Ferry from Santander to Portsmouth

When planning your trip with the Santander - Portsmouth 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 Santander - Portsmouth ferry route with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Salamanca, which are designed for long-haul travel and feature modern amenities and services. 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 beauty treatments
• 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 ferries travelling from Santander to Portsmouth 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 Santander - Portsmouth ferries you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers. There are usually different types of cabins to 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 Santander to Portsmouth?

Yes, the ferry from Santander to Portsmouth takes about 28-33 hr, so you will spend 1 night on your journey to England. You can opt stretch out during the trip on a numbered reclining seat, but we highly recommend that you book a cabin for greater privacy and comfort.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, on the Santander - Portsmouth ferry you can usually book a range of deluxe cabins, the Commodore Suites for a first class travel experience. These premium cabins 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.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet on the Santander - Portsmouth 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 lead.

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

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

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

Important: if you decide to leave your pet in your vehicle, try to leave a window slightly open for ventilation.

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 entering the UK.

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

• Santander’s port 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 Spain and England, with Santander being 1 hr ahead of Portsmouth. All times on Ferryhopper are local.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Portsmouth - Santander ferry well in advance, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.
• From Santander, you can also travel by ferry to Plymouth in England and Rosslare in Ireland! For more information on all routes, ticket prices and ferry companies, have a look at the Santander ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Santander to Portsmouth

Ferries to Portsmouth normally depart from the Estación Marítima at the port of Santander. The port is in the central area of Santander, around 500 m from the bus and railway stations, 1 km from the main shopping area and Pereda Gardens and roughly 6 km from Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport.

At the ferry terminal, you will find basic traveller amenities, such as a café, tourist information desk, toilets, waiting areas and Wi-Fi.

How to get to the port of Santander?

• On foot: the terminal is within walking distance of central landmarks such as Pereda Gardens, Centro Botín and Santander Cathedral.
• By car: from the A-67 or S-10, follow signs towards Santander and near the city, follow the orange ferry signs to the port control point; the Brittany Ferries check-in area is on the left after you enter the restricted area. From the city centre, follow Avenida de Castilla and the orange ferry signs.
• By train: Santander has railway links with Madrid, Bilbao, Oviedo and Alicante, with the local train station being a 5- to 10-min walk from the terminal.
• By bus: the Santander Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses) is directly across from the train station, less than 10 min on foot from the port. From Santander Airport, you can take line S4 (the airport bus service), which takes about 15 min.
• By taxi: taxis are available throughout Santander and can take you directly to the ferry terminal, with the ride from the airport usually taking 10-15 min.

Where does the ferry arrive in Portsmouth?

Ferries from Saint-Malo normally arrive at Portsmouth International Port, located on George Byng Way, directly off the M275 motorway. The port is about 2 km north of Portsmouth city centre, around 30 km from Southampton Airport and 95 km from London Heathrow.

At the ferry terminal, you will find many traveller amenities, including cafés, waiting lounges, car rental agencies, ATMs, and long-stay multi-storey parking. You will also find a taxi rank just outside and local bus stops nearby.

Onward travel from Portsmouth

• By car: the port has direct access to the M275, which connects with the M27 for Southampton, the New Forest and destinations farther west or east.
• By train: Portsmouth & Southsea station is around 1.5 km from the ferry terminal (5 min by taxi or 20 min on foot), with regular connections to London, Southampton, Brighton and other destinations across southern England.
• By coach: National Express services call at Portsmouth International Port, offering connections to London and other major UK cities.
• By local bus: Stagecoach line 20 and First Bus services 8, X4 and X9 connect the port area with Portsmouth city centre, nearby railway stations and surrounding towns.
• By taxi: taxis are usually available outside the terminal, with the ride to Portsmouth city centre, Gunwharf Quays or Portsmouth Harbour station taking around 5-10 min.