Spanish port from which ferries depart to Plymouth

Are you planning to travel back from Spain to England? Taking the ferry is a comfortable and convenient way to make the crossing. From the port of Santander, ferries sail directly to Plymouth, located in the southwest of England. Additionally, there are several alternative routes available, both from Spain and via France, offering flexibility when planning your journey.

• Note: During the winter, there are no ferry services between Plymouth and Santander. From April 2nd, the ferries will resume, and you can already book your crossing on the Brittany Ferries website.

Santander – Plymouth: A direct connection

The ferry route from Santander to Plymouth, operated by Brittany Ferries, is a popular choice. This route allows you to easily bring your vehicle and enjoy a relaxing crossing with excellent onboard facilities. It’s an ideal option for families or those traveling with their own transport.

Key Details:

• Average Crossing Time: Northbound takes 20 hours 15 minutes on the Thursday sailing and 21 hours 45 minutes on the Monday. Southbound, Plymouth to Santander is 20 hours 30 minutes. The two directions are close, and both are far shorter than the Portsmouth crossings because the Pont-Aven cruises at 22 knots.
• Departure Times: Ferries from Santander to Plymouth depart Monday at 18:15 and Thursday at 16:00, arriving Tuesday 15:00 and Friday 11:15. This is a seasonal route, running late March to early November. Every northbound sailing from Spain is listed on our Spain to UK page.

Alternative Routes from Spain

• Bilbao to Portsmouth: If you’re closer to Bilbao, you can opt for this route to Portsmouth, also operated by Brittany Ferries. This crossing takes around 24 hours and offers similar facilities.
• Santander to Portsmouth: In addition to the Plymouth connection, Brittany Ferries also sails to Portsmouth, a port city with excellent links to London and other parts of England.

Routes via France to Plymouth

For those considering an alternative route via France, there are several ferry options to Plymouth:

• Roscoff-Plymouth: A popular route connecting Brittany to the southwest of England, ideal for those traveling from western France. This route offers a shorter crossing time and regular departures, making it a convenient choice.

Why Choose the Ferry?

The ferry is an excellent option for stress-free travel, especially if you wish to bring your vehicle. It offers comfort, flexibility, and the chance to enjoy a maritime experience. Whether you’re traveling directly from Spain or opting for a route via France, there are plenty of options to make your journey to England as pleasant as possible.

If you have not made this crossing before, our Plymouth to Santander guide is the most detailed page on this site. It covers the 2026 timetable in both directions, what the cabins are actually like, what a Commodore Suite gets you, and a first-hand account of the crossing with photographs taken on board the Pont-Aven.