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The Plymouth to Santander ferry
Plymouth to Santander is Brittany Ferries' direct route from the South West to northern Spain. Its flagship, the Pont-Aven, sails twice a week, leaving Plymouth on Sundays and Wednesdays, and the overnight crossing takes between 20 hours 15 minutes and 22 hours depending on the day. There are no sailings on this route in the winter.
On board there are restaurants, a cinema, a pool, lounges, sundecks and private cabins, so the crossing is a day and a night at sea rather than a long drive through France.
Santander's ferry port is in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the shops, and the train and bus stations are 5 to 10 minutes' walk from the terminal, with services to Madrid and Bilbao. In Plymouth the ferry leaves from Millbay, about 15 minutes' walk from the town centre.
- Twice a week, leaving Plymouth on Sundays and Wednesdays
- 20h 15 to 22 hours on Brittany Ferries' flagship, the Pont-Aven
- No sailings in the winter
- Santander's port is in the city centre, close to trains and buses
Plymouth to Santander ferry times
| Direction | Sailings | Usual departure times | Crossing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth to Santander | 2 a week (Sunday and Wednesday) | Afternoon, usually 15:45 to 18:45 | 20h 15 to 22 hours (overnight) |
| Santander to Plymouth | 2 a week | Afternoon or evening, usually 16:00 to 20:30 | About 22 hours |
Sailing days and southbound crossing times are Brittany Ferries' figures; departure windows and the northbound time come from Direct Ferries' route data (updated 25 September 2026). There are no sailings in the winter.
Source: brittany-ferries.co.uk, checked 28 September 2026. Timetables change by season; the search shows the sailings for your date.
What to know about the Plymouth to Santander crossing
- Season
- There are no sailings on this route in the winter. (brittany-ferries.co.uk)
- On board
- Restaurants, a cinema, a pool, lounges, sundecks and air-conditioned private cabins. (brittany-ferries.co.uk)
- Foot passengers
- Yes, foot passengers can travel between Plymouth and Santander. (brittany-ferries.co.uk)
- Pets
- Pets are carried. Depending on the sailing and ship, they travel in your car, in the kennels or in a pet-friendly cabin. (brittany-ferries.co.uk)
- Check-in
- At least 45 minutes before departure, at Plymouth and at Santander. (brittany-ferries.co.uk)
- Passports and entry
- For Spain, your UK passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area, and short stays are limited to 90 days in any 180. Since the EU Entry/Exit System started on 12 October 2025, ferry passengers from ports other than Dover may be asked for fingerprints and a photo when they arrive. (gov.uk)
Where the ferry leaves from and arrives
- Plymouth (Millbay)
- Millbay, Plymouth PL1 3EW. About 15 minutes' walk from the town centre and 30 to 35 minutes from the railway station; there is no direct bus to the terminal. Foot passengers board by a gangway. (brittany-ferries.co.uk)
- Santander
- Terminal Brittany Ferries, Estación MarÃtima, 39002 Santander. In the heart of the city, with the train and bus stations 5 to 10 minutes' walk away. (brittany-ferries.co.uk)
Alternatives to the Plymouth to Santander ferry
- Portsmouth to Santander: Also to Santander, from Portsmouth, handier from London and the South East.
- Portsmouth to Bilbao: Up to twice a week all year round, including winter, to the Basque Country.
- Plymouth to Roscoff: Plymouth to Brittany if you would rather drive down through France.
Ports & operators on this route
Plymouth to Santander ferry — common questions
How long is the ferry from Plymouth to Santander?
Between 20 hours 15 minutes and 22 hours overnight, depending on the departure day, according to Brittany Ferries.
How often is the Plymouth to Santander ferry?
Twice a week. Brittany Ferries sails from Plymouth on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Does the Plymouth to Santander ferry run all year?
No. Brittany Ferries says there are no sailings on this route in the winter. Portsmouth to Bilbao runs all year round.
Which ship sails from Plymouth to Santander?
Brittany Ferries' flagship, the Pont-Aven, according to the operator's route page.
How much is the Plymouth to Santander ferry?
Fares vary with the season, when you book and whether you travel on foot or with a vehicle. Use the search on this page for live prices.
Can I travel as a foot passenger from Plymouth to Santander?
Yes. Santander's port is in the city centre, and the train and bus stations are 5 to 10 minutes' walk from the terminal.
Can I take my dog to Santander on the ferry?
Yes. Depending on the sailing and ship, pets travel in your car, in the kennels or with you in a pet-friendly cabin.
Related ferry routes
Where these facts come from
Checked by the CheapFerries editorial team on 2026-09-28. Operators change timetables and rules, so confirm details for your sailing when you book.
- brittany-ferries.co.uk www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/ferries-spain/plymouth-santander/about
- directferries.co.uk www.directferries.co.uk/plymouth_santander_ferry.htm
- brittany-ferries.co.uk www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/planning/ports/plymouth
- brittany-ferries.co.uk www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/planning/ports/santander
- gov.uk www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
- gov.uk www.gov.uk/entry-exit-system