FerryConnect

UK → Spain

Portsmouth → Santander

A two-night cruise-ferry from Portsmouth across the Bay of Biscay to Santander, the capital of Cantabria. Drivers use it to skip the long run through France to northern Spain, the Picos de Europa and Portugal.

⏱ About 33h (two nights at sea)🚢 1 operator📅 Two return sailings a week all year🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Portsmouth to Santander ferry at a glance

The ferry from Portsmouth to Santander takes About 33h (two nights at sea) across the Bay of Biscay, operated by Brittany Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: two return sailings a week all year.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-28.

Sources: brittany-ferries.co.uk · brittanyferriesnewsroom.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Santander to Portsmouth

Brittany Ferries also sails Santander to Portsmouth, taking About 33h (two nights at sea).

Portsmouth to Santander ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Two return sailings a week all year on Salamanca

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Brittany Ferries timetable →

Source: Brittany Ferries press release and route page. Verified 2026-09-28.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Portsmouth and Santander

📐 470 Nautical Miles
Portsmouth⇄Santander
⏱ About 33h (two nights at sea) · 📐 470 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Ready to cross from Portsmouth to Santander?

Check live availability, fares and sailing times with Direct Ferries.

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Brittany FerriesAbout 33hSalamanca

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

470 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • The ferry terminal is in central Santander, a short walk from the old town and the city’s bus and train stations
  • The A-67 and A-8 motorways connect Santander with Bilbao, Burgos and Madrid

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Caen (Ouistreham)6h – 7h (day) / overnight · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → St Malo9h – 11h (overnight) · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)45m · WightlinkAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Jersey (St Helier)About 9h · DFDSAlso sails from PortsmouthSouthsea → Ryde (Isle of Wight)About 10m · HovertravelAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → CherbourgDaytime and overnight sailings (times vary) · Brittany Ferries
⚓ Portsmouth International Port guide⚓ Santander Ferry Terminal (Estación Marítima) guide⛴ All ferries from Portsmouth⛴ All ferries from Santander🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander?
The crossing typically takes About 33h (two nights at sea). Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Portsmouth to Santander ferry sail?
Two return sailings a week all year on Salamanca. This is the pattern published in the Brittany Ferries press release and route page (checked 2026-09-28); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Portsmouth to Santander?
Brittany Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Portsmouth to Santander ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Portsmouth to Santander ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Portsmouth to Santander ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Portsmouth from Santander by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 470 nautical miles (roughly 870 km).