Ferry from Spain to the UK

Traveling by ferry from Spain to the UK allows you to bring your car, motorbike or motorhome and avoid the long drive thoursough France. Direct ferries depart from Bilbao and Santander in northern Spain and arrive at Portsmouth or Plymouth in southern England.

In 2026, there are 3 direct ferry routes from Spain to the UK, all operated by Brittany Ferries. Crossings take from around 20 hours to 32 hours and include at least 1 night at sea.

Find available routes, compare schedules and prices, and book your ferry from Spain to the UK on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees.

Ferries from Spain to the UK in 2026

You can travel directly from Spain to England on the following routes:

All 3 connections are operated with conventional cruise ferries carrying both passengers and vehicles. Schedules and fares vary depending on the season and sailing date, so check the latest information before booking.

Tip: Santander - Plymouth is normally the shortest ferry crossing from Spain to the UK.

Which Spanish port should I depart from?

The best departure port depends mainly on where you are traveling from in Spain and which UK port is more convenient for your onward journey.

Santander

Santander offers the widest choice, as it is connected with both Portsmouth and Plymouth. The port is particularly convenient if you are traveling from Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia, Castile and León, or central Spain.

The Santander ferry terminutesal is located in the heart of the city. The railway and bus stations are only 5-10 minutesutes away on foot, making Santander the more convenient Spanish departure port for many passengers traveling without a vehicle.

Bilbao

The port of Bilbao is connected directly with Portsmouth. It is northeastern Spaina practical option if you are cominutesg from the Basque Country, La Rioja, Navarre, Aragón, or northeastern Spain.

The ferry terminutesal is in Zierbena, around 21 km from Bilbao city center. You can reach it by car from Bilbao in approximately 20 minutesutes. The nearest metro station is Santurtzi, around 3 km from the terminutesal, but there is no regular public transport service directly to the port.

If you are traveling without a vehicle, arrange your transfer to the terminutesal in advance. A port shuttle normally takes arriving foot passengers from the terminutesal to central Bilbao after disembarkation.

The golden sandy beach and coastal city skyline in Santander

Should I travel to Portsmouth or Plymouth?

Choosing the right UK port can make the rest of your journey much easier.

Portsmouth: better for London and southeastern England

Portsmouth is generally more convenient for London, Southampton, Brighton, Oxford, and much of southeastern and central England. The city has motorway and rail connections with London and other major destinations.

The port has direct access to the M275 and the wider UK motorway network. In normal traffic, you can drive to London in less than 2 hr.

Coaches connect the ferry terminal with London Victoria and Heathrow Airport. Portsmouth & Southsea railway station also has services to London and other cities. It is approximately a 30-minute walk from the port, and taxis are available outside the terminal.

Both Bilbao and Santander have year-round connections to Portsmouth, giving you a wider choice of departure dates.

Plymouth: better for Cornwall, Devon and southwestern England

Plymouth is generally the better option for Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, and other destinations in southwestern England. It also offers the shortest direct crossing from Spain, with the Santander - Plymouth journey taking as little as 20 hours 15 minutes.

The ferry terminal is approximately a 15-minute walk from Plymouth city center. You can walk to the railway station in around 30-35 min and to the coach station in about 25 min.

There is no direct bus service from the railway station to the ferry terminal. A taxi may therefore be more convenient when traveling with luggage.

Bear in mind that Santander - Plymouth is seasonal and normally operates from March to November.

Spain - UK ferry routes

Ferry from Santander to Plymouth

In 2026, the direct Santander - Plymouth ferry normally operates from March to November, with up to 2 weekly departures.

The crossing usually takes from 20 hours 15 minutes to around 22 hours and includes a day and night at sea.

Brittany Ferries serves the route with its flagship cruise ferry, Pont-Aven.

Tickets for the Santander - Plymouth ferry start at around €170. Prices vary depending on the departure date, accommodation, availability, and whether you travel with a vehicle or pet.

Ferry from Santander to Portsmouth

Ferries from Santander to Portsmouth are normally available during most of the year, with 1-2 departures per week. The crossing takes approximately 28-32 hours, depending on the itinerary, and may include 1 or 2 nights at sea.

The connection is operated by Brittany Ferries with long-distance cruise ferries such as Salamanca and Santoña.

Tickets for the Santander - Portsmouth ferry start at around €170. The final price depends on the sailing, accommodation, vehicle, and pet selection.

Ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth

The Bilbao - Portsmouth ferry normally runs up to twice a week, mainly from March to December. The journey takes approximately 29 hours 30 minutes to 32 hours 45 minutes and usually includes 2 nights on board.

Brittany Ferries serves the route with conventional cruise ferries such as Galicia. Vehicles are permitted, while passengers can book numbered seats, lounges or private cabins.

Tickets for the Bilbao - Portsmouth ferry start at around €170, depending on the sailing date and accommodation selected.

The impressive Pont-Aven vessel of Brittany Ferries sailing across open sea waters

How much is the ferry from Spain to the UK?

Ferry tickets from Spain to the UK start at around €170. Prices vary depending on:

• The route and departure date
• The type of accommodation
• Whether you travel with a vehicle
• The vehicle type and dimensions
• Whether you bring a pet
• Availability when you book

The lowest fares are normally available to foot passengers. Adding a private cabin, vehicle or pet accommodation increases the total price.

Tip: we recommend booking early for a summer trip or if you need a specific cabin type. The lowest fares and most popular accommodation types can sell out quickly.

What are ferries from Spain to the UK like?

The direct routes from Spain to the UK are served by large conventional ferries designed for long-distance and overnight journeys.

Facilities vary by vessel but normally include:

• Restaurants, cafés and bars
• Indoor lounges and outdoor decks
• Private inside and outside cabins
• Pet-friendly cabins and kennels
• Accessible cabins and passenger facilities
• Children’s play areas and entertainment
• Wi-Fi packages
• Shops

Some facilities are available only on certain Spain to UK ships. For example, Pont-Aven, which normally serves the Santander - Plymouth route, has a cinema, a swimming pool, and sundecks.

Do I need to book a cabin?

Accommodation is normally required on the overnight routes between Spain and the UK. Depending on the sailing, you can book a numbered reclining seat, lounge accommodation or private cabin.

A cabin is particularly useful on the longer crossings to Portsmouth, which can involve 2 nights at sea. Standard inside cabins, outside cabins with sea views, accessible cabins and pet-friendly cabins are usually available.

Prices for private cabins start at around €270.

Cabins and pet accommodation are limited and often sell out first during summer, school holidays and major travel periods. We recommend booking as early as possible if you need a specific cabin type.

Wheelchair-accessible cabin with twin beds and a porthole on a Brittany Ferries ferry

Can I take a car from Spain to the UK?

Yes, all direct ferries from Spain to the UK have vehicle decks. You can normally bring a:

• Car
• Motorbike
• Van
• Camper or motorhome
• Caravan
• Bicycle

Enter the correct vehicle type and dimensions when booking, especially if you have a roof box, bicycle rack, trailer or oversized motorhome.

Remember that traffic in the UK drives on the left. Speed limits and distances are shown in miles, while traffic moves clockwise around roundabouts.

Before your trip, make sure your insurance covers driving in the UK. You should also carry your driving licence, vehicle registration, and insurance documents.

Tip: vehicle spaces can sell out on popular summer crossings. Therefore, we suggest booking early when traveling with a motorhome, caravan or trailer.

Can I travel from Spain to the UK without a car?

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on direct ferries from Spain to the UK, depending on availability.

Santander is generally the most convenient Spanish departure port without a vehicle. The ferry terminal is in the city center and only a 5-10-minute walk from the bus and railway stations.

Bilbao ferry port is outside the city, in Zierbena. Santurtzi metro station is approximately 3 km away so you should arrange transport before traveling.

After arriving in England, Portsmouth has convenient coach and railway connections to London and southeastern England. Plymouth is better placed for journeys to Devon, Cornwall, and the West Country.

Can I bring a pet on the ferry from Spain to the UK?

Yes, pets are allowed on direct ferries from Spain to the UK, but they must be included in your booking. Depending on the vessel, pets may travel in a pet-friendly cabin or onboard kennel. Available arrangements vary by ship, and spaces are limited.

The Bilbao - Portsmouth, Santander - Portsmouth and Santander - Plymouth connections are approved routes for bringing pets into Great Britain. Dogs, cats and ferrets must comply with the UK’s pet-entry requirements. These normally include:

• A microchip
• A valid rabies vaccination
• An accepted pet travel document
• A non-commercial travel declaration
• Tapeworm treatment for dogs, adminutesistered within the required period before arrival

Check the latest official requirements before traveling, as missing or incorrect documentation can result in the animal being refused entry.

What documents do I need to travel from Spain to the UK?

All passengers need a valid passport to travel by ferry between Spain and the UK. The exact visa or immigration requirements depend on your nationality, residence status and reason for traveling.

Spanish and most other EU, EEA and Swiss citizens visiting the UK for a short stay normally need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You may be exempt if you already have a UK visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.

Passengers from countries whose nationals require a UK visa must obtain the appropriate visa rather than relying on an ETA.

Brittany Ferries also requires Advance Passenger Information for every passenger. This includes passport and personal details and should be completed no later than 24 hours before departure.

Tip: an ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry. Always check the latest UK government guidance for your nationality and travel purpose.

How early should I arrive at the port?

Passengers leaving from Santander or Bilbao should check in at least:

• 45 min before departure for standard bookings
• 90 min before departure when traveling with a pet

We recommend following the deadline in your booking confirmation and allowing some extra time during summer, public holidays, and other busy periods.

Useful tips for traveling by ferry from Spain to the UK

• Spain is normally 1 hour ahead of the UK. Departure and arrival times are shown in each port’s local time.
• The Bay of Biscay can be rough. If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before the trip and consider booking a cabin near the middle of the ferry.
• It’s a good idea to pack an overnight bag with your passport, medication, chargers and everything you need during the crossing. Vehicle decks are usually inaccessible while the ferry is at sea.
• If you are driving, remember to adjust to left-hand traffic immediately after leaving the UK port.
• We suggest reserving cabins, vehicle spaces and pet accommodation early, especially for travel between June and September.

Book ferry tickets from Spain to the UK

Compare the latest departures for Bilbao - Portsmouth, Santander - Portsmouth and Santander - Plymouth, and choose the route that works best for your journey.

On Ferryhopper, you can check schedules, compare ticket prices and accommodation options, and book your ferry from Spain to the UK with no hidden fees. You can also use the Map of ferries to visualize the connections between northern Spain and southern England.

Note: also want to plan your return trip to Spain? Find out all about ferries from the UK to Spain in 2026.