Travel to Santander by ferry from the UK
If you want to take a ferry from the UK to Spain, you can choose between two destinations: Santander and Bilbao.
This guide will help you find the best ferry for your trip to Santander.
Brittany Ferries is the only company that offers ferry services from the UK to Santander. You can depart from either Plymouth or Portsmouth, depending on which one is closer to you. See the map below for the locations of these ports and read on to find out which ferry route to Santander suits you best.
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Plymouth vs Portsmouth
Plymouth is a three and a half hour's drive from Portsmouth. The majority of the UK lives closer to Portsmouth than to Plymouth. If you arrive from the north of England it however doesn't differ that much. Most of the time you will gain 1 hour if you drive to Portsmouth compared to Plymouth.The cost to Santander compared
So we did two test bookings in the first month of April:
Plymouth Santander test booking (@ Directferries)

Portsmouth Santander test booking (@ Directferries)
Why is from Plymouth to Santander that much better?
The extra driving distance is always about ~ 1 hour. That's the only downside. For that, you get a way lower price and you will get there way faster. (10+! hours) There is another thing that we must mention though: On Plymouth Santander, you'll be traveling on the Brittany Ferries flagship: The MV Pont Aven.- All Cabins on the MV Pont Aven.
- Wikipedia about MV Pont Aven.
Arrival at Santander by Ferry
Santander is a charming city on the north coast of Spain, with a rich history and culture. When you arrive by ferry at Santander port, you will be greeted by the stunning views of the bay and the city skyline.
Frequent Asked Question ferries to Santander
Santander is a great place to stay for a few days. You can go to the beaches or you can simply walk down the old city center.
The ferry from Plymouth takes you 20 hours to the city of Santander, this is a one-night crossing and is the fastest connection from UK to Spain.