Last updated: 26 October 2026 · By Steve Joury, cargo trip advisor at CargoHolidays
You can travel from the UK to Spain by boat on direct ferries from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain. 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.
Key facts at a glance
The easiest way to get from the UK to Spain by boat 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.
| Itinéraire | Typical crossing time | Remarques |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth – Santander | About 24–32 hours | Year-round on most schedules |
| Portsmouth – Bilbao | About 24–32 hours | Good for the Basque Country |
| Plymouth – Santander | About 20 hours | Seasonal/limited sailings |
Timetables and durations change by season and ship, so always check the latest schedule.
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’re relocating, see our guides to moving to Spain from the UK et déménagements vers l'Espagne.
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 – possible in a long day with high-speed trains.
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 – read seasickness on a cargo ship for tips that apply to any ship. On calm days, look out for dolphins and whales; the Bay is one of Europe’s best whale-watching areas.
From Spain you can continue to Portugal, cross to Morocco by ferry from Algeciras or Tarifa, or sail to the Canary Islands. Read UK to Morocco by boat et UK to the Canary Islands by boat. For a longer sea adventure, freighters also call at Spanish ports – see Trajets de cargos en Méditerranée.
Yes. Direct ferries sail from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain.
Typically around 20 to 32 hours depending on the route and ship.
Yes. Cars, motorbikes, campervans and motorhomes can travel on the ferries.
Yes, via Eurostar to Paris and high-speed trains to Barcelona or Madrid.
It can be, especially in autumn and winter, but large ferries handle it well.
Fancy a longer sea journey?
Ask us about freighter voyages calling at Spanish and Mediterranean ports.
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