{"id":100032,"date":"2026-10-26T08:04:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T08:04:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/?p=100032"},"modified":"2026-10-26T08:04:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T08:04:56","slug":"uk-to-spain-by-boat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/uk-to-spain-by-boat","title":{"rendered":"UK to Spain by Boat: Ferry Routes, Crossing Times and Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"chb-post\">\n\n<p class=\"chb-updated\">Last updated: 26 October 2026 &middot; By Steve Joury, cargo trip advisor at CargoHolidays<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"chb-lede\"><strong>You can travel from the UK to Spain by boat on direct ferries from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain.<\/strong> Crossings take around a day or more, usually with an overnight cabin, and you can take your car. Here are the routes and how to plan.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"chb-cta-bar\">\n<a class=\"chb-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/anfrage-fur-eine-frachtschiffreise\/\">Ask about Spain voyages &rarr;<\/a>\n<a class=\"chb-btn chb-btn--ghost\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/mediterranean-freighter-voyages\/\">Mediterranean voyages<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"chb-keyfacts\">\n<p class=\"chb-keyfacts-title\">Key facts at a glance<\/p>\n<ul><li>Direct ferries link <strong>Portsmouth and Plymouth<\/strong> with <strong>Santander and Bilbao<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Crossings take roughly <strong>a day to a day and a half<\/strong>.<\/li><li>You can sail as a foot passenger or with a car or campervan.<\/li><li>The route crosses the Bay of Biscay, which can be rough.<\/li><li>Alternatively go by train via France, crossing the Channel first.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<nav class=\"chb-toc\" aria-label=\"Contents\">\n<p class=\"chb-toc-title\">In this guide<\/p>\n<ol><li><a href=\"#direct-ferries-from-the-uk-to-spain\">Direct ferries from the UK to Spain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#taking-your-car-to-spain-by-ferry\">Taking your car to Spain by ferry<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#rail-and-ferry-spain-without-a-car\">Rail and ferry: Spain without a car<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#crossing-the-bay-of-biscay\">Crossing the Bay of Biscay<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#going-further-spain-as-a-gateway\">Going further: Spain as a gateway<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq\">H\u00e4ufig gestellte Fragen<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n\n<h2 id=\"direct-ferries-from-the-uk-to-spain\">Direct ferries from the UK to Spain<\/h2>\n<p>The easiest way to get from the <strong>UK to Spain by boat<\/strong> is a direct cruise-ferry to northern Spain. Brittany Ferries runs routes from Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao, and from Plymouth to Santander (seasonal patterns vary). The ships have cabins, restaurants and lounges, so the crossing feels like a mini-cruise.<\/p>\n<table><thead><tr><th>Route<\/th><th>Typical crossing time<\/th><th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody>\n<tr><td>Portsmouth &ndash; Santander<\/td><td>About 24&ndash;32 hours<\/td><td>Year-round on most schedules<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Portsmouth &ndash; Bilbao<\/td><td>About 24&ndash;32 hours<\/td><td>Good for the Basque Country<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Plymouth &ndash; Santander<\/td><td>About 20 hours<\/td><td>Seasonal\/limited sailings<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table>\n<p>Timetables and durations change by season and ship, so always check the latest schedule.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"chb-figure\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/southampton-port_635a7a46782be.jpeg\" alt=\"UK to Spain by boat &ndash; ferry port on the south coast of England\" title=\"UK to Spain by boat &ndash; ferry port on the south coast of England\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Ferries to northern Spain leave from the south coast of England.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"taking-your-car-to-spain-by-ferry\">Taking your car to Spain by ferry<\/h2>\n<p>Driving on is one of the main reasons people choose the ferry: you skip the long drive through France and arrive in Spain with your own car, perfect for touring or moving abroad. Campervans and motorhomes are welcome too. If you&rsquo;re relocating, see our guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/moving-to-spain-from-uk\/\">moving to Spain from the UK<\/a> und <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/umzuge-von-grosbritannien-nach-spanien\/\">Umz\u00fcge nach Spanien<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rail-and-ferry-spain-without-a-car\">Rail and ferry: Spain without a car<\/h2>\n<p>Foot passengers can take the train to Portsmouth, sail to Santander or Bilbao, and continue by Spanish rail or bus. Alternatively, cross the Channel by Eurostar or ferry and go all the way by train via Paris and the French-Spanish border to Barcelona or Madrid &ndash; possible in a long day with high-speed trains.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"chb-figure\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/uk-to-spain-by-boat-infographic-cargoholidays.jpg\" alt=\"UK to Spain by boat infographic &ndash; ferry routes and times\" title=\"UK to Spain by boat infographic &ndash; ferry routes and times\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Ferries from the UK to Spain at a glance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"crossing-the-bay-of-biscay\">Crossing the Bay of Biscay<\/h2>\n<p>The Bay of Biscay is famous for its swell, especially in autumn and winter. Modern cruise-ferries are large and stable, but it can still be lively. Book a cabin, eat lightly and get fresh air &ndash; read <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/seasickness-on-a-cargo-ship\/\">Seekrankheit auf einem Frachtschiff<\/a> for tips that apply to any ship. On calm days, look out for dolphins and whales; the Bay is one of Europe&rsquo;s best whale-watching areas.<\/p>\n<div class=\"chb-tip\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Stand on the outer decks as you cross the deep water off northern Spain &ndash; many passengers spot dolphins, and sometimes large whales.<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"going-further-spain-as-a-gateway\">Going further: Spain as a gateway<\/h2>\n<p>From Spain you can continue to Portugal, cross to Morocco by ferry from Algeciras or Tarifa, or sail to the Canary Islands. Read <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/uk-to-morocco-by-boat\/\">UK to Morocco by boat<\/a> und <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/uk-to-canary-islands-by-boat\/\">UK to the Canary Islands by boat<\/a>. For a longer sea adventure, freighters also call at Spanish ports &ndash; see <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/mediterranean-freighter-voyages\/\">Frachtfahrten im Mittelmeerraum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<section class=\"chb-related\" aria-label=\"Verwandte Anleitungen\">\n<h2 id=\"related-guides\">Related cargo ship travel guides<\/h2>\n<div class=\"chb-grid\"><a class=\"chb-card\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/uk-to-portugal-by-boat\/\"><span class=\"chb-card-kicker\">Routes<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-title\">UK to Portugal by boat<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-more\">Read guide &rarr;<\/span><\/a><a class=\"chb-card\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/uk-to-morocco-by-boat\/\"><span class=\"chb-card-kicker\">Routes<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-title\">UK to Morocco by boat<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-more\">Read guide &rarr;<\/span><\/a><a class=\"chb-card\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/holidays-without-flying-from-uk\/\"><span class=\"chb-card-kicker\">Slow travel<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-title\">Urlaub ohne Flugreise aus Gro\u00dfbritannien<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-more\">Read guide &rarr;<\/span><\/a><a class=\"chb-card\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/mediterranean-freighter-voyages\/\"><span class=\"chb-card-kicker\">Freighters<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-title\">Frachtfahrten im Mittelmeerraum<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-more\">Read guide &rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<h2 id=\"faq\">H\u00e4ufig gestellte Fragen<\/h2>\n<div class=\"chb-faq\">\n<h3>Is there a ferry from the UK to Spain?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Direct ferries sail from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain.<\/p><h3>How long is the ferry from the UK to Spain?<\/h3>\n<p>Typically around 20 to 32 hours depending on the route and ship.<\/p><h3>Can I take my car on the ferry to Spain?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Cars, motorbikes, campervans and motorhomes can travel on the ferries.<\/p><h3>Can I get to Spain by train from the UK?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, via Eurostar to Paris and high-speed trains to Barcelona or Madrid.<\/p><h3>Is the Bay of Biscay rough?<\/h3>\n<p>It can be, especially in autumn and winter, but large ferries handle it well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"chb-booking\">\n<p class=\"chb-booking-title\">Fancy a longer sea journey?<\/p>\n<p>Ask us about freighter voyages calling at Spanish and Mediterranean ports.<\/p>\n<a class=\"chb-btn chb-btn--big\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/anfrage-fur-eine-frachtschiffreise\/\">Ask about Spain voyages &rarr;<\/a>\n<p class=\"chb-booking-small\">Free, no-obligation quote &middot; Reply within 48 hours &middot; <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/frag-den-kapitan\/\">Fragen Sie den Kapit\u00e4n<\/a> &middot; <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wie-zu-gehen-fur-fracht-kreuzfahrt\/\">How booking works<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is there a ferry from the UK to Spain?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes. 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Cars, motorbikes, campervans and motorhomes can travel on the ferries.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can I get to Spain by train from the UK?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes, via Eurostar to Paris and high-speed trains to Barcelona or Madrid.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is the Bay of Biscay rough?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It can be, especially in autumn and winter, but large ferries handle it well.\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n\n<style>\n.chb-post{--chb-navy:#0b2545;--chb-sea:#134074;--chb-teal:#0f8b8d;--chb-sand:#f4efe6;--chb-orange:#e8772e;--chb-ink:#1d2a36;--chb-muted:#5b6b7a;--chb-line:#dfe6ec;max-width:820px;margin:0 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Crossings take around a day or more, usually with an overnight cabin, and you can take your [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99982,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1459],"tags":[1769,1768,1770],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100032"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=100032"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100032\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":100033,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100032\/revisions\/100033"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99982"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=100032"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=100032"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=100032"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=100032"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}