There are four direct ferry routes from the UK to Spain, including three from England and one from Ireland (Rosslare). The map above provides a clear view of all the UK to Spain ferry routes. On this page, you can find detailed information about the duration, starting price, and a brief overview of each route, allowing you to easily compare them and plan the best route for your journey. For more details about a specific route, simply click on the route itself to access a page with comprehensive information about that service.
Additionally, alternative routes from the UK to mainland Europe are available, primarily serving France. These routes offer shorter sea travel times and, once in France, it’s straightforward to continue your journey to Spain.
You will also find information about popular onward travel routes, such as the highly favoured route to Morocco. From Spain, it takes just about an hour to reach Morocco, making it a popular choice for travellers seeking to explore further.
Ferry routes from England to Spain
If you’re planning a ferry trip from England to Spain, there are three main routes to consider:
The quickest of these is the Plymouth to Santander route, which takes approximately 20 hours and 30 minutes. The other routes typically take around 32 hours and 30 minutes. Ticket prices across these routes are quite similar, offering options for every budget.
To secure the best rates, consider booking early bird tickets—at least 60 days in advance—which start at just £120 for a one-way journey on foot. Keep in mind that ticket prices can vary depending on how busy it is and the time of year.
For a comprehensive overview of the travel options from England to Spain, please refer to the table below. This will help you compare durations, costs, and choose the route that best fits your travel needs.
| Crossing | Travel Duration | Starting Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Plymouth – Santander | 20 hours and 30 minutes | £120 |
| Portsmouth – Santander | 32 hours and 30 minutes | £120 |
| Portsmouth – Bilbao | 32 hours and 30 minutes | £120 |
Direct connection from Ireland to Spain
From Ireland, there is one direct ferry connection to Spain:
This route departs from Rosslare and sails to Bilbao. The crossing takes approximately 26 hours and 30 minutes and can be booked from as little as £40, making it a very affordable option.
| Crossing | Travel Duration | Starting Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Rosslare – Bilbao | 26 hours and 30 Minutes | £40 |
Is the Rosslare to Santander route still available?
No, the ferry route from Rosslare to Santander is currently unavailable. This route was temporarily offered by Brittany Ferries as a winter service from 7 November 2023 to 22 March 2024. Outside these dates, there is no timetable available for this specific route.
Alternative routes from the UK:
If you’re seeking a quicker and more cost-effective option, consider taking a shorter ferry crossing from UK to France and then driving on to Spain. One major advantage of this approach is the reduced travel time and generally lower ticket prices. Just bear in mind that it does involve covering a longer distance by car.
This could be an appealing choice for travellers looking to streamline their journey and save on costs. It strikes a nice balance between comfort and affordability, allowing you to leisurely explore the beautiful landscapes of France at your own pace before reaching Spain.
Take a look below at the routes that could serve as viable alternatives, including two routes departing from Ireland. They offer additional options to consider, each with its own set of benefits and conveniences. Feel free to explore these possibilities and find the route that best suits your travel preferences.
| Crossing | Travel Duration | Starting Price* | Book a ticket with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover – Calais | 1 hour and 30 minutes | £77 | DFDS, P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries |
| 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 |
If you’re interested in finding the most favourable route and price, make use of the booking module below. With it, you can compare different routes and find the most favourable price.
Popular transit route to Morocco
If you’re travelling by car from the UK to Morocco, taking a ferry is an excellent choice. Depending on your starting point, you can choose from various routes. Many travellers opt for a crossing to Bilbao. From Bilbao, you can then drive to the south of Spain, where you’ll find several ferries that will take you to Morocco. These crossings are relatively short; you’ll arrive in Morocco in about an hour. Here are some route suggestions you might consider:
Read more about the ferry from Spain to Morocco.
| Crossing | Travel Duration | Starting Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Algeciras – Ceuat | 1 hour | £6 |
| Tarifa – Tangier Ville | 1 hour | £17 |
| Algericas – Tangier Med | 1 hour and 30 minutes | £17 |