Ferries to Santander, Spain from the UK

When planning your trip with the UK - Santander 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.

UK - Santander ferries are operated by Brittany Ferries with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Pont-Aven and Salamanca, which are designed for long-distance travel across the Bay of Biscay.

On board, you can usually find comfortable lounges, outer decks, restaurants, cafés and bars, duty-free shops, children’s entertainment areas, Wi-Fi packages, pet facilities, and cabin accommodation. Depending on the vessel, you may also find extra facilities such as cinemas, live entertainment, wellness areas, or an indoor pool.

Accessibility

UK - Santander ferries are generally accessible to passengers with disabilities, with facilities such as lifts or ramps between decks, accessible public areas, adapted toilets, and wheelchair-accessible cabins on all vessels.

Brittany Ferries can also provide boarding assistance when requested in advance. Accessibility features may vary by vessel, so it is best to confirm the available support when booking.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, cabins are available on UK - Santander ferries and are a popular option, especially as all crossings travel overnight. 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

On the Portsmouth - Santander route, the crossing usually involves 2 nights on board, so booking a cabin is strongly recommended for comfort. On the Plymouth - Santander route, the trip usually includes 1 night on board, and accommodation is normally required, either in a numbered reclining seat or a cabin.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, on UK - Santander ferries you can usually choose from several accommodation and seating options, depending on the vessel and availability. Apart from standard cabins, Brittany Ferries also offers reserved reclining seats and upgraded lounge-style seating on selected ferries.

On some vessels, you may find reserved seats, reclining seats, premium seats, Commodore cabins, or other upgraded accommodation options. These are useful if you want more comfort without booking a private cabin, or if you prefer a quieter area for the overnight crossing.

For the longest crossing, Portsmouth - Santander, a cabin is usually the most comfortable option, as the trip normally includes 2 nights on board. For the shorter Plymouth - Santander ferry, reserved seats may be a practical alternative if you are travelling light or looking for a lower-cost option.

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

You can travel with your pet on ferries to Santander, Spain, from the UK, as long as you include your pet in your booking in advance. Pet travel is available on both the Portsmouth - Santander and Plymouth - Santander routes, but the exact facilities depend on the vessel and availability.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

Depending on the ferry, pets can usually travel in pet-friendly cabins or in on-board kennels. Pet-friendly cabins are the most comfortable option for longer crossings, 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.

Dogs are usually allowed in designated walking areas and must be kept on a lead outside the cabin or kennel. In some areas of the ferry, dogs may also need to wear a muzzle. Pets are not normally allowed in restaurants, bars, shops, or standard passenger lounges, unless they are 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 travel documents do I need?

As this is an international route between the UK and Spain, make sure you carry all required pet travel documents. For dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from the UK to Spain, this normally includes a microchip, valid rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate or valid EU Pet Passport. If you are returning to the UK with a dog, tapeworm treatment may also be required before travel.

Here are some useful tips for your UK - Santander ferry trip:

• If you are traveling with a vehicle, arrive at the port early enough to clear check-in, passport control and vehicle boarding. For these long international routes, arriving 2-3 hr before departure is usually a good idea.
• The UK - Santander crossing travels across the Bay of Biscay, where sea conditions can vary. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, consider preparing before boarding.
• Spain is 1 hr ahead of the UK. All departure and arrival times shown on Ferryhopper are local.
• Vehicle spaces and cabins can sell out, especially in summer, so it is best to book early if you are traveling with a car, campervan, caravan, or pet.
• If you are travelling to Spain on a short trip, book your return tickets on the Santander - UK ferry well in advance for peace of mind.
• You can also compare UK - Spain ferries to Bilbao, as Portsmouth has direct ferry connections to both Santander and Bilbao.

Where to take the ferry from the UK to Santander

Ferries from the UK to Santander depart from Portsmouth International Port and Plymouth International Port:

• Portsmouth International Port is around 2 km from Portsmouth city center, about 30 km from Southampton Airport and around 95 km from London Heathrow. At the port, you can find a café, a shop selling snacks and travel essentials, seating, Wi-Fi, tourist information, baby-changing facilities and more amenities.
• Plymouth International Port is located at Millbay Docks, around 1.5 km from Plymouth city center and about 3 km from Plymouth railway station. At the port terminal, you will find basic traveller amenities, such as vending machines, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, an information desk and waiting areas. More cafés, shops, hotels and restaurants can be found around the Millbay area and city centre.

How to get to the ports in the UK?

Getting to the port of Portsmouth

• By car: Portsmouth International Port is just off the M275, with good road links from London, the Midlands, the south coast, and the southeast of England.
• By train: the closest main stations are Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour. From either station, you can continue to the ferry terminal by taxi or local bus.
• By coach or bus: national coach services connect Portsmouth with London and other UK cities. Local buses and taxis can take you from the city centre to the port.

Getting to the port of Plymouth

• By car: Plymouth International Port is located at Millbay Docks and is accessible via the A38, with convenient onward links from Devon, Cornwall and the wider southwest.
• By train: Plymouth railway station is the main rail hub. From there, you can reach the ferry terminal by taxi, local bus, or on foot if travelling light.
• By coach or bus: long-distance coaches serve Plymouth from several UK cities, while local buses and taxis connect the city centre with Millbay ferry terminal.

Where does the ferry arrive in Santander?

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

Around the port area, you can find taxis, car-rental offices, public parking, cafés, and other traveller facilities.

Onward travel from Santander

• By car: Santander ferry port is well connected to northern Spain’s road network, making it easy to continue towards Cantabria, Asturias, the Basque Country, Castilla y León, or central Spain.
• By train: Santander railway station is a short distance from the ferry terminal, with rail connections to destinations in northern Spain and onward routes via major Spanish hubs.
• By bus: Santander bus station is also close to the ferry terminal and offers regional and long-distance services to cities such as Bilbao, Oviedo, León, Burgos, Madrid, and other destinations.
• By taxi: taxis are usually available near the ferry terminal and are a convenient option for reaching Santander city centre, hotels, the airport, or nearby towns.
• By plane: the Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport is around 6 km from the port and can be reached by taxi, bus, or car.