelling with pets on ferries covers the main points.
No direct ferry from the UK to Barcelona or Mallorca
There is no direct ferry from the UK to Barcelona, the Mediterranean coast or the Balearic Islands such as Mallorca and Ibiza. The UK to Spain ferries only serve the northern Atlantic coast at Santander and Bilbao.
To reach Barcelona or the Mediterranean by ferry, you normally sail to Bilbao or Santander and then drive on. Bilbao is the more logical northern arrival for eastern Spain, but it is still a long road trip. Another option is to cross from the UK to France and drive south through France, either by ferry or LeShuttle. For the Balearic Islands you would then take a separate ferry from mainland Spain. If you are short on time, flying to the Mediterranean and hiring a car may be more practical than sailing to the north and driving across the country.
For the first leg through France, compare our ferries to France from the UK guide with our first-hand LeShuttle review.
Prices and when to book
Fares vary a lot by season, route, sailing day, vehicle type, cabin choice and how early you book. Treat any figure you see as an example rather than a fixed price, and compare live availability for your own dates and vehicle.
If your dates are flexible, there is a value window: in our experience the best Brittany Ferries deals often appear between November and early March, both on price and on flexibility. During that window it is worth watching for:
- early booking discounts on popular sailings, especially school holidays and peak summer dates;
- occasional upgrades or onboard extras bundled in on selected sailings;
- low-deposit, book-now-plan-later style fares that let you lock in a good crossing early.
You can find current offers on our Brittany Ferries deals page. The Brittany Ferries Low Fare calendar is also handy: if your dates are flexible it shows the cheapest sailings around your preferred period. If your dates are fixed, booking in that winter window and choosing a fare with better change conditions usually gives the best mix of price and peace of mind.
Bay of Biscay and practical tips
- Passport: Spain follows Schengen rules. For British passport holders, check both the issue date and the expiry date before you travel.
- Border checks: you pass through UK and Spanish controls. EES biometric registration may add checks for short-stay visitors to the Schengen area, so allow time and follow the latest port advice.
- Vehicle documents: carry your V5C registration, insurance that covers Europe and suitable breakdown cover.
- Sea conditions: the Bay of Biscay can be calm or choppy. If you are prone to it, see our tips to avoid seasickness and consider medication for rougher days.
- Onboard Wi-Fi and roaming: download films, series or maps before sailing, since onboard Wi-Fi can be costly and roaming at sea is expensive.
- Check-in: arrive in good time and use the exact time on your e-ticket. With a pet, a group or special assistance, build in extra margin.
- Travelling with children? See our tips for travelling with kids on the ferry for the longer overnight routes.
Jan Willem van Tilburg
Useful for travellers to Spain
Tips for ferry travellers
Do the ferries run after the first week in November ?
Looking to travel around the 17th November
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for your question. For now it seems like the last ferries to Spain from the UK will sail in the first week of November (5th of November). And then this particular crossing will have a winter break and will start up again in early 2024.
Best,
Can you take a trailer on the ferry’s from England to Spain.
Hi Wendy,
Yes you actually can take the ferry from England to Spain with a trailer, but you can book this only by phone at Brittany Ferries directly.
Happy travels!
Which have dog friendly overnight cabins and price please
Hi Sharon,
If you sail by ferry to Spain from the UK you'll be sailing with Brittany Ferries: Brittany Ferries does have pet friendly cabins on the Galicia, Salamanca, Pont-Aven and Normandie vessels. Spain with your pet aboard Brittany Ferries for just £29 to France and £45 to Spain each way.
Hope this answers your question.
I never knew its was possible to go by ferry, I wish Palama de Mellorca was an option. This island is beautiful, but recently the cost for flights is very expensive especially if you are like me and like to go for a short weekend. Is there a ferry to here that i have missed?
Hi Shaunu,
Thanks for your question, if you want to Palma de Mallorca from the UK you have to first get to Spain (Various ways to do this, I would go through Calais-Dover and drive). Then you need to travel to Barcelona, and from there pickup a ferry to Mallorca. Keep in mind though these ferries are over-booked and a bit expensive: Be early with your booking.
Here you can see the complete map and guide for ferries to Mallorca from Barcelona.
~ Jochem
We would like to travel with our cat but having issues with finding any availability.
Does joining the ferry club help with this or is it a case of having to book a year in advance? Not practical for us oldies.
We travel to Spain and return to uk twice every year, following the 90 day rules.
What advantages if any would be gained by joining the club?
Hi Dianne,
Thank you for getting in touch. We're not Brittany Ferries, but we strive to provide a comprehensive overview of available routes and considerations. You can find all the information regarding Club Voyage on this page at Brittany Ferries. Club Voyage Benefits.
We couldn't find any information about prioritized arrangements for bringing your cat onboard as part of the Club Voyage membership.
You probably found the information on pet friendly cabins already, but if not you can find it here:
Have a good trip!
Hi, Could the Brittany Ferry Portsmouth to Santander in December January travel just have not been advertised yet or do these not sail in winter. And if not can a company that does sail come with a recommendation.
Hi Nathasha,
These ferries from the UK to Spain do also sail in December. If they're not visible yet then they might have not been advertised yet. For the ferries to Santander you can already find the dates for November, I think in a month or so December will also be added to the sailing schedule.
Have a nice trip!