Ferries to San Sebastian - From UK and Ireland
Can You Travel to San Sebastián by Ferry?
Ferry Routes to San Sebastián from the UK and Ireland
San Sebastián’s charm as a holiday destination hardly needs an introduction. But whether you can get there by ferry is a more intriguing question, one that we’re happy to explore.
The answer is yes and no. You cannot travel directly to San Sebastián by ferry, but there are several convenient ferry crossings from the UK and Ireland to Northern Spain that bring you very close. Ferries arrive at Santander and Bilbao, from which it’s a straightforward drive to San Sebastián: about 2.5 hours from Santander or just 1 hour from Bilbao.
These crossings are versatile: whether you’re travelling as a foot passenger or bringing along a car, camper, or caravan, you’ll find a suitable option.
Below, we’ve included details of all ferry routes, a helpful map, and additional tips to make planning your journey as seamless as possible.
Maps: ferry routes to San Sebastian from UK & Ireland
About these crossings
Travelling from the UK to San Sebastian: Ferry Options
There are three main ferry routes from the UK to Spain, all operated by Brittany Ferries. These ferries depart from Plymouth and Portsmouth, providing flexibility depending on your location and preferences.
- Routes available:
- Plymouth to Santander – The fastest route to Spain, with a crossing time of approximately 20 hours.
- Portsmouth to Santander – Slightly longer, taking around 28 hours.
- Portsmouth to Bilbao – The longest route, with a journey time of about 32 hours.
Which route is best for reaching San Sebastián?
- Bilbao is nearer to San Sebastián, with a driving distance of about 1 hour.
- Santander offers the fastest ferry crossing, and from there, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to San Sebastián.
Key consideration:
Depending on where you live in the UK, choose the Plymouth to Santander route for the quickest overall journey or the Portsmouth to Bilbao route for a shorter drive to San Sebastián. Both options make it easy to reach this popular destination.
Are you travelling from Ireland?
If you’re departing from Ireland to Spain, the ferry to Bilbao is your best option for reaching San Sebastián. Both ferries to Northern Spain leave from Rosslare, but Bilbao is slightly closer to San Sebastián than Santander, making it a more convenient choice.
- Departure point: Rosslare
- Best destination: Bilbao (closer to San Sebastián)
This route offers a shorter overall journey, saving you time once you arrive in Spain. Whether you're travelling by car, camper, or as a foot passenger, the Bilbao option ensures a more efficient trip.
Booking Tip: Book your ferry to San Sebastián early
If you’re planning to travel to San Sebastián and Spain by car or camper, it’s strongly recommended to book your ferry early in the season.
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Why book early?
- Prices increase as ferries fill up.
- Parking deck spots for cars, campers, and caravans can sell out quickly.
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Travelling as a foot passenger?
- You have more flexibility.
- It’s possible to take a chance with a last-minute booking, as foot passenger spots are less likely to run out.
By booking early, you secure the best rates and ensure your vehicle has a place onboard. This is especially important during the busy holiday season.
On board, maps and ferries
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- Ferries to Spain from Ireland
Option 1: From Portsmouth to San Sebastián
From Portsmouth, you can choose between ferries to Bilbao or Santander.
- Best choice: The ferry to Bilbao makes the most sense since it is closer to San Sebastián (~1 hour drive).
- Consideration: If the ferry to Santander is significantly cheaper, it could be a viable alternative, though it requires a longer drive (~2.5 hours).
Option 2: From Plymouth to San Sebastián
The Plymouth to Santander route is the fastest crossing to Spain, making it the quickest option for those living near Plymouth.
- Why choose this route? If convenience and speed are priorities, this is your best choice for reaching San Sebastián efficiently.
Option 3: From Ireland to San Sebastián
For travellers departing from Ireland, the ferry from Rosslare to Bilbao is the most straightforward option.
- Best choice: Bilbao is closer to San Sebastián, making it a logical choice.
- Alternative: Choose the ferry to Santander if you prefer visiting Santander or if the Santander ferry offers a better deal.
Key recommendations:
- Bilbao: Closest port to San Sebastián, ideal if minimizing driving time is your priority.
- Santander: Consider this option if it’s more affordable or if you prefer a shorter ferry crossing from Plymouth.
- Rosslare departures: Best for Irish travellers heading to Bilbao.
By evaluating your departure point, priorities, and budget, you can select the option that best fits your journey to San Sebastián!
Prices and availability for this crossing
When entering your travel details in the booking module you can find more information about sailings, pricing and availability.
Additional Information
When travelling to San Sebastián via ferry from the UK or Ireland, there are a few important things to keep in mind for a smooth and enjoyable journey:
Travel essentials
- Bring your passport: Since Brexit, a driver's licence or ID card is no longer sufficient for travel to Spain. Make sure your passport is valid.
- Download entertainment: On long crossings, such as the journey to Santander or Bilbao, download your favorite shows or movies in advance. Wi-Fi on board is often expensive, and roaming costs in international waters can be high.
- Driving tip: After disembarking, remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road. The adjustment might feel odd at first, but you’ll adapt quickly.
Foot passengers
Not all ferries accept foot passengers, so check in advance if this is an option for your chosen route to Santander or Bilbao. If you plan to travel without a vehicle, confirm your booking details carefully.
Travelling with Kids
Taking a night ferry with young children?
- Prepare ahead with cozy sleeping arrangements and snacks.
- Night ferries can be a great option as kids often sleep through most of the journey.
Check out our travel tips for families for more guidance.
Seasickness Tips
Worried about seasickness?
- Choose a lower cabin near the middle of the ship, where movement is minimal.
- Pack motion sickness remedies, such as tablets or wristbands.
For more advice, explore our guide to preventing seasickness.
Luggage & Pets
- Luggage: Most ferries have no strict limits on the amount of luggage you can bring.
- Pets: Pets are welcome on most routes but require additional fees and must stay in designated kennels on board. Ensure your pet meets travel requirements for Spain, such as:
- Vaccinations (including rabies).
- A pet passport or equivalent documentation.
- Any other country-specific regulations.
With these tips, your journey to San Sebastián will be comfortable and stress-free, letting you focus on enjoying your time in this stunning destination.
