Ferry to Spain from the UK
Travel to Spain by ferry from the UK
While many tourists choose to drive to Spain or fly to their destination, taking the ferry is becoming an increasingly popular and excellent alternative for travelling to Spain.
Depart from Plymouth or Portsmouth
The ferries making the crossing depart twice a week from Portsmouth to Santander, twice a week from Portsmouth to Bilbao, and twice a week from Plymouth to Santander. The sailing time varies, with the journey from Plymouth to Santander taking around 20 hours, and from Portsmouth to Bilbao taking up to 36 hours.
Ferry Map: ferries to Spain from the UK captured
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Crossings to Spain from the UK
Guide: ferries to Spain from the UK
Travel to Spain by Ferry from the UK
Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits, with over 18 million tourists visiting in a typical year. While many opt to drive or fly to their chosen location, taking the ferry is an increasingly popular and excellent alternative for travelling to Spain.
From the southern UK cities of Plymouth and Portsmouth, ferries depart twice a week for the northern Spanish cities of Bilbao and Santander.
These crossings between the UK and Spain take either one or two nights and offer a comfortable start to your holiday in Spain.
Once you arrive in Santander or Bilbao, you can easily continue your journey further into Spain.
The ferries operate twice a week from Portsmouth to Santander, twice a week from Portsmouth to Bilbao, and twice a week from Plymouth to Santander. Sailing times vary, with the journey from Plymouth to Santander taking around 20 hours, and from Portsmouth to Bilbao taking up to 36 hours.
Option 2: Travelling from Plymouth to Spain
Ferry Plymouth – Santander
Your second option is the ferry from Plymouth to Santander. Brittany Ferries operates this route with its flagship, Pont-Aven, making it the fastest ferry crossing from the UK to Spain. Plymouth is located in South-West England, in Devon.
The journey to Spain takes around 20 hours and is a one-night crossing. The cost for two adults with a car during peak season is approximately £382 if you book well in advance.
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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!