Search live Portsmouth to Santander ferry prices
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The Portsmouth to Santander ferry
Portsmouth to Santander is the sister route to Bilbao, the second of the UK's two direct ferry links to northern Spain. Brittany Ferries' cruise-ferries Galicia, Salamanca and Cap Finistère make the 28 to 32-hour crossing of the Bay of Biscay twice a week, with cabins, restaurants, bars and entertainment to fill the time. Santander is a handsome seaside city on the Cantabrian coast, well placed for the Picos de Europa, Bilbao and the Guggenheim, the Rioja wine country, and the long route south towards Madrid, the Mediterranean or Portugal. Like the Bilbao route, it saves a thousand miles of French motorway driving and is hugely popular with motorhomes, touring cyclists and anyone heading deep into Spain or beyond.
- Direct UK-Spain crossing into the Cantabrian coast
- 28 to 32 hours twice a week on modern cruise-ferries
- Well placed for the Picos de Europa, Rioja and central Spain
- Saves around 1,000 miles versus driving through France
Ports & operators on this route
Portsmouth to Santander ferry — common questions
How long does the Portsmouth to Santander ferry take?
Around 28 to 32 hours, with at least one night on board and a cabin included.
Which is better, Santander or Bilbao?
Both cross the Bay of Biscay in similar times; choose by onward destination and sailing date. Santander is slightly further west.
Does Brittany Ferries carry motorhomes to Santander?
Yes. The Spanish routes are very popular with motorhomes; book early for summer space.