The Ultimate Guide to Taking the Ferry from the UK to Spain

Thinking about travelling to Spain from the UK? Whether you’re dreaming of flamenco-filled evenings, sunbathing on sandy shores or admiring amazing architecture, a ferry to Spain is your gateway to an exciting adventure. Perfect for fun family holidays and romantic getaways alike, Spain has something for everyone.

To make the planning process easy, we've put together a guide featuring everything you need to know about taking the ferry from the UK to Spain. From how long the journey takes to how much it costs, we've got you covered.

Everything you need to know about travelling from the UK to Spain by ferry

Are there ferries from the UK to Spain?

A flight might be your first thought when it comes to planning a holiday to Spain. But, did you know that you can actually get a ferry to Spain from the UK? Although the journey takes a little longer, getting a ferry from the UK to Spain has many benefits. 

Firstly, you can bring you own vehicle with you. This gives you so much more freedom to explore once you arrive in Spain and also avoids any expensive car rental fees. Travelling to Spain by car also means you can bring as much luggage as you wish! And that's not all you can bring - there's your furry friend too. UK to Spain ferry routes are all pet friendly, so you don't need to worry about leaving anyone behind. 

Getting a ferry to Spain is also more relaxing. You can have a leisurely stroll around, tuck into delicious tapas in the restaurants, soak up sea views from the sundeck and make the most of on-board entertainment. There are also children's play areas to keep the little ones occupied too.

How long is the ferry from the UK to Spain?

The ferry crossing to Spain from the UK varies between around 20 hours 15 minutes and 33 hours 30 minutes depending on the ferry route you choose and the vessel you're travelling on. Things like weather conditions can also affect the duration. With a wide range of facilities and entertainment on the ships, you'll find plenty to keep you busy on board. There are also large cabins with comfortable beds so you can lie back, relax and enjoy the journey.

How much is a ferry from the UK to Spain?

UK to Spain ferry prices can vary. It all depends on how far in advance you book the ferry, who you're travelling with, whether you're travelling with a vehicle and if you're travelling in the peak summer season.

If you're looking for the cheapest UK to Spain ferry tickets, then we recommend booking your ferry as far in advance as possible, and travelling out of the high summer season between the months of October and May.

Is there a car ferry from the UK to Spain?

Yes, Brittany Ferries allow you to take your car on all ferries from the UK to Spain. The ferry ports are well signposted and staff will be on hand to help, so you should have no issues when boarding and disembarking the ferry with a vehicle. Travelling with a car also gives you that flexibility and freedom once you arrive in Spain.

Can I take my pet on the ferry to Spain from the UK?

One of the great things about getting a ferry from the UK to Spain rather than flying, is that you can bring your pet with you. And Brittany Ferries have made the experience as stress free as possible!

You're allowed to bring up to 5 pets on the ferry to Spain. They can either stay in your vehicle, in a kennel or in one of the pet-friendly cabins on board. Ferry tickets for dogs, cats and ferrets can all be booked online for a small fee, which is usually around £50 each way. Before you travel with your pet to Spain, make sure you have all the correct documentation and pack everything your pet needs for a comfortable journey too.

UK to Spain ferry routes

So, now you've decided to travel to Spain by ferry, it's time to choose your route. There are currently 3 UK to Spain ferry routes to choose from, all of which are operated by Brittany Ferries.

You can get a ferry to Spain from UK ports, Portsmouth and Plymouth, both of which are located in the south of England. Ferries from the UK will take you to either Santander or Bilbao in northern Spain.

Portsmouth to Santander

The Portsmouth to Santander ferry runs all year round, making it the best choice if you're looking to travel to Spain during the winter months. Brittany Ferries currently operate 2 weekly sailings on this route, with a duration from around 26 hours 30 minutes to 33 hours 30 minutes. Portsmouth to Santander ferry prices start from just £41 for foot passengers.

Portsmouth to Bilbao

The Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry operates throughout most of the year, usually from around late March until early November with prices starting from just £41 for foot passengers. There are currently also 2 weekly sailings on this route, with ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao usually taking around 22 hours.

Plymouth to Santander

The Plymouth to Santander ferry is also a seasonal service, operating from around April until November. Brittany Ferries currently operate 2 weekly sailings on Wednesdays and Sundays. With a duration of approximately 20 hours and 15 minutes, it's the fastest UK to Spain ferry route, making it a great option if you're short of time. Plymouth to Santander ferry prices start from around £97 for foot passengers.

Arriving in Spain

Bilbao

Bilbao ferry port is located in Zierbena which is 21km from Bilbao, a city in the Basque Country in northern Spain. If you're travelling by car, you can reach the centre of Bilbao in around 20 minutes. If you're travelling by foot, you can either get a taxi to Santurtzi train station which is around 3km away or Bilbao port also operate a shuttle bus service that takes you from the terminal to Bilbao city centre.

Bilbao is a vibrant city with a range of attractions, including the famous Guggenheim Museum and a medieval Old Town. From Bilbao, you can also easily go on to explore more of Spain with destinations such as San Sebastian, known for its incredible culinary scene and beautiful beaches, just over an hour away. The La Rioja wine region is also not far away, ideal for those in search of a picture-perfect holiday surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.

Santander

Ferries from the UK to Spain also take you to Santander, a city located on the north coast of Spain around 75km from Bilbao. As soon as you step foot off the ferry in Santander, you'll be right in the centre of the city, so if you're travelling as a foot passenger, you don't need to worry about renting a car or trying to navigate the public transport system.

You don't need to leave Santander to have a good time, with the charming coastal city offering a range of attractions including golden sandy beaches, beautiful parks with walking trails and fascinating museums. It's also known for its fresh seafood which you can sample in one of the city's many restaurants.

If you fancy exploring more of Spain, you'll find a train and bus station around a 5-10 minute walk from the ferry terminal, connecting the city to destinations such as Madrid, Bilbao and Alicante.

Choosing which port to arrive at is entirely up to you. Due to Santander ferry port’s convenient location in the city centre, arriving at Santander might be slightly better for foot passengers and for those that want to be in the thick of it all as soon as they arrive. However, both cities are well connected, making either one a great starting point for your Spanish adventure.

Book your ferry tickets to Spain online at Direct Ferries today and get ready for an unforgettable trip.