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ferries to spain from uk

Ferries to Spain from the UK: Your Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide

So, you’re considering taking a ferry to Spain from the UK instead of flying? Great choice! For many travellers, the journey across the English Channel and Bay of Biscay becomes an unforgettable part of their Spanish adventure. Whether you’re looking to skip the hassle of airports, bring your car along for the ride, or simply enjoy the sea breeze and endless horizons out on deck, the ferry routes from the UK to Spain offer a relaxed, scenic, and memorable way to travel.

In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ferries from the UK to Spain – from the best ferry routes and timetables to insider tips on things to do in and around the Spanish ferry ports of Bilbao and Santander. So, grab some jamón, get comfortable, and let’s set sail!

Ferry Routes to Spain from the UK in 2025

If you’re planning to travel by ferry from the UK to Spain in 2025, you have three main ferry routes to choose from, all operated by Brittany Ferries (yes, despite the name, they offer more than just French crossings!). Ferries to Spain from the UK depart from two major ports on the southern coast of England: Portsmouth and Plymouth.

  • Plymouth, located in Devon in the far southwest of England, is one of the UK’s most scenic ferry departure points.
  • Portsmouth, in Hampshire, is just an hour southwest of London by road, offering easy access for anyone coming from the capital and beyond.

These ferries travel to the two main Spanish ferry ports of Santander and Bilbao, both of which offer great access to Northern Spain.

It’s worth noting that there is no direct ferry service from the UK to San Sebastián, nor is there a Dover to Spain ferry. If you’re traveling from Ireland, however, you can catch a ferry from Rosslare to Spain. For more information on ferries from Ireland to Spain and other international routes, check out our dedicated guide on Irish ferry travel.

Ferry to Spain #1: Portsmouth to Santander

If you’re traveling from the UK to Spain by ferry, the Portsmouth to Santander route is one of the most popular options. Operated by Brittany Ferries, this ferry route connects Portsmouth, on the south-central coast of England, with Santander, the capital of the Cantabria region in northern Spain. You’ll be travelling on the good ship Santoña, with winter (Dec-March) departures once a week every Thursday at 23:30.

The main summer timetable starts on March 24th with weekly sailings on both Mondays and Fridays. For your return trip, ferries from Santander to Portsmouth depart on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons. Check out the full 2025 Portsmouth to Santander ferry schedule below:

Each sailing takes a mere 33 hours (well, this is supposed to be a slow travel website after all!), but this can vary depending on sea conditions. After two nights on board, you’ll arrive in Santander, chomping at the bit to explore the north coast of Spain. So yeah, if you’re looking for a super chilled and slow journey, with time to enjoy onboard amenities, there’s nothing better than a ferry to Spain.

Portsmouth to Santander Ferry Timetable 2025

Day Depart Portsmouth Arrive Santander
Monday
21:30
08:00 (+2)
Friday
21:30
08:00 (+2)
Day Depart Santander Arrive Portsmouth
Sunday
14:00
17:30 (+1)
Wednesday
14:00
20:00 (+1)

Ferry to Spain #2: Plymouth to Santander

From Plymouth on the south coast of England, Brittany Ferries operates the Plymouth to Santander ferry route, sailing on the good ship Pont Aven. This ferry departs every Wednesday and Sunday from April 2nd, 2025 until early November. There are no winter ferries on this route.

Being located a little further west compared to Portsmouth, the Plymouth to Santander ferry offers a shorter crossing, typically taking around 22 hours – often even less, depending on weather conditions. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for a ‘quicker’, yet equally relaxed journey to Santander.

Return ferry crossings from Santander to Plymouth depart on Mondays and Thursdays and get you back to Plymouth for a civilised pre or post lunchtime arrival the following day. Here’s a detailed look at the 2025 Plymouth to Santander ferry timetable:

Plymouth to Santander Ferry Timetable 2025

Day Depart Plymouth Arrive Santander
Wednesday
15:45
13:00 (+1)
Sunday
16:45
14:00 (+1)
Day Depart Santander Arrive Plymouth
Monday
17:00
14:00 (+1)
Thursday
16:00
11:15 (+1)

Cantabria & Asturias: Explore Northern Spain via Ferry

ferries to spain from uk
As Linda watched her husband, Dave, enjoy a final swim before boarding their ferry, she prayed that the views would soon get better...

Santander isn’t just a ferry port – it’s the gateway to Cantabria and Asturias, two of northern Spain’s most beautiful and underrated regions. From Santander, you’re just a short journey away from Picos de Europa, a stunning mountainous national park that spans both, and offers some of the best hiking, outdoor activities, and scenic landscapes in the whole of Spain.

Cantabria and Asturias also boast some of the best surfing spots in Spain, and you’ll find charming cities and towns like Oviedo, Llanes, and Ribadesella, where the pace of life is just slower. The local cuisine focuses heavily on cheese and cider (so what’s not to love?!) and you’ll find ancient caves and pretty fishing villages scattered all along the ruggedly beautiful, and far less touristy, Costa Verde.

And while Santander is often seen as just a stopover on the way to other destinations, don’t overlook it as a destination itself. For those considering a Santander city break, I’ve written a full guide on what to do there.

Things to do in Cantabria and Asturias

As you plan your ferry trip from the UK to Santander, you’ll probably want to consider some of the nearby activities and noteworthy destinations that Cantabria and Asturias have to offer. Here are some top local highlights:

  1. Picos de Europa National Park: Known for its rugged mountains, diverse wildlife, and picturesque landscapes, the Picos de Europa is a must-visit. From Oviedo or Gijón, take a customizable private tour to the Covadonga Lakes—a stunning natural spot, with plenty of local history and folklore. This is one of the highlights of any trip to Northern Spain.
  2. Drop in to Llanes: Visit the picturesque coastal town of Llanes, known for its stunning beaches, cliffs, and historic architecture, it is also home to the Asturian School of Surf, where you can paddle board or learn to surf in various locations close by.
  3. Paddle Down the Sella River: The Sella River in and around Arriondas and Cangas de Onís is a great bases for adventurers, and river rafting or paddle boarding down the Sella River is an iconic experience for all outdoor activities enthusiasts.
  4. Explore the local cuisine: Get stuck into Cantabrian and Asturian cuisine, including seafood, Asturian cider, and traditional dishes like “fabada” (Asturian bean stew) or “cocido montañés” (Cantabrian mountain stew).
  5. Hike the Camino de Santiago: from Oviedo you can get a taster of one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage routes, the Camino de Santiago, as it passes right through both Cantabria and Asturias. On this half-day tour you can hike a portion of the famous Camino with a private guide, while experiencing both Oviedo and the beautiful Asturian countryside.

Ferry to Spain #3: Portsmouth to Bilbao

For those traveling to Spain’s Basque Country, Brittany Ferries also offer a Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry. The main summer timetable runs from March 27th, 2025 until November 2nd, 2025, with regular sailings every Thursday and Sunday on the Galicia ferry. Winter sailings (January – March) depart weekly from the UK on Tuesday nights.

Scheduled arrival time is the following morning in Bilbao, but as always this depends on sea conditions. Brittany Ferries themselves say that their journeys can take anything between 20-36 hours, so sit back, relax, and if a little delayed just order yourself another Estrella Galicia on-board!

Portsmouth to Bilbao Ferry Timetable 2025

Day Depart Portsmouth Arrive Bilbao
Thursday
19:00
08:00 (+2)
Sunday
22:00
08:00 (+2)
Day Depart Bilbao Arrive Portsmouth
Tuesdays
13:00
20:45 (+1)
Saturday
13:00
17:30 (+1)

Bilbao and the Basque Country

Bilbao serves as the perfect gateway to Spain’s Basque Country, located on the northeast coast of the country. Known as ‘El País Vasco’ or ‘Euskadi’ in the Basque language, this region is proud of its fiercely protected identity, distinct from the rest of Spain.

Although Bilbao itself is somewhat industrial, it boasts a charming old town, rich in history and culture. Outside the city, the surrounding Basque Country is blessed with natural beauty, fine dining, and vibrant local traditions and year round festivals. The region is renowned for its amazing cuisine, which has earned it an impressive 40 Michelin stars, making it one of the world’s top fine dining destinations.

A short one-hour drive east from Bilbao is San Sebastián (Donostia), another highlight of the Basque Country. This city is world-famous for its culinary scene, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re planning to explore northern Spain. For those heading to San Sebastián, be sure to check out my detailed guide on things to do in San Sebastián for some insider tips and recommendations.

The best things to do in Bilbao and the Basque Country

Bilbao and the Basque Country offer loads of varied experiences, from art and culture to world-class cuisine and the great outdoors. Here are some of the best things to do while visiting the Basque Country:

  1. Take a Walking Tour of Bilbao: Discover the highlights of Bilbao on a small-group walking tour, with options for both morning and afternoon departures. The tour includes must-see sights like the Casco Viejo (Old Town), the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Ribera Market, and Santiago Cathedral—perfect for first-time visitors wanting to get acquainted with the city’s charm.
  2. Take a food tour in one of the world’s best foodie regions: Food lovers, rejoice! Bilbao is famous for its Pintxos (the Basque version of tapas), and the city’s old town is filled with bars and restaurants serving up delicious bites. so join a Bilbao Food, Wine, and Pintxo Tour. You’ll sample local specialties and explore the best food spots in the city. If you’re into fine dining, consider booking a high-end Food Tour with a local guide to discover some of Bilbao’s Michelin-starred restaurants, and for a mix of history and food, check out the Bilbao Food and History Tour – perfect for those who want a bit of education while stuffing their faces full of grub!
  3. Go hiking in the Basque Country’s mountains: For those who love outdoor adventures, the Basque Country also offers great hiking opportunities. The region’s rugged mountains and scenic trails are perfect for a day of hiking. Take a private Basque hiking tour, complete with hotel pick-up and drop-off from anywhere in the Basque Country.
  4. Visit La Rioja Wine Region: From Bilbao, it’s easy to take a tour to La Rioja, Spain’s most famous wine region. A private or small-group tour will take you to two top wineries, where you’ll learn about wine production and, of course, get to sample local wines. This full-day experience, including hotel pick-up and drop-off, is a perfect way to explore northern Spain’s wine-making traditions.
  5. Explore More Activities with Get Your Guide: Looking for more things to do in Bilbao and the Basque Country? Check out Get Your Guide for a range of local tours and experiences, from sightseeing tours to cooking classes…

A Note on Driving in Spain: What You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning to take your car with you on the ferry to Spain, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Spanish law requires that you carry certain items in your vehicle while driving, so it’s essential to make sure you’re fully prepared before hitting the road.

The easiest way to comply with these regulations is to purchase a European driving kit, which typically includes:

  • Reflective vest
  • Headlight deflectors & bulb kit
  • Magnetic UK car sticker
  • Warning triangle
  • Breathalyzers (in case you indulge in a cheeky glass of Rioja or Sangria when you shouldn’t!)

These items are mandatory by law in Spain, and the same rules apply in many other European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Austria, and Poland.

When travelling with your car on a ferry to Spain from the UK, you have to follow these requirements to avoid fines or complications during your trip. In addition to the driving kit, check out our guide for other ferry travel requirements and tips for a smooth journey.

Ferries to Spain from UK - Outro

Taking a ferry from the UK to Spain is not just about getting from one place to another, it’s about making the journey part of your holiday, with plenty of time to relax, reflect, and enjoy the open sea. It’s a really cool way to begin your holiday, offering scenic views, on-board comfort, unlimited luggage, and a sense of adventure that flying just can’t match! It’s how we used to travel long distances and explore the world.

With Brittany Ferries operating routes to Bilbao and Santander, there’s something for everyone. Be it the sun-soaked beaches of northern Spain, charming fishing villages, world-renowned Basque cuisine, or the historic charm of Bilbao and San Sebastián old towns, these ferries offer the ideal gateway to the beautiful, diverse, yet still underrated coast of northern Spain.

So, set your course, jump on a ferry to Spain from England and get ready for a proper voyage filled with some good old fashioned contemplation and you time. And if you’re worried about the weather in Spain being a little too caliente for you, then check out my post on the similarly slow England to Holland ferries instead!

Buen Viaje, amigos!

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