Ferry from Santander to the UK

When planning your trip with the Santander - UK ferries, you can take advantage of the fixed 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 ferries from Santander to the UK are conventional cruise ferries designed for long-distance travel, so the onboard experience is closer to a mini cruise than a short ferry crossing. Depending on whether you travel to Portsmouth or Plymouth, services are usually operated by Brittany Ferries vessels such as Pont-Aven or Salamanca.

On board, you can expect comfortable indoor lounges, outdoor decks, restaurants, cafés, bars, duty-free shopping, entertainment areas, children’s facilities, Wi-Fi options, pet facilities, and cabin accommodation.

As the Santander ferry to UK routes are overnight crossings, booking the right accommodation and planning what you need during the journey can make the trip much more comfortable.

Accessibility

Santander - UK ferries are generally equipped with accessibility features, such as lifts, ramps, adapted public areas, accessible toilets, and wheelchair-accessible cabins on all vessels.

If you need assistance at boarding or during the crossing, it is best to inform the ferry company well in advance, as facilities and support can vary by vessel.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, cabins are available on the ferries from Santander to the UK. Depending on the vessel and availability, you can usually book:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins or suites
• Accessible cabins
• Pet-friendly cabins

Cabins include beds, an ensuite bathroom, towels, toiletries, and basic storage space, making them a comfortable option for the long Santander - UK crossing.

Can you sleep on the ferry from Santander to the UK?

Yes, you can sleep on the ferry from Santander to the UK, as both the Santander - Portsmouth and Santander - Plymouth routes are overnight crossings. Ferries usually depart from Santander in the afternoon or evening and arrive in the UK the following day.

For a more comfortable journey, booking a cabin is recommended, especially if you are travelling with children, pets, or a vehicle and plan to continue driving after arrival.

Can I book business-class seats?

Instead of standard business-class seats, Brittany Ferries usually offers upgraded accommodation options on the Santander - UK routes, such as deluxe cabins and suites. These premium cabins may include extra space, a double bed, a sea view, TV, Wi-Fi access, tea- and coffee-making facilities, complimentary breakfast, or access to an exclusive lounge, depending on the vessel and cabin type.

Numbered reclining seats may also be available as a lower-cost alternative to a cabin, but for these long crossings, a cabin is usually the more restful choice.

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. You can store your luggage in the baggage room that remains closed until 20-30 min before arrival. For more details, contact the reception desk when you board the ferry.

Travelling with pets

Pets are welcome on the Santander - UK ferry routes, provided they are included in your booking. You can bring your pet with you on both the Santander - Portsmouth and Santander - Plymouth routes, but the accommodation options may vary by vessel.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

Pets can usually travel in pet-friendly cabins or in on-board kennels. Pet-friendly cabins are the most comfortable option, as your pet can stay with you throughout the trip. Kennels are normally located in designated pet areas, and you may be able to visit your pet during the crossing at set times.

Smaller pets may need to stay in a carrier, while larger dogs are usually required to be on a lead and wear a muzzle in designated areas. Pets are not normally allowed in standard cabins, restaurants, bars, or general passenger lounges, except for assistance dogs.

Tip: pet-friendly cabins and kennels can sell out, especially in summer, so it is best to book early if you are travelling with a pet.

What pet 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 the UK:

• Arrive at Santander port at least 1.5-2 hr before departure, especially as this is an international route with passport control. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it is best to arrive 2-3 hr before departure.
• Crossings across the Bay of Biscay can occasionally feel rough, so plan ahead if you are sensitive to motion sickness.
• Santander is 1 hr ahead of the UK. Departure and arrival times are shown in local time.
• Book early if you are travelling with a car, campervan, pet, or need a specific cabin type.
• For a shorter crossing to the UK, check the seasonal Santander - Plymouth route. For broader availability, Santander - Portsmouth is usually the more regular option.
• If you are travelling to England on a short trip, book your return tickets on the UK - Santander ferry well in advance for peace of mind.
• From Santander, you can also travel by ferry to 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 the UK

Ferries to the UK depart from the ferry terminal at the port of Santander, close to the city centre. The terminal is around 500 m from Santander’s bus and railway stations, about 1 km from Pereda Gardens and the main shopping area, 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. Short stops are allowed for dropping off or collecting passengers, but long-stay parking is not available at the terminal, so use one of the paid public car parks in the city.
• 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 the UK?

Ferries from Santander arrive at either Portsmouth International Port or Plymouth International Port, depending on the route you choose.

• Portsmouth International 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.
• Plymouth International Port is at Millbay Docks, around 1.5 km from the city center of Plymouth and the coach station, and about 3 km from the Plymouth railway station. The ferry terminal features basic traveller amenities, such as vending machines, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, an information desk and waiting areas. You can also find more cafés, shops, hotels and restaurants in the Millbay area and the city centre.

Onward travel from Portsmouth and Plymouth

From Portsmouth International Port

• By car: there is direct access to the M275, which connects with the M27 for Southampton, the New Forest, Winchester and the wider UK motorway network, with London being about a 2-hr drive.
• By train: the Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour railway stations are a short taxi or bus ride away, with regular services to London, Southampton, Brighton, Bristol and other major destinations.
• By bus & coach: local buses connect the port with Portsmouth city centre and nearby areas. National Express coach services are available from the city, offering routes to London and other UK cities.
• By taxi: a taxi rank is outside the ferry terminal, providing quick transfers to the city centre, railway stations and nearby hotels.

From Plymouth International Port

• By car: the port connects to the A374, with easy access to the A38 (Devon Expressway) for Exeter, Bristol, Cornwall and the rest of southwest England.
• By train: the Plymouth railway station offers direct services to London, Exeter, Bristol, Penzance and other destinations.
• By bus & coach: local buses link the ferry terminal with Plymouth city centre and surrounding areas. National Express coach services operate from Plymouth Coach Station, with routes across England and Wales.
• By taxi: taxis are readily available at the terminal, making it easy to reach the city centre, the railway station and nearby accommodation within minutes.