Spain Ferry Ports
Check prices & times »Ferries to Spain sail from three ports — Portsmouth and Plymouth in England, and Rosslare in Ireland — to two ports on Spain's northern coast: Santander and Bilbao. All routes are run by Brittany Ferries across the Bay of Biscay.
Which departure port suits you depends on where you're starting, and which Spanish port you want decides which region you'll explore. This guide covers each port and how to get there.
Table of Contents
UK and Ireland ferry ports
Portsmouth
Quick facts:
- Routes: Portsmouth–Santander, Portsmouth–Bilbao (Brittany Ferries)
- Location: Portsmouth International Port, Hampshire
- Season: year-round
- Best for: most of southern England
Portsmouth is the main UK gateway to Spain, with year-round crossings to both Santander and Bilbao. The ship sails right past Portsmouth's historic naval dockyard, with HMS Victory and HMS Warrior visible from the deck as you leave.
Plymouth
Quick facts:
- Route: Plymouth–Santander (Brittany Ferries)
- Location: Plymouth, Devon
- Season: seasonal (roughly April–November)
- Best for: the West Country; shortest crossing
Plymouth, in Devon, runs the seasonal crossing to Santander on the Pont Aven. Being further west, it gives the shortest sea crossing to Spain, and it's the natural choice for travellers from the South West.
Rosslare
Quick facts:
- Route: Rosslare–Bilbao (Brittany Ferries)
- Location: Rosslare Europort, County Wexford
- Season: year-round
- Best for: direct travel from Ireland
Rosslare Europort in County Wexford runs the direct crossing to Bilbao — the first-ever direct ferry between Ireland and Spain. It lets Irish travellers reach northern Spain without driving through Britain and France.
Spanish ferry ports
Santander
Quick facts:
- Routes: from Portsmouth and Plymouth
- Location: Santander city centre
- Onward: walk to the station; fast trains to Madrid
- Region: Cantabria, Asturias, Picos de Europa
Santander's ferry terminal is right in the city centre, a few minutes' walk from the railway station. That makes it easy for foot passengers as well as drivers, with fast trains to Madrid and narrow-gauge services along the coast. It's the gateway to Cantabria, Asturias and the Picos de Europa.
Bilbao
Quick facts:
- Routes: from Portsmouth and Rosslare
- Location: Zierbena, about 16km from central Bilbao
- Onward: shuttle bus or taxi into the city
- Region: Basque Country, Rioja, eastern Spain
Bilbao's ferry terminal is at Zierbena, about 16km from the city centre, with a shuttle bus or taxi into town. Bilbao is the gateway to the Basque Country, San Sebastián and the Rioja wine region, and it's around 90 minutes to the French border.
Which ports should you choose?
A quick way to decide:
- From the West Country: Plymouth to Santander, the shortest crossing (seasonal)
- From southern England: Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao, year-round
- From Ireland: Rosslare to Bilbao, direct
- For northern/central Spain: arrive at Santander
- For the Basque Country and east: arrive at Bilbao
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ports have ferries to Spain?
Portsmouth and Plymouth in England, and Rosslare in Ireland, sailing to Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain.
Which Spanish ports do the ferries arrive at?
Santander and Bilbao, both on Spain's northern Atlantic coast.
Which port is best for the shortest crossing?
Plymouth, with the shortest sea crossing to Santander — though it's seasonal.
Is Santander or Bilbao more central?
Santander's terminal is right in the city centre, while Bilbao's is at Zierbena, about 16km out with a shuttle into town.
Can I sail to Spain from Ireland?
Yes — Rosslare to Bilbao, the first direct ferry between Ireland and Spain, run by Brittany Ferries.