Ferries Santander

When planning your trip to Santander, you can take advantage of fixed discounts to enjoy lower-cost ferry tickets. Brittany Ferries provides special fares for certain passenger categories, such as:

• Children (4-15 years old) are entitled to lower fares
• Infants and toddlers up to 3 years old usually travel for free

There are currently 3 available ferry routes to Santander:

Plymouth - Santander

You can travel by ferry from Plymouth to Santander seasonally, usually from May to October, with up to 2 weekly crossings. The ferry trip normally takes 20 hr 15 min, and ticket prices start from €170.

Portsmouth - Santander

You can travel by ferry from Portsmouth to Santander from January to October, with up to 2 weekly crossings. The ferry trip lasts around 31 hr 30 min, and ticket prices start from around €53.

Rosslare - Santander

Direct ferries from Rosslare to Santander are available around 2 times per week, from November to December. The trip takes about 27 hr 30 min, while passenger tickets start at €168.

Brittany Ferries operates conventional cruise vessels on all routes to Santander.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Santander?

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

The duration of a ferry trip to Santander depends on the chosen route:

• Plymouth - Santander: approximately 20 hr 15 min
• Portsmouth - Santander: approximately 31 hr 30 min
• Rosslare - Santander: approximately 27 hr 30 min

Which is the fastest route to Santander?

The fastest route to Santander is from Plymouth in Devon, England. The crossing takes approximately 20 hr 15 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Santander?

The cheapest ferry route to Santander is from Portsmouth in Hampshire, England. Passenger tickets start at €53.

Keep in mind that the final ticket cost depends on vehicle selection, discounts, offers, and cabin type.

Which port of departure should I choose?

Your departure port will depend on your itinerary and travel preferences:

• Portsmouth is the best all-around option if you're looking for the lowest fares and a route that operates for most of the year. It also offers convenient access to Santander from southern England.
• Plymouth is the ideal choice if you want the shortest crossing to Santander. Although fares are usually higher, you'll spend significantly less time onboard. This route is seasonal, so it's best suited for summer travel.
• Rosslare is the most convenient departure point for travelers coming from Ireland. It provides a direct connection to Santander with crossings of approximately 27 hr 30 min, making it a practical alternative that avoids traveling through Great Britain.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning a trip and booking a ferry to Santander, keep these factors in mind:

• Seasonality: some routes, such as Plymouth - Santander, operate only during the summer months, while Portsmouth - Santander is available for a longer season. Booking early is recommended, especially for peak summer sailings.
• Travel time vs. price: the shortest crossings are not always the cheapest. If you're flexible, a longer sailing from Portsmouth can offer substantial savings compared to the faster Plymouth route.
• Departure frequency: some routes have only one or two crossings per week, so departure dates may influence which route is most convenient for your trip.
• Vehicle transport: all routes to Santander can accommodate cars, motorbikes, campers, and motorhomes, making them an excellent option for road trips across northern Spain and beyond.

Can I travel on the ferry to Santander with a car?

Yes, all ferries to Santander are equipped with car decks for transporting vehicles.

Always check availability and keep in mind that car deck spots may be more limited during peak months. Also, make sure you bring along your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance documents.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Santander?

Prices for vehicle transportation on ferries to Santander depend on your chosen route:

• Plymouth - Santander: prices start from €112 for a car and €57 for a motorbike.
• Portsmouth - Santander: prices start at around €112 to transport a car and €56 for a motorbike.
• Rosslare - Santander: prices start from €137 for a car and €92 for a motorbike.

Can I take my camper van on the ferry to Santander?

Yes, you can take your camper van or motorhome on routes to Santander. Here are indicative starting prices for each route:

• Plymouth - Santander: prices start from €166 for a large van and €179 for a motorhome.
• Portsmouth - Santander: prices normally start at about €166 for a large van and €179 for a motorhome.
• Rosslare - Santander: prices start from €193 for a large van and €206 for a motorhome.

Brittany Ferries operates the Santander ferry routes with conventional cruise ferries that are designed for long-haul travel. Onboard, you will find a range of modern amenities and services, such as:

• 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
• Indoor pool with leisure area (on select vessels)
• Whale and dolphin watching with wildlife officers (on select vessels)
• 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

Cabins & accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, all ferries to Santander 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.

Note: we suggest you plan your trip in advance, as there might be limited cabin availability.

What type of seats can you book?

Travelers can choose between numbered reclining seats or deck-lounge seating.

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.

Are the ferries accessible?

Ferries to Santander 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.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Santander?

You can bring your pet on ferries to Santander, 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.

You can bring your pet on the ferry to Santander, 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 on routes from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander, check out our blog on ferry travel with pets to Spain from the UK.

Where can pets stay during the crossing?

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, but pets are not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or dining areas.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, ferries to Santander offer a Wi-Fi hotspot so you can stay connected during the trip.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Entertainment options depend on the route and vessel, but typically include:

• Children’s play areas, cinema and TV lounges, live music performances, disco clubs and video game areas
• Indoor pool with leisure area
• Whale and dolphin watching with wildlife officers
• Onboard wellness facilities, including spa, massage and beauty treatments

What travel documents do I need to go by ferry to Santander?

Ferry routes to Santander from Portsmouth (UK), Plymouth (UK) and Rosslare (Ireland) are international crossings, so make sure you have the necessary travel documents before departure.

• A valid passport is required for all passengers traveling to Spain.
• Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa or other entry authorization. Always check the latest immigration requirements before your trip.
• If you're traveling with a vehicle, carry your driver's license, vehicle registration certificate and valid motor insurance documents.
• If you're bringing a pet, don't forget your pet passport or animal health certificate, vaccination records and any additional documents required for entry into Spain.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Santander on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Santander as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates.
2. Add passengers, pets, and vehicles.
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices.
4. Complete your booking securely online.

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper lets you manage your booking, check for updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

We always recommend arriving at the port well in advance of departure. More specifically:

• Foot passengers: arrive at least 1 hour before departure.
• Passengers travelling with a vehicle: arrive 2 hours before departure.
• Have your passport, ID and booking confirmation ready for inspection at check-in.
• Follow the instructions provided by terminal staff for boarding.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Brittany Ferries does not currently support electronic tickets. Therefore, you will have to collect your paper tickets before boarding your ferry to Santander.

We recommend that you always review your confirmation email carefully for operator-specific instructions and arrive at the port on time, with your booking reference and identification documents readily available.

Information about Santander

Santander, the elegant capital of Spain’s Cantabria region, combines coastal beauty with rich maritime heritage. Located between the Bay of Biscay and lush landscapes, the city is known for its sweeping beaches and refined architecture. Visitors can stroll through the charming old quarter, relax by the sea, or explore the city’s cultural scene, where museums, local cuisine, and lively squares create a welcoming atmosphere. Blending natural scenery with urban sophistication, Santander is an ideal destination for both relaxing seaside escapes and discovering northern Spain.

For more info, check out our Santander travel guide.

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when travelling by ferry to Santander:

• Check that your passport, visa (if required) and other travel documents are valid before your trip.
• 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.
• If you are looking for other routes connecting England to Spain, you can find more travel options in our detailed blog on UK - Spain ferries.
• Since crossings to Santander last more than 20 hours, booking a cabin is highly recommended for a more comfortable overnight journey.

Best time to book

Santander is a popular gateway between northern Spain, the UK and Ireland, with demand for ferry tickets increasing significantly during the summer months. More specifically:

• If you're traveling between June and September, it's best to book 2 to 3 months in advance, especially if you want to secure a cabin or bring a vehicle.
• For travel during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), booking 3 to 6 weeks ahead is usually sufficient.
• During the winter months, availability is generally better, although sailing schedules may be less frequent.

The port of Santander is located on the northern Spanish coastline. 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.

Are there traveller amenities at the port of Santander?

At the Santander ferry terminal, 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.

How to get to the port of Santander

You can easily get to the port of Santander by train, bus, car or on foot. The train station and bus station are a 10-min walk from the terminal with connections to the Spanish cities of Madrid, Bilbao, Alicante and Oviedo.

If you’re planning to get to the port of Santander by car, you can take the motorways A-67 or S-10 and follow the signs for "Santander".

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Santander, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.