Looking for the cheapest ferry crossing from the UK to Spain? We researched for you. On 6 May 2025, we compared all available options for ferry travel from the UK to Spain with Brittany Ferries, the only ferry company operating direct routes between the UK and Spain.
We also checked whether travelling via France would be a cheaper alternative. Here’s what we found.
This is the cheapest ferry crossing to Spain from the UK
Based on our research on 6 May 2025, looking across the whole of 2025, the cheapest ferry crossings from the UK to Spain are:
- Portsmouth to Bilbao: £206 (October 2025)
- Portsmouth to Santander: £206 (October 2025)
- Plymouth to Santander: £241 (October 2025)
If you are flexible with your travel dates and can avoid the peak summer season, there are real savings to be made.
Even cheaper via Ireland
We also checked the route from Ireland to Spain. The Rosslare to Bilbao crossing was priced at €120 for October 2025.
- €120 converts to approximately £103 (based on May 2025 exchange rates).
This means that if you are already in Ireland or can easily get there, taking the ferry from Rosslare to Bilbao can be a significantly cheaper alternative compared to crossings from the UK.
Things to keep in mind
It is important to understand that ferry prices are highly dependent on:
- Season: Prices are much higher during peak season (June to September).
- Demand: Ferry prices rise as the sailing fills up.
- Booking timing: Closer to the departure date, prices can sometimes drop if there are still many places available, but usually they increase.
If you want the best price, it is smart to book early and be flexible with your dates. In short: booking in advance pays off, especially outside the peak holiday periods.
Book your ferry to Spain early
Booking your ferry early can save you hundreds of pounds. Travelling in low season, such as October, is not only cheaper, but also more relaxing. Ships are quieter, and you can still enjoy pleasant weather.
For example, in October, the area around Bilbao typically enjoys temperatures between 18 °C and 22 °C, which is ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the coast without the intense summer crowds.
- Tip: Book the most affordable crossing directly through Brittany Ferries’ Best Fares Planner. For a complete overview, you can also compare routes via France using the Direct Ferries booking tool.
Or choose a short but affordable trip: Mini cruise to Spain
Looking for a cost-effective way to experience Spain without the full commitment of a long trip? A mini cruise might be the perfect alternative. Brittany Ferries regularly offers promotional fares, including discounts of up to 50% for foot passengers on the Plymouth–Santander route.
There’s also a popular mini-cruise deal, allowing you to enjoy the ferry experience and spend a short time in Spain at a fraction of the usual price. These offers can be a clever way to travel cheaply – especially if you’re flexible and travel light. Check out the current promotions directly on Brittany Ferries’ website for the best available fares.
Is travelling via France cheaper?
Another option is to take a ferry from the UK to France and then drive the rest of the way to Spain. Here’s a quick overview of ferry routes from the UK to France with starting prices (based on May 2025):
| Crossing | Travel Duration | Starting Price* | Book a ticket with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth – La Havre | 6 hours | £49 | Brittany Ferries (co.uk) |
| Portsmouth – Caen | 6 hours | £49 | Brittany Ferries (co.uk) |
| Portsmouth – CherBourg | 3 hours | £49 | Brittany Ferries (co.uk) |
| Portsmouth – St Malo | 10 hours and 45 minutes | £49 | Brittany Ferries (co.uk) |
| Poole – Cherbourg | 4 hours and 30 minutes | £49 | Brittany Ferries (co.uk) |
| Plymouth – Roscoff | 5 hours and 30 minutes | £49 | Brittany Ferries (co.uk) |
| Rosslare – Cherbourg | 17 hours | £23 | Brittany Ferries (ie) |
| Cork – Roscoff | 12 hours | £23 | Brittany Ferries (ie) |
| Dublin – Cherbourg | 18 hours | £77 | Irish Ferries |
At first glance, these routes are cheaper. However, there are additional costs to consider:
- Fuel: Driving from northern France to Spain takes several hours and hundreds of miles.
- Accommodation: You will likely need to stop overnight, adding hotel or B&B costs.
- Tolls: French motorways often have toll charges, adding to your travel expenses.
By contrast, taking a direct ferry from the UK to Spain includes your transport, accommodation (your cabin) and meals on board. Plus, you avoid the stress of a long drive.
Time factor: Travelling via France is faster overall, but a direct ferry to Spain offers the comfort of relaxing on board with entertainment, good food and beautiful sea views.
Cheapest option: Take a direct ferry from the UK to Spain
If you are looking for the cheapest way to cross to Spain, the best choice is to book a direct ferry from the UK to Spain.
- From the UK, Portsmouth to Bilbao and Portsmouth to Santander offer excellent low-season deals starting from £206.
- For even bigger savings, travelling from Rosslare in Ireland to Bilbao can cost as little as £103.
Although travelling via France can sometimes seem cheaper at first glance, when you add up fuel, tolls, accommodation and travel time, a direct ferry often ends up being the smartest, most comfortable, and most cost-effective choice.
Plus, nothing beats starting your holiday in style, relaxing on board while you sail directly to the Spanish coast.
Book early, travel outside the peak months if possible, and enjoy huge savings on your journey to Spain!
