Ferry from Plymouth to Santander

When planning your trip with the Portsmouth - Santander ferry, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific passenger categories. Typically, infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free, while children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket rates.

Brittany Ferries operates the Plymouth - Santander ferry route with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Pont-Aven, which are designed for long-haul travel. These vessels feature modern amenities and services for a comfortable and relaxed journey, including:

• Comfortable air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks with sea views
• Restaurants, cafés and bars serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals
• Entertainment including children’s play areas, cinema and TV lounges, live music performances, disco clubs and video game areas
• Onboard wellness facilities, including spa, massage and beauty treatments
• Indoor pool with leisure area
• Whale and dolphin watching with wildlife officers
• Duty-free shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts and travel essentials
• Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of data bundles to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The Plymouth - Santander ferries are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts to move between decks, adapted seating and amenities in common areas, as well as wheelchair accessible cabins with adapted amenities.

Brittany Ferries also offers boarding assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the operator at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, on the Plymouth - Santander ferry, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers. Typically, you can choose from:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and suites with a double bed and a sea view
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins feature a desk, toiletries, and an ensuite bathroom.

Prices for private cabins start at around €270.

Can you sleep on the ferry from Plymouth to Santander?

Yes, the Plymouth - Santander ferry trip usually involves 1 night on board, so you can sleep during the trip and arrive fresh in Spain. Keep in mind that accommodation is compulsory on these overnight crossings, so you need to book either a numbered reclining seat or a cabin.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, Brittany Ferries offers a range of deluxe cabins, the Commodore Suites, which typically have extra room, a double bed and additional amenities and services such as a TV, Wi-Fi access, tea- and coffee-making facilities, complimentary breakfast and access to the exclusive C-Club Lounge.

Luggage

When traveling with Brittany Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight, at no extra cost.

Travelling with pets

You can bring your pet on the Plymouth - Santander ferry, provided you include it in your booking. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

For more details, check out our blog on ferry travel with pets to Spain from the UK.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

When travelling with Brittany Ferries, your pet can either stay in a pet-friendly cabin or in the onboard kennels. The ferries have designated walking areas, however, pets are not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or dining areas.

What pet travel documents do I need?

You must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Keep in mind that for dogs, you will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before your return to the UK.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Plymouth to Santander:

• Plymouth can get busy, so it is best to arrive at least 1.5-2 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure to clear check-in and passport control. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s recommended to be there 2-3 hr in advance.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness tablets before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Keep in mind that there is a time difference between England and Spain, with Santander being 1 hr ahead of Plymouth. All times on Ferryhopper are local.
• You can also travel to Spain on the Portsmouth - Santander ferry. You can find more travel options in our detailed blog on UK - Spain ferries.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Santander - Plymouth ferry well in advance, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.
• From Plymouth, you can also travel by ferry to Roscoff in France! For more information on all routes, ticket prices and ferry companies, have a look at the Plymouth ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Plymouth to Santander

Ferries from Plymouth to Santander depart from Plymouth International Port at Millbay Docks, the city’s main terminal for international ferry services to Spain and France. The port is around 1.5 km from the city center of Plymouth and the coach station on Armada Way, while the Plymouth railway station is about 3 km away.

At the ferry terminal, you will find basic traveller amenities, such as vending machines, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, an information desk and waiting areas. Cafés, shops, hotels and restaurants can be found around the Millbay area and the nearby city centre.

How to get to the port of Plymouth?

• By car: from Exeter and the north, follow the A38 towards Plymouth, leave at the A374 and follow the signs for the Continental Ferry Port.
• By bus: Plymouth Citybus route 34 connects Royal Parade in the city centre with Millbay Road, stopping at Caroline Place, a short walk from the port entrance. There is no direct public bus from Plymouth railway station to the ferry terminal.
• By train: you can reach the port by taxi in around 5-10 minutes or walk in approximately 30-35 minutes.
• By coach: National coach services arrive at the Plymouth Coach Station and from there you can get to the port in 5-10 min by taxi or 25 min on foot.
• By taxi: taxis are readily available in the city centre, with the ride from the railway station and many central locations taking 5-10 min, depending on traffic.

Where does the ferry arrive in Santander?

Ferries from Plymouth dock at Estación Marítima in the port of Santander on the northern shores of Spain. The ferry terminal is on the central waterfront, about 500 m from the city’s bus and railway stations, and around 6 km from Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport.

At the ferry port, you will find many traveller amenities, such as a café, an information desk, Wi-Fi, an accessible waiting area and toilets. Taxis are available when ferries arrive, while car-rental agencies and public car parks can be found around the railway station and city centre.