Matt
While catching a flight is the most common way to travel, there are different ways for you to get from Point A to Point B. Take traveling from Spain to the UK, for instance. You could catch a train, travel via plane, or even take a ferry.
Ferrying is undoubtedly one of the most leisurely ways to travel. If you’re thinking of traveling from England to Spain (and back – from Spain to England), sailing is your best bet to ensure unrivaled comfort. When you’ve returned from your trip to Spain, you should consider partaking in these unusual London activities.
Let’s take a look at all you need to know about taking ferries to Spain.
How Long It Takes To Ferry To Spain From the UK
Depending on the route you take and your departure time, it will take you an estimated 20 to 36 hours to ferry to Spain from the UK. We’ll take a look at the departure times and routes according to various departure points.
There are three routes to take when sailing from the UK to Spain. These are: Plymouth to Santander, Portsmouth to Bilbao, and Portsmouth to Santander.
Plymouth To Santander Ferries
The cobbled stone streets of the port city of Plymouth remind you of its rich history and heritage. It is from this city where you can take Brittany Ferries’s most direct route to Santander, Spain.
We’ve found that if you’re traveling from Wales, the Midlands, or the West country, this will offer you a convenient departure point from the UK to Spain.
Duration: It will take you approximately 20 hours and 15 minutes to travel by ferry from Plymouth to Santander.
Departures: The ferry sails for Santander on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Price: €271+ ($298+ USD) for a single adult return ticket and an inside cabin.
Location: Plymouth, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 3EW, United Kingdom.
Warning: Seeing that Plymouth is the most dangerous city in Devon and had an overall crime rate of 73 crimes per 1,000 people in 2024, we’d like to caution you to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Quick Tips: On a much lighter note, we’d recommend arriving at the departure point an hour earlier so you can board with ease.
Amenities: The expansive and opulent Pont-Aven is named after the Breton town known for the artistic crowd. Her interior décor reflects this artistic heritage.
You’ll find a cinema, games room, and children’s play area to keep your kids entertained on board. Enjoy a refreshing splash in the pool to keep cool. We recommend lounging in an en-suite cabin or reserved seat if you’d prefer to relax. Alternatively, head out on deck to go whale and dolphin watching.
There’s no need to bring snacks on board as the self-serving Pont-Aven restaurant has everything from scrumptious souffles to an assortment of spirits and wines.
Ferries from Portsmouth To Bilbao
On this route, you’ll depart from the vibrant city of Portsmouth to the industrial port city of Bilbao, in northern Spain. A different ferry operated by Brittany Ferries, known as Salamanca, will take you from the Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port.
En route to Bilbao, you’ll enjoy historic vistas of Portsmouth’s naval dockyard. From her wooden decks, you’ll see Nelson’s HMS Victory and the HMS Warrior.
In addition to ferrying being a relaxing alternative to flying, it is also a cost-effective alternative to catching a flight. We were pleased that we could bring as much luggage as we wanted without having to pay an additional fee.
Enjoy spacious cabins and an unrivaled experience aboard the Salamanca. This incredible cruise includes access to theaters, a sparkling swimming pool to take a dip in, and a games room. Children’s entertainment is available to keep your kids engaged.
Dine at the main restaurant which offers authentic Spanish food (paella, anyone?) or enjoy tapas and light meals at Taberna de Tapas.
Duration: It will take you approximately 33 hours and 30 minutes to cruise from Portsmouth to Bilbao.
Departures: The Salamanca sails for Bilbao on Sundays and Thursdays.
Price: €707+ ($777+ USD).
Location: The Brittany Center, Wharf Rd, Portsmouth PO2 8RU, United Kingdom.
Quick Tips: As with traveling by plane (or an alternative method), we’d recommend arriving at Portsmouth an hour earlier so you can board with ease.
Amenities: Aboard the brand-new Salamanca is a sun deck where you can catch some rays while enjoying views of the North Atlantic Ocean.
The vessel is powered by environmentally-friendly liquified natural gas and also has a fantastic boutique where you can shop the latest perfumes, magazines, books, and souvenirs. We were pleased to learn that we can make duty-free purchases onboard.
Portsmouth To Santander Ferry Rides
Once again, your ferry will depart from the vibrant city of Portsmouth. But it will not stop at the city of Bilbao. This time your destination will be one of the cooler northern Spain regions of Santander.
Guaranteed to be a relaxing and pleasant experience, sailing aboard the brand-new Galicia will ensure you avoid the stress associated with air travel. In line with the Spanish motif, the House of Las Meninas exhibition includes a selfie-friendly menina statue, located aboard the Spanish-themed ferry.
In addition, parents can keep an eye on their little ones while they play interactive digital games in play areas. Parents aren’t left out, though, as there is a bar with a skylight and big screen where they could watch a game.
Santander port is located in the center of the city, making it convenient to stroll to the city’s stores and attractions, as well as the Picos de Europa.
We were pleased to hear that there is a wheelchair-accessible facility on the first level of the Santander port, complete with an information desk and departure lounge.
Duration: 33 hours and 15 minutes.
Departures: The ferry sails for Santander on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Price: €178+ ($196+ USD).
Location: The Brittany Center, Wharf Rd, Portsmouth PO2 8RU, United Kingdom.
Quick Tips: We recommend arriving at Portsmouth one hour before your ferry disembarks to ensure easy boarding.
Ferry From England To Spain – Your Leisurely Option
You’re not restricted to traveling via plane or train. With the ever-increasing need for speed, it’s a relief to be able to travel leisurely. Hop on a ferry to Spain and travel with ease.
Pay for your ticket(s) online, pack a bag (or two!), and set sail from England to Spain. Also check out this post to learn about the best time to visit Spain.
