Santander waterfront, bay and cityscape in Cantabria, northern Spain

Spain → United Kingdom

Santander to Portsmouth Ferry

Santander to Portsmouth has a different overnight pattern from the outward UK–Spain sailing. Brittany Ferries advertises a northbound journey of around 28 to 32 hours with one night onboard. Check in at Santander’s city-centre terminal, reserve the required accommodation and plan the transfer or drive from Portsmouth International Port.

Santander → PortsmouthCheck dated sailings

Compare Ferry Prices Plan Your Crossing

FerryEU booking search

Check Santander to Portsmouth ferry prices & availability

Choose Spain as your place of departure, then select Santander - Portsmouth. If the ports are grouped under an island or region, choose that place of departure or “Show all routes”. Enter your dates and confirm the direction shown before booking. Search all ferry routes.

Click Here to view all other available ferry routes and destinations

Route guide

Use the northbound Santander timetable for your return

Brittany Ferries advertises Santander–Portsmouth at around 28–32 hours with one night onboard. Two weekly returns are advertised, subject to seasonal variation. Use the northbound result rather than the two-night Portsmouth-to-Santander duration.

Cars and foot passengers are carried. Santander’s terminal is central, but check the correct vehicle entrance or foot-passenger check-in and allow time after any incoming train or bus before the ferry deadline.

You arrive at Portsmouth International Port, where onward rail travel requires a separate station transfer. A long passage still precedes your UK drive, so compare the arrival hour and any nearby overnight stop with the complete ferry fare.

Travelling the other way? Read the Portsmouth to Santander ferry guide.

Check Ferry Fares Compare ferry operators

Make the right crossing choice

Santander to Portsmouth: practical ferry planning

Operators, passengers and sailing choices

Compare operators and sailing choices
Operator	Crossing or service	Passengers and vehicles	Planning detail
Brittany Ferries	About 28–32h; one night	Foot passengers and cars; other vehicles subject to booking conditions	Book the accommodation shown for the northbound crossing. It is a one-night sailing in the published sailing information, so do not assume the two-night outward package or identical cabin allocation applies to the return.

Santander to Portsmouth ferry prices: what to compare

Compare the same passengers, vehicle and required accommodation on the selected northbound date. Check any pet or meal options and the ticket’s change conditions if the end of your trip in Spain is uncertain.

Add the onward travel from Portsmouth International Port, including a station transfer without a car. Compare seasonal Santander–Plymouth if Devon or Cornwall is your destination, using the full journey rather than only the ferry price.

Search current ferry tickets

Santander departure and Portsmouth arrival

Santander: before boarding

Follow the specific Ferry signs to Brittany Ferries’ check-in area in Santander; the operator distinguishes these from general Puerto signs.
Foot passengers check in at the ferry terminal. Santander’s rail and bus stations are nearby, but leave time between your connection and the sailing deadline.
Follow the current booking confirmation. Brittany Ferries’ dedicated guidance specifies check-in at least 60 minutes before departure, or 90 minutes with a pet; operational instructions may require earlier arrival.

Read the Santander port guide

Portsmouth: after arrival

Leave through Portsmouth International Port and allow for disembarkation before a taxi, collection or train connection.
The M275 connects motorists to the wider motorway network; rail passengers need a transfer to the city stations.
For a stay in Portsmouth, plan the transfer to the Historic Dockyard or Gunwharf area from the international terminal.

Read the Portsmouth port guide

Which option fits your trip?

Santander to Plymouth

Compare its seasonal dates and Devon arrival if that reduces your onward UK journey.

Read santander to plymouth

Portsmouth onward travel

Plan the station transfer or onward drive after disembarkation at the international terminal.

Read portsmouth onward travel

Sources and service review

Travel guidance checked 19 October 2026 using published information from Brittany Ferries. This guide explains the journey; the dated booking result and operator confirmation determine your sailing, fare and reporting time.

How FerryEU checks its guides · Report a route-information correction

Official route and travel information:

Ferry companies

Ferry operators on the Santander–Portsmouth route

Compare the operators and departures offered for your dates. The sailing result confirms the carrier, vessel and travel options for that journey.

Brittany Ferries

Brittany Ferries is listed in FerryEU’s guide to this crossing. Search the Santander to Portsmouth direction to see which departures and ticket types are offered for your date.

Check the vessel, boarding arrangements at Santander, baggage allowance and any vehicle or accommodation options in the selected sailing. The return leg can have a different schedule or ship.

Vehicles and foot passengers accepted
Pet-friendly arrangements available on selected ship/sailing combinations

Compare Ferry Prices Brittany Ferries guide

Departure and arrival ports

Departing Santander and arriving in Portsmouth

Departure · Spain

Santander Ferry Port

Santander ferry port lies in the heart of the city, within walking distance of shops and transport connections. It provides straightforward road access towards the Picos de Europa, Bilbao, Asturias and central Spain.

For your Santander to Portsmouth sailing, arrange your journey to Santander around the check-in deadline. The ferry may use a different entrance or terminal from other services at the same harbour. Check the boarding instructions before booking a connecting train, bus or taxi.

City-centre location
Foot passengers use the terminal gangway via lift or escalator

Explore Santander port and destination guide

Portsmouth waterfront, Spinnaker Tower and historic harbour in England

Arrival · United Kingdom

Portsmouth Ferry Port

Portsmouth International Port is linked directly to the motorway network by the M275. It is a major Brittany Ferries ferry point for both France and Spain and has facilities for vehicle and foot passengers.

After the ferry reaches Portsmouth, allow time for disembarkation before a collection or onward connection. Check where passengers leave the terminal and whether your next stop is within walking distance or requires a transfer.

Direct approach from the M275
Rail, coach and taxi connections in Portsmouth

Explore Portsmouth port and destination guide

On board

Your Santander–Portsmouth crossing

Use the facilities listed for the ship on your departure. Vessel assignments and onboard services can change.

Cabins

Check the required accommodation for the northbound crossing, advertised with one night onboard. Reserve the suitable cabin offered for the actual sailing.

Dining

Restaurants, cafés and bars let you spread meals across the long journey.

Lounges & decks

Lounges and outside deck areas provide space away from the cabin during the day.

Shopping & entertainment

Onboard retail and entertainment vary by vessel and help fill the longer northbound passage.

Before departure

Prepare for check-in at Santander

The Santander to Portsmouth journey crosses between Spain and United Kingdom. Check the current entry and travel-document requirements for your nationality and itinerary, together with the operator’s boarding instructions.

Your departure terminal

Use the terminal named on the Santander booking confirmation. Plan the approach, parking or drop-off before departure; the town centre or onward transport stop may be some distance from check-in.

Passenger and vehicle details

Check names and travel details before you arrive. If taking a vehicle, enter its full dimensions and include trailers, roof loads or rear-mounted equipment where required.

Travel documents

Use current official guidance for documents, entry permissions and any vehicle or pet requirements that apply to your journey. Requirements depend on your circumstances and can change.

After arriving

Continue your journey from Portsmouth

Portsmouth International Port is separate from the city railway stations, the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf. Plan the transfer from the ferry terminal before arranging sightseeing or an onward train.

The Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and Old Portsmouth fit naturally into a harbour-side walk.

A car is useful for the South Downs, Chichester and onward touring after an international ferry crossing.

For an onward connection from Portsmouth, include time to leave the ship and terminal. Check local transport for the actual arrival day, especially if the ferry arrives early in the morning or late at night. A nearby hotel or a later connection may give more flexibility if the crossing is delayed.

Explore Portsmouth

Other ferry options

Compare routes for your Santander to Portsmouth journey

Search nearby dates and compare the complete journey when considering another crossing. Different ports can change your transfer time, onward drive or overnight plans.

Santander → PlymouthAnother departure from Santander. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route Bilbao → PortsmouthAnother crossing arriving in Portsmouth. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route Santander to Rosslare optionsThere is no direct return from Santander in winter 2026/27. Sail from Bilbao for Ireland.View alternatives

Return journey: Portsmouth to Santander · Browse all ferry routes

Common planning questions

Santander to Portsmouth ferry FAQs

How long is the Santander to Portsmouth ferry?

Where do I check in at Santander?

The Brittany Ferries terminal is in central Santander, close to the waterfront and the rail and bus stations. Drivers should follow the operator’s Ferry signs to vehicle check-in; foot passengers use the passenger terminal.

Can I take a vehicle or travel on foot?

Foot passengers and cars can be booked, subject to availability on the selected sailing. Enter the full dimensions of any vehicle and attached equipment. If you travel without a car, include the transfers at both ferry ports.

What accommodation should I book?

Book the accommodation shown for the northbound crossing. It is a one-night sailing in the published sailing information, so do not assume the two-night outward package or identical cabin allocation applies to the return.

How do I compare Santander–Portsmouth ferry fares?

Can I travel with a pet?

Ordinary pets cannot accompany foot passengers on Brittany Ferries’ France and Spain routes. Reserve the permitted vehicle and ship accommodation in advance. For an assistance dog, contact the operator about the arrangements for your sailing.

Can I assume the outward cabin and timing apply?

No. Portsmouth–Santander and Santander–Portsmouth have different advertised durations and overnight patterns. Confirm the date, vessel, accommodation and inclusions for each leg, then plan your onward connection from the actual northbound arrival time.

Ready to plan your crossing?

Find Santander to Portsmouth ferry tickets

Check the sailing from Santander, arrival in Portsmouth and travel options before confirming your reservation.

Compare Prices & Book