United Kingdom
Portsmouth to Santander Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Arrives
Santander
Cantabria
At a glance
The Portsmouth to Santander ferry takes about 33h 15m, with one departure at 21:45. It is operated by Brittany Ferries.
- First sailing
- 21:45
- Last sailing
- 21:45
- Sailings listed
- 1
- Crossing
- 33h 15m
Portsmouth to Santander ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:45 | 08:00 | 33h 15m | Brittany FerriesSalamanca | Mon |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Portsmouth – Santander crossing
Planning your journey across the Bay of Biscay? The Portsmouth to Santander ferry route connects the historic port city of Portsmouth on the south coast of the United Kingdom with Santander, a port city situated on Spain's northern coast. It is an international crossing: Portsmouth is in the United Kingdom and Santander is in Spain, so passengers need a passport.
This link for travellers primarily serves those looking to transport vehicles and passengers directly between the UK and Spain, bypassing the need for long drives through France. The typical crossing time for the Portsmouth to Santander ferry is approximately 24 hours and 00 minutes, making it a significant journey across the sea.
Portsmouth to Santander Ferry Operator and Schedule
The sole operator serving this route is Brittany Ferries, a well-known name for ferry services connecting the UK, France, Spain, and Ireland. While we do not publish live schedules directly on FerryScheduleHub.com, we strongly recommend visiting the official Brittany Ferries website for the most up-to-date sailing times, frequency, and to check current availability. They can also provide you with the latest information on fares and booking options.
As there are currently no active sailings listed directly through our platform, it is to consult the operator for their published timetable. This route is a popular choice, particularly during peak travel seasons, so early booking is often advisable.
For those continuing their travels within Spain, options exist for onward journeys from Santander, such as the short Santander to Somo route. You can also explore other United Kingdom ferry routes to plan further trips.
Your destination
About Santander
The same stretch of Santander waterfront handles two things that have almost nothing in common. One is a thirty-minute launch across the bay to a beach, running dozens of times a week. The other is a ship to England that takes up to thirty-three hours. Both leave from the middle of the city, and the second one exists to let you skip the whole of France.
Full Santander travel guideVehicles, pets & onboard
- Cabins, including pet-friendly cabins and kennels
- Reclining seats on daytime crossings
- Restaurants, bars and cinemas on the long routes
- Cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and bicycles
- LNG dual-fuel and hybrid ships
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Ships on the Portsmouth – Santander route
2 ships work this crossing across 3 listed sailings, most often Salamanca.
Salamanca
Brittany Ferries
2 sailings on this route
Santona
Brittany Ferries
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day does it sail?
One sailing a day, Fri.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Brittany Ferries.
How long does the crossing take?
About 33h.
What time does the ferry leave?
Departs at 23:00.
Is this a daily service?
No, it runs Fri only.
Is this a domestic or international route?
International — the crossing runs between United Kingdom and Spain.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Brittany Ferries) for current fares.
Is there an overnight option?
Some sailings run overnight — the longest crossing is around 33h 15m, and cabins or reclining seats are usually available. Check the individual sailing and operator for onboard sleeping options.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings operate on selected days, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Brittany Ferries does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Brittany Ferries, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Santander
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Santander.
Same departure port
More ferries from Portsmouth
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Portsmouth or Santander
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 10, 2026 – Oct 26, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 6, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Portsmouth on the map
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