Ferry route planner
Ferries from the UK to Spain
Three ferry routes link the UK and Spain, all run by Brittany Ferries across the Bay of Biscay: Portsmouth to Santander, Portsmouth to Bilbao and Plymouth to Santander. They are long sailings with cabins, restaurants and space for cars and motorhomes.
UK to Spain Ferry Routes Map
Every UK to Spain crossing on FerryConnect. Select a route on the map, or compare them in the table below.
Compare UK to Spain Crossings
Sorted from the shortest crossing to the longest.
| Route | Operator | Typical crossing | Cars | Foot | Pets | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth → SantanderSeasonal | Brittany Ferries | About 20h | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Times & booking → |
| Portsmouth → Bilbao | Brittany Ferries | 29h 30m – 36h | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Times & booking → |
| Portsmouth → Santander🌙 Overnight | Brittany Ferries | About 33h (two nights at sea) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Times & booking → |
Pets ✓ means at least one operator carries pets on the crossing under its own rules (in the vehicle, a kennel, a lounge or a pet cabin). Foot ✓ means at least one operator takes foot passengers. Rules differ by operator: see each route page.
Crossing times are typical ranges from operator timetables and vary by ship, direction and season; each route page shows its own sources and verification date.
Which UK to Spain ferry?
Plymouth to Santander is the shortest crossing and suits the West Country and Wales; it is a seasonal route, so check the sailing dates. Portsmouth sailings to Santander and Bilbao take longer but are closer for London and the South East. The table gives each route’s typical crossing time from the operator’s timetable.
Ferry or drive through France?
The direct ferry costs more than a short Channel crossing, but it replaces the long drive from Calais through France to northern Spain, and a night’s hotel with a cabin. It is most attractive for motorhomes, families with pets and anyone heading to northern or western Spain.
Pets on Spain sailings
Pets cannot stay in the car on Brittany Ferries’ sailings to Spain. They travel in a pet-friendly cabin with you, or dogs can stay in an onboard kennel; cats must travel in a pet-friendly cabin. Dogs must be muzzled in port and on board whenever they are outside your vehicle or their accommodation, including in the exercise area. Pet places are limited, so book them first.
UK to Spain Ferry FAQs
How many ferry routes are there from the UK to Spain?
Three: Portsmouth–Santander, Portsmouth–Bilbao and Plymouth–Santander, all operated by Brittany Ferries.
Can my dog stay in the car on the ferry to Spain?
No. On sailings to Spain your dog travels in a pet-friendly cabin or an onboard kennel, and cats in a pet-friendly cabin.
Is there a ferry from the UK to southern Spain?
No. UK–Spain ferries arrive in northern Spain, at Santander or Bilbao. For southern Spain you drive on from there.
Checked 2026-09-29 against: Brittany Ferries: pets on Pont-Aven (France and Spain sailings). Policies change; confirm with the operator before booking.