Every direct ferry to Spain from the UK and Ireland is run by a single company: Brittany Ferries. Despite the name, it operates far more than French crossings, and it's the only operator sailing across the Bay of Biscay to northern Spain.
That makes choosing a company simple — the real decision is which route and port suit your trip. This page covers Brittany Ferries' Spanish routes and links to our full operator guide.
Brittany Ferries routes to Spain
Plymouth–Santander
- Duration~20–22h
- Seasonseasonal
- Check Prices »
Portsmouth–Santander
- Duration~24h+
- Seasonyear-round
- Check Prices »
Portsmouth–Bilbao
- Duration~24–36h
- Seasonyear-round
- Check Prices »
Rosslare–Bilbao (Ireland)
- CrossingBay of Biscay
- Seasonyear-round
- Check Prices »
| Route | Duration | Season | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth–Santander | ~20–22h | seasonal | Check Prices » |
| Portsmouth–Santander | ~24h+ | year-round | Check Prices » |
| Portsmouth–Bilbao | ~24–36h | year-round | Check Prices » |
| Rosslare–Bilbao (Ireland) | Bay of Biscay | year-round | Check Prices » |
All Spanish routes are operated by Brittany Ferries, across the Bay of Biscay to Santander or Bilbao.
About Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries is a French company founded in 1973, and the biggest operator on the Channel, Celtic Sea and Bay of Biscay. It launched its first trans-Biscay service to Spain in 1978, and has expanded steadily since.
Today it runs a modern fleet including LNG-powered ships like the Salamanca and Santoña, and the flagship Pont Aven, offering cruise-style crossings with cabins, restaurants, bars and entertainment.
The ships
The Spanish routes use some of Brittany Ferries' largest ships. The year-round Portsmouth routes are served by the modern LNG-powered Salamanca and Santoña, while the seasonal Plymouth–Santander route uses the Pont Aven, long regarded as one of the finest ferries serving the British Isles.
All offer en-suite cabins, restaurants, bars, shops, cinemas and sun decks — the crossing itself is part of the holiday.
Which route will I travel?
Because there's only one operator, your Brittany Ferries crossing is decided by where you start and which part of Spain you want. From the West Country, it's Plymouth–Santander; from the south coast, Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao; from Ireland, Rosslare–Bilbao. Santander suits northern and central Spain; Bilbao suits the Basque Country and the east.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs the ferries to Spain?
Brittany Ferries — the only operator running direct ferries from the UK and Ireland to Spain, sailing to Santander and Bilbao.
Does Brittany Ferries only run French routes?
No — despite the name, it runs all the direct UK and Ireland routes to Spain, as well as routes to France.
Which Brittany Ferries routes go to Spain?
Plymouth–Santander, Portsmouth–Santander, Portsmouth–Bilbao, and Rosslare–Bilbao from Ireland.
What ships does Brittany Ferries use to Spain?
Modern LNG-powered ships like the Salamanca and Santoña on the Portsmouth routes, and the flagship Pont Aven on Plymouth–Santander.
Is there any other company sailing to Spain?
Not directly — Brittany Ferries is the only operator running direct ferries from the UK and Ireland to northern Spain.