The search below is already set to this route — just hit search for live fares and times from every operator, via our Direct Ferries partner. Change the ports to compare another crossing.
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.
Around 28 to 32 hours, with at least one night on board and a cabin included.
Both cross the Bay of Biscay in similar times; choose by onward destination and sailing date. Santander is slightly further west.
Yes. The Spanish routes are very popular with motorhomes; book early for summer space.