{"id":100050,"date":"2026-10-26T08:13:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T08:13:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/?p=100050"},"modified":"2026-10-26T08:13:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T08:13:55","slug":"uk-to-portugal-by-boat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/uk-to-portugal-by-boat","title":{"rendered":"UK to Portugal by Boat: Ferries, Trains and Freighters"},"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>There&rsquo;s no regular direct ferry from the UK to Portugal, but you can travel from the UK to Portugal by boat by sailing to northern Spain and driving or taking the train on.<\/strong> Freighters calling at Lisbon or Leix&otilde;es (Porto) are another option. Here&rsquo;s how.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"chb-cta-bar\">\n<a class=\"chb-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/richiedi-informazioni-su-una-crociera-con-trasporto-merci\/\">Ask about Atlantic voyages &rarr;<\/a>\n<a class=\"chb-btn chb-btn--ghost\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/uk-to-spain-by-boat\/\">UK to Spain by boat<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"chb-keyfacts\">\n<p class=\"chb-keyfacts-title\">Key facts at a glance<\/p>\n<ul><li>There&rsquo;s currently <strong>no direct UK&ndash;Portugal passenger ferry<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Take the ferry to <strong>Santander or Bilbao<\/strong>, then continue by road.<\/li><li>Rail via Paris and Spain reaches Lisbon and Porto.<\/li><li>Some cargo ships call at <strong>Leix&otilde;es and Lisbon<\/strong> on Atlantic routes.<\/li><li>Allow 2&ndash;3 days overland from London.<\/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=\"#ferry-and-drive-the-most-popular-route\">Ferry and drive: the most popular route<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#train-via-paris-and-spain\">Train via Paris and Spain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#cargo-ships-calling-at-portugal\">Cargo ships calling at Portugal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#portugal-s-islands-by-sea\">Portugal&rsquo;s islands by sea<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq\">Domande frequenti<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n\n<h2 id=\"ferry-and-drive-the-most-popular-route\">Ferry and drive: the most popular route<\/h2>\n<p>The most common way to go from the <strong>UK to Portugal by boat<\/strong> is the ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao, then a drive of roughly a day across northern Spain to Porto, or a little longer to Lisbon. It&rsquo;s ideal for anyone taking a car, moving house or touring. See <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/uk-to-spain-by-boat\/\">UK to Spain by boat<\/a> e <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/moving-to-portugal-from-uk\/\">moving to Portugal from the UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"chb-figure\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Cargo-ship-travel-cargo-cruise-with-cargoholidays113.jpg\" alt=\"UK to Portugal by boat &ndash; ship sailing along the Atlantic coast\" title=\"UK to Portugal by boat &ndash; ship sailing along the Atlantic coast\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Ships sail down Europe&rsquo;s Atlantic coast to Portugal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"train-via-paris-and-spain\">Train via Paris and Spain<\/h2>\n<table><thead><tr><th>Leg<\/th><th>Tempo tipico<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody>\n<tr><td>London &ndash; Paris (Eurostar)<\/td><td>About 2.5 hours<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Paris &ndash; Barcelona or Madrid (high-speed)<\/td><td>A long day<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Madrid &ndash; Lisbon \/ Vigo &ndash; Porto<\/td><td>Several hours (check current services)<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table>\n<p>Overall, allow two to three days with overnight stops. Cross-border Spain&ndash;Portugal rail connections change, so check the latest timetable before booking.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"cargo-ships-calling-at-portugal\">Cargo ships calling at Portugal<\/h2>\n<p>Leix&otilde;es (Porto) and Lisbon are regular calls for some container and ro-ro services linking Northern Europe with the Mediterranean, Africa and South America. Occasionally a passenger-carrying freighter can drop you in Portugal. Sines, south of Lisbon, is a major deep-sea container hub. Ask us about current rotations.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"chb-figure\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/uk-to-portugal-by-boat-infographic-cargoholidays.jpg\" alt=\"UK to Portugal by boat infographic &ndash; routes\" title=\"UK to Portugal by boat infographic &ndash; routes\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Getting from the UK to Portugal without flying.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"portugal-s-islands-by-sea\">Portugal&rsquo;s islands by sea<\/h2>\n<p>Madeira and the Azores are mostly reached by air today, though some cruises from UK ports call at Madeira on Canary Islands itineraries. See <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/cruises-without-flying\/\">cruises without flying<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"chb-tip\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> If you&rsquo;re driving, consider breaking the journey at Santiago de Compostela or the Picos de Europa &ndash; both are close to the ferry ports.<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"chb-related\" aria-label=\"Guide correlate\">\n<h2 id=\"related-guides\">Related cargo ship travel guides<\/h2>\n<div class=\"chb-grid\"><a class=\"chb-card\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/uk-to-spain-by-boat\/\"><span class=\"chb-card-kicker\">Routes<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-title\">UK to Spain by boat<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-more\">Read guide &rarr;<\/span><\/a><a class=\"chb-card\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/moving-to-portugal-from-uk\/\"><span class=\"chb-card-kicker\">Moving abroad<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-title\">Trasferirsi in Portogallo dal Regno Unito<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-more\">Read guide &rarr;<\/span><\/a><a class=\"chb-card\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/cruises-without-flying\/\"><span class=\"chb-card-kicker\">Crociere<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-title\">Cruises without flying<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-more\">Read guide &rarr;<\/span><\/a><a class=\"chb-card\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/holidays-without-flying-from-uk\/\"><span class=\"chb-card-kicker\">Slow travel<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-title\">Holidays without flying from the UK<\/span><span class=\"chb-card-more\">Read guide &rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Domande frequenti<\/h2>\n<div class=\"chb-faq\">\n<h3>Is there a ferry from the UK to Portugal?<\/h3>\n<p>Not directly at present. Most people take the ferry to northern Spain and drive or take the train on.<\/p><h3>How long does it take to drive from Santander to Porto?<\/h3>\n<p>Roughly a day&rsquo;s drive, depending on stops and route.<\/p><h3>Can I get to Lisbon by train from London?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, via Paris and Spain, usually over two to three days.<\/p><h3>Do cargo ships stop in Portugal?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Some services call at Leix&otilde;es (Porto), Lisbon and Sines.<\/p><h3>Can I cruise to Madeira from the UK?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Some Canary Islands cruises from UK ports call at Madeira.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"chb-booking\">\n<p class=\"chb-booking-title\">Sail the Atlantic coast<\/p>\n<p>Ask us about cargo ships calling at Portugal and onward to Africa or South America.<\/p>\n<a class=\"chb-btn chb-btn--big\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/richiedi-informazioni-su-una-crociera-con-trasporto-merci\/\">Ask about Atlantic voyages &rarr;<\/a>\n<p class=\"chb-booking-small\">Free, no-obligation quote &middot; Reply within 48 hours &middot; <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/chiedi-al-capitano\/\">Chiedi al capitano<\/a> &middot; <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/come-procedere-per-una-crociera-con-carico\/\">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 Portugal?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Not directly at present. Most people take the ferry to northern Spain and drive or take the train on.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How long does it take to drive from Santander to Porto?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Roughly a day's drive, depending on stops and route.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can I get to Lisbon by train from London?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes, via Paris and Spain, usually over two to three days.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Do cargo ships stop in Portugal?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes. Some services call at Leix&otilde;es (Porto), Lisbon and Sines.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can I cruise to Madeira from the UK?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes. Some Canary Islands cruises from UK ports call at Madeira.\"\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 auto;color:var(--chb-ink);font-size:18px;line-height:1.75;font-family:inherit}\n.chb-post h2{font-size:1.6em;line-height:1.25;color:var(--chb-navy);margin:2.2em 0 .6em;padding-top:.4em;border-top:3px solid var(--chb-teal);scroll-margin-top:90px}\n.chb-post h3{font-size:1.18em;color:var(--chb-sea);margin:1.6em 0 .4em}\n.chb-post p{margin:0 0 1.1em}\n.chb-post a{color:var(--chb-teal);text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px}\n.chb-post a:hover{color:var(--chb-navy)}\n.chb-post ul,.chb-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.2em;padding:0}\n.chb-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.chb-updated{font-size:.85em;color:var(--chb-muted);margin-bottom:1em}\n.chb-lede{font-size:1.12em;border-left:5px solid var(--chb-orange);padding:.2em 0 .2em 1em}\n.chb-cta-bar{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:1.4em 0 1.8em}\n.chb-post a.chb-btn{display:inline-block;background:var(--chb-orange);color:#fff;text-decoration:none;font-weight:700;padding:.75em 1.4em;border-radius:999px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(232,119,46,.35);transition:transform .15s,background .15s}\n.chb-post a.chb-btn:hover{background:#cf6420;color:#fff;transform:translateY(-2px)}\n.chb-post a.chb-btn--ghost{background:transparent;color:var(--chb-navy);border:2px solid var(--chb-navy);box-shadow:none}\n.chb-post a.chb-btn--ghost:hover{background:var(--chb-navy);color:#fff}\n.chb-post a.chb-btn--big{font-size:1.1em;padding:.9em 2em}\n.chb-keyfacts{background:var(--chb-sand);border-radius:14px;padding:1.2em 1.4em;margin:0 0 1.6em}\n.chb-keyfacts-title,.chb-toc-title{font-weight:800;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;font-size:.8em;color:var(--chb-navy);margin:0 0 .5em}\n.chb-keyfacts ul{list-style:none;margin:0}\n.chb-keyfacts li{padding-left:1.6em;position:relative}\n.chb-keyfacts li:before{content:\"&#9875;\";position:absolute;left:0;color:var(--chb-teal)}\n.chb-toc{border:1px solid var(--chb-line);border-radius:14px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:0 0 1.6em;background:#fff}\n.chb-toc ol{margin:0 0 0 1.2em;font-size:.95em}\n.chb-toc a{text-decoration:none}\n.chb-figure{margin:1.8em 0;text-align:center}\n.chb-figure img{width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:14px;display:block}\n.chb-figure figcaption{font-size:.85em;color:var(--chb-muted);margin-top:.5em;font-style:italic}\n.chb-post table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em;font-size:.92em;display:block;overflow-x:auto}\n.chb-post th{background:var(--chb-navy);color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em;white-space:nowrap}\n.chb-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid var(--chb-line);vertical-align:top}\n.chb-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f8fafb}\n.chb-tip{background:#e9f6f6;border-left:5px solid var(--chb-teal);border-radius:0 12px 12px 0;padding:1em 1.2em;margin:1.4em 0}\n.chb-tip strong:first-child{color:var(--chb-teal)}\n.chb-related{margin-top:2.5em}\n.chb-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:14px}\n.chb-post a.chb-card{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:.3em;border:1px solid var(--chb-line);border-radius:14px;padding:1em 1.1em;text-decoration:none;background:#fff;transition:box-shadow .15s,transform .15s}\n.chb-post a.chb-card:hover{box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(11,37,69,.12);transform:translateY(-2px)}\n.chb-card-kicker{font-size:.72em;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;color:var(--chb-orange);font-weight:800}\n.chb-card-title{color:var(--chb-navy);font-weight:700;line-height:1.35}\n.chb-card-more{font-size:.85em;color:var(--chb-teal)}\n.chb-faq h3{background:#f8fafb;border-radius:10px;padding:.6em .9em;margin-bottom:.3em}\n.chb-faq p{padding:0 .9em}\n.chb-booking{margin:2.5em 0 1em;padding:2em 1.6em;border-radius:18px;text-align:center;color:#fff;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--chb-navy),var(--chb-sea) 60%,var(--chb-teal))}\n.chb-booking-title{font-size:1.5em;font-weight:800;margin-bottom:.3em}\n.chb-booking p{color:#e8f0f7}\n.chb-booking-small{font-size:.82em;margin-top:1em}\n.chb-booking-small a{color:#fff}\n@media (max-width:640px){.chb-post{font-size:17px}.chb-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.chb-post h2{font-size:1.35em}.chb-cta-bar a.chb-btn{width:100%;text-align:center}}\n<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last updated: 26 October 2026 &middot; By Steve Joury, cargo trip advisor at CargoHolidays There&rsquo;s no regular direct ferry from the UK to Portugal, but you can travel from the UK to Portugal by boat by sailing to northern Spain and driving or taking the train on. Freighters calling at Lisbon or Leix&otilde;es (Porto) are [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":100000,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1459],"tags":[1769,1785,1770],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100050"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=100050"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100050\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":100051,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100050\/revisions\/100051"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100000"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=100050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=100050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=100050"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=100050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}