Ferry from the UK to Spain

Ferry routes and ticket prices for 2026
Fri, 31 July 2026 The Ferryhopper Team

Taking the ferry from the UK is a very popular way to visit one of the best vacation destinations in Europe, the wonderful country of Spain!

On Ferryhopper, you can find all necessary information about active ferry routes from the UK to Spain, so you can start planning your trip. Find out about ferry schedules and frequency in 2026, duration and prices and explore all your travel options.

  1. Ferries from the UK to Spain
  2. Ferries companies operating from the UK to Spain
  3. English and Spanish ports
  4. FAQs about your ferry trip

Tall buildings, boats and cargo ferry at port of Portsmouth, England

Aerial view of the port of Portsmouth in southern England

Ferries between the UK and Spain

Traveling by ferry is a very popular option to reach Spain from the UK. There are currently 3 direct ferry routes connecting England with Spain, departing from the ports of Portsmouth and Plymouth: Portsmouth - Bilbao, Portsmouth - Santander and Plymouth - Santander.

All 3 ferry routes are operated by the ferry company Brittany Ferries. The company serves weekly crossings, with increased frequency between April and October.

Ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao

The Portsmouth - Bilbao ferry route is available with up to 2 crossings per week all year round. The ferry trip is overnight (two nights) and the duration is 33 to 36 hr.

Ticket prices for the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao start at around €53.

Ferry from Portsmouth to Santander

The ferry route from Portsmouth to Santander is usually operated all year round with 1-2 weekly crossings. The ferry trip is overnight (two nights) and can last between 33 and 33 hr 30 min.

You can book Portsmouth - Santander tickets starting at about €53.

Tip: find all the information you need about Portsmouth - Spain ferries in 2026.

Ferry from Plymouth to Santander

The Plymouth - Santander ferry connection is served from late March to early November with up to 2 weekly crossings. The overnight ferry ride lasts from 20 hr 15 min to 21 hr 30 min. Ferry tickets usually start at around €170.

The vessel that operates the ferry route from Plymouth to Santander is Pont-Aven, a very modern ferry with award-winning services and top-class facilities.

Boats at Plymouth harbor, England

The picturesque harbor of Plymouth

Which ferry companies operate from the UK to Spain?

The only ferry company that operates the ferry crossings from the UK to Spain is Brittany Ferries. The company serves the direct connections from Portsmouth and Plymouth to northern Spain with cruise ferries designed for long-distance and overnight travel.

Depending on the vessel, onboard facilities may include cabins, reserved seats, restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, Wi-Fi packages, children’s areas, entertainment spaces, pet-friendly accommodation, and designated pet areas.

English and Spanish ports

For your ferry trip from the UK to Spain, there are 4 main port options: 2 in England and 2 in Spain. When planning your journey, it is best to arrive at the departure port well in advance, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle.

Ports in England

  • Portsmouth: located in Hampshire, on the south coast of England, around 106 km southwest of London. From Portsmouth, you can travel by ferry to Bilbao and Santander. the only island city in the United Kingdom.
  • Plymouth: a historic waterfront city in South West England, around 309 km from London. From Plymouth, you can travel by ferry to Santander.

Ports in Spain

  • Santander: a modern Spanish port city on the northern shores of Spain. With great food and beautiful beaches, Santander could be your final destination or the starting point for exploring Cantabria, Asturias, Castile and León, and central Spain.
  • Bilbao: the largest city in the Basque Country and a popular gateway to northern Spain. The port of Bilbao is located about a 20-minute drive from Bilbao city center.

A Brittany Ferries vessel docked at a port at night

A Brittany Ferries vessel anchored at night

FAQS about your ferry trip to Spain from the UK

Find answers to your questions and useful information about ferry prices, duration and amenities available when traveling from the UK to Spain:

How long is the ferry trip from the UK to Spain?

The duration of a ferry crossing from the UK to Spain mainly depends on the port of departure and the destination, the type of vessel, the ferry itinerary, as well as the weather conditions.

The shortest UK - Spain ferry trip is the one from Plymouth to Santander, lasting as little as 20 hours 15 minutes. The longest ferry crossing is from Portsmouth to Bilbao, with a duration of at least 31.5 hours and up to 36 hours.

How much is the ferry from the UK to Spain?

Ferry ticket prices vary largely depending on the time of the year you want to travel. As a general rule, ferry tickets from the UK to Spain are at their cheapest off season, for example in April, October or November, while they may be as much as double in cost in the summer.

A single ferry ticket from the UK to Spain usually ranges between €53 and €270. Prices are usually higher when adding a cabin, vehicle or pet.

Can I travel with my car from the UK to Spain?

Yes, vehicles can be transported on all crossings from the UK to Spain. You can usually travel with a car, motorbike, van, camper or motorhome, depending on availability. Prices start at around €110 to transport a car, €56 for a motorbike and €176 for a motorhome.

As traveling with a vehicle on ferries from the UK to Spain is very popular, we recommend booking your ferry tickets well in advance.

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

Yes, you can bring your pet on board the ferry from the UK to Spain. More specifically, depending on the vessel serving the crossing, you may choose between pet-friendly cabins or kennels (for dogs). Pets should wear a muzzle and a leash at all times outside the cabin, kennel.

Note: pets cannot stay in vehicles during the crossing.

To travel with a dog, cat or ferret from the UK to Spain, you need either a UK-issued EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or a valid EU pet passport issued in a current EU country. If you are using an AHC, your pet must also have a microchip record and a valid rabies vaccination certificate

Bear in mind that pet spaces are usually limited, especially in the summer. Therefore, make sure to book well in advance. 

Find out all about pet ferry travel from the UK to Spain on our complete guide.

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

All passengers traveling from the UK to Spain with Brittany Ferries need a valid passport, and Advance Passenger Information (API) must be completed before travel.

  • If you are a UK citizen, you need a valid, in-date passport. For short tourist stays in Spain, a visa is usually not required, but you may need one if you plan to stay longer, work, study, or travel for another specific purpose.
  • If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you should also travel with a valid passport, as Brittany Ferries states that all passengers need a passport for its services. A visa is not required for EU nationals traveling to Spain.
  • If you are not a UK, EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you need a valid passport and may also need a visa, residence permit or other supporting documents, depending on your nationality and travel purpose.

The Barbican and its marina with anchored boats in Plymouth city, UK

The beautiful old port of Plymouth packed with boats

Book ferry tickets from the UK to Spain

Compare up-to-date schedules, ticket prices and travel options for Portsmouth - Bilbao, Portsmouth - Santander and Plymouth - Santander, and plan your ferry trip to Spain with no hidden fees. Use our Map of ferries to visualize all connections and find the one that suits you best.