Checked offer from Portsmouth to Santander (Spain): Ferry, about 32h 30min, from €380. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): Brittany Ferries; main departure point: Portsmouth Port.
One option to get from Portsmouth to Santander (Spain)
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 5, 2026 for a departure on November 26, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brittany Ferries | Ferry | Portsmouth Port | €380 | 1 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Ferry prices rise as sailings fill, especially in summer and on bank holiday weekends. Booking well ahead is the best way to avoid paying a last-minute premium and to secure the cabin type you actually want.
Your e-ticket names the departure port and the check-in deadline. Read it before leaving so you go to the right terminal in Portsmouth, rather than a station or harbour area that only looks close on the map.
If you travel from London by rail, trains to Portsmouth usually leave from London Waterloo. Walk-up fares can be costly, so buy an advance ticket for a fixed train, or consider the coach as a cheaper alternative.
Missing a ferry check-in because of a delayed train or coach is the real risk. Aim to reach Portsmouth well before the deadline, ideally the day before if you are coming from far away, such as from Scotland.
Keep your passport, tickets, medication and a charger in a small bag you can carry to your cabin. Bring layers for the deck and seasickness remedies, since the Bay of Biscay can be rough.
The journey experience
Portsmouth to Santander is a proper sea voyage across the Bay of Biscay, and the ferry is the option for this route. So the question of coach, train, ferry or flight is easy to answer here: you sail. The comparison table on this page shows duration and price range side by side, so you can judge it at a glance.
A ferry suits independent travellers: you board at the port, sleep in a cabin and wake up in northern Spain, with no airport queues. Onboard you can expect restaurants, bars, shops and lounges. Cabins are the comfortable choice on a long crossing, and the Bay of Biscay can be rough, so bring remedies if you are prone to seasickness.
Ferry fares follow season, cabin type and booking date rather than confusing ticket types, so booking early is the simple way to avoid paying more. Sailings fill up in summer and on bank holiday weekends. If you are coming from London, plan the rail or coach leg to Portsmouth with a generous margin so you reach check-in calmly.
Frequently asked questions — Portsmouth → Santander (Spain)
Ferry fares for Portsmouth to Santander start from 380 €, with typical prices up to 381 €. The final price depends on the sailing date, the cabin type and how early you book. Booking ahead for summer and bank holiday weekends helps you secure the best available fare.
The crossing takes around 33 to 39 hours, depending on the sailing. That means at least one night at sea, so you travel in a cabin and arrive rested. Check the exact departure and arrival times for your chosen date before you book your onward plans in Spain.
The ferry is the option listed for this route, and it is a comfortable one: you board at Portsmouth, sleep in a cabin and arrive in northern Spain without airport queues. It suits independent travellers who value comfort and a relaxed, overnight style of travel.
Ferries to Spain leave from Portsmouth International Port. Your e-ticket confirms the departure point and the check-in deadline, so read it before you travel. Do not rely on the nearest railway station alone, as you will still need a bus or taxi onward to the terminal.
From Heathrow or Gatwick, you can usually combine a coach or train connection towards Portsmouth, then finish with a local bus or taxi to the port. Allow a generous margin for delays, and choose a connection that arrives well before the check-in deadline.
Why visit Santander (Spain)?
- ✓ Stroll the Península de la Magdalena and visit the royal Palacio de la Magdalena, with sea views on every side
- ✓ Relax on El Sardinero beach and walk the elegant Belle Époque seafront promenade
- ✓ Explore the Centro Botín, an arts centre on stilts above the bay, designed by Renzo Piano
- ✓ Taste fresh anchovies, rabas (fried squid) and pintxos around the Mercado de la Esperanza and the old town
- ✓ Take the small ferry across the bay to Somo for surfing and wide golden dunes
When to visit Santander (Spain)?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
June to September — mild, sunny weather and warm seas, with far less extreme heat than southern Spain
What to do in Santander (Spain)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Santander (Spain)?
Plan 2 to 3 days. In 2 days you can cover the Sardinero beaches, the Península de la Magdalena, the Centro Botín and the old town's tapas bars. With a third day, add a day trip to Santillana del Mar, the Altamira museum or the Cabárceno nature park. Go between June and September for beach weather, and pack a rain jacket whatever the season.
Related searches