Ferry from Portsmouth 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.

The Portsmouth - Santander ferry route is operated by conventional cruise ferries, such as the Salamanca. These vessels are designed for long-haul travel and feature modern amenities and services for a comfortable and relaxed journey. Onboard, you will typically find:

• 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, disco clubs and video game areas
• Onboard wellness facilities, including spa, massage and more pampering
• 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 Portsmouth - 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, the Portsmouth - Santander ferries have a range of cabin types that can accommodate 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, extra amenities 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 Portsmouth to Santander?

Yes, the Portsmouth - Santander ferry trip lasts about 33 hr and usually involves spending 2 nights on board. While you can opt for a numbered reclining seat, we highly recommend that you book a cabin for greater privacy and comfort.

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

Pets are welcome on the Portsmouth - Santander ferry, provided you include them 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 lead.

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

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 Portsmouth to Santander:

• The port of Portsmouth can get busy, so plan your arrival 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 best 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 Portsmouth. All times on Ferryhopper are local.
• During the high season, you can also travel by ferry to Santander from Plymouth. For more details on all ferry travel options, check our detailed blog on UK - Spain ferries.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Santander - Portsmouth ferry well in advance, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.
• From Portsmouth, you can also travel by ferry to Caen, Jersey, Saint-Malo, Bilbao, Le Havre, Cherbourg among others! For more information on all routes, ticket prices and ferry companies, have a look at the Portsmouth ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander

Ferries to Santander normally set sail from Portsmouth International Port, which is about 2 km from the city centre of Portsmouth, 30 km from Southampton Airport and 95 km from London Heathrow.

At the ferry terminal, you can find a café, a shop selling snacks and travel essentials, seating, Wi-Fi, tourist information, baby-changing facilities and more passenger amenities. A multi-storey car park is available inside the port, with accessible bays, luggage trolleys and electric-vehicle charging points. Follow the left-hand lane towards the car check-in area and then the signs for parking.

How to get to the port of Portsmouth?

• By car: follow the M275 towards Portsmouth and continue to the end of the motorway, where the international ferry terminal is clearly signposted. From London, you can take the M3 or A3, while from the Midlands you can use the A34 and M3. Check whether the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone applies to your vehicle before travelling.
• By train: get off at Portsmouth & Southsea and from there, you can take a 5-min taxi ride or walk to the port in approximately 20-30 min.
• By bus: First Bus services 8, X4 and X9, as well as Stagecoach service 20, stop near Portsmouth International Port.
• By coach: National Express operates services to the port from London Victoria and Heathrow Airport. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.
• By taxi: a taxi from Portsmouth & Southsea station normally takes around 5 min.

Where does the ferry arrive in Santander?

Ferries from Portsmouth arrive at the Estación Marítima inside the port of Santander in Cantabria, on the north coast of Spain. The 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 normally available when ferries arrive, while car-rental agencies and public car parks can be found around the railway station and city centre.