Where is Spain?
Spain sits on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, bordered by France to the north and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of Europe’s most diverse destinations. From the cultural energy of Barcelona and Madrid to the coastal charm of Santander, Bilbao, and Malaga, and the sun-soaked beaches of Alicante and Valencia.
Arriving by ferry lets you experience Spain differently. Instead of flying into a single city, you arrive directly into northern Spain or southern ports, making it easier to build a multi-stop road trip through Spain. Whether that’s exploring the Basque Country, heading south toward Andalusia, or linking into Portugal or France itineraries.
You can compare ferry routes to Spain, including Portsmouth to Santander and the Portsmouth to Bilbao crossings, to find the best option for your journey.
👉 Compare ferry routes to Spain from the UK and ferries from Morocco to Spain to find the best prices and sailing times.
How do I get to Spain?
You can travel to Spain by ferry from both England and Morocco, offering flexible entry points depending on your itinerary.
From the UK, ferry routes connect directly to northern Spain. Making it ideal for travellers bringing a car or planning a longer trip.
| Up to 2 Sailings per week |
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Car & 4 passengers from £379Car & 4 passengers from €277
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| Up to 3 Sailings per week |
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Car & 4 passengers from £379Car & 4 passengers from €277
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Sailing time
18 hours 30 mins |
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Car & 4 passengers from £383Car & 4 passengers from €277
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From North Africa, short crossings connect Morocco to southern Spain, perfect for combining two countries in one journey.
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Car & 4 passengers from £254Car & 4 passengers from €272
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Car & 4 passengers from £282Car & 4 passengers from €346
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Unlike flying, ferries allow you to bring your vehicle, luggage, and travel at your own pace. Making them a strong option for road trips across Spain.
If you’re travelling from England, the most popular crossings include Portsmouth to Santander and Portsmouth to Bilbao, while southern routes from Morocco connect into Algeciras and Tarifa, making it easy to plan multi-country trips.
Why choose ferry to go to Spain?
Travelling to Spain by ferry offers several advantages:
- Bring your car – ideal for exploring multiple destinations like Madrid, Valencia, and Seville in one trip
- No baggage restrictions – perfect for longer stays
- Comfortable travel – cabins, restaurants, and onboard facilities
- Flexible itineraries – arrive closer to your final destination
- Lower stress – avoid airports and car hire queues
For travellers planning a Spain road trip, ferries are often the most practical option.
👉 Compare ferry routes and prices to Spain to find the best option for your trip.
What are my ferry options for travelling to Spain?
Here are the main ferry routes to Spain:
Portsmouth → Bilbao
| Up to 2 Sailings per week |
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Car & 4 passengers from £379Car & 4 passengers from €277
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This direct route connects the UK with the Basque Country in around 20–36 hours, depending on sailing. Bilbao is a great entry point for exploring northern Spain, including Santander, San Sebastián, and routes inland toward Madrid.
Portsmouth → Santander
| Up to 3 Sailings per week |
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Car & 4 passengers from £379Car & 4 passengers from €277
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One of the most popular ferry routes from the UK to Spain, this crossing takes around 24–30 hours and arrives in northern Spain. It’s ideal for travellers planning a road trip through Santander, Bilbao, and Madrid, with easy access to both the northern coast and inland cities.
Plymouth → Santander
Sailing time
18 hours 30 mins |
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Car & 4 passengers from £383Car & 4 passengers from €277
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A convenient option for travellers in the southwest of England, this route takes approximately 20–24 hours and arrives in Santander. It’s particularly well suited for those looking to start a driving holiday through northern Spain without travelling to Portsmouth.
Tangier Med → Algeciras
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Car & 4 passengers from £254Car & 4 passengers from €272
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One of the busiest ferry routes in Europe, this crossing takes around 1.5–2 hours and connects Morocco to southern Spain. Arriving in Algeciras provides quick access to Andalusia, including Seville, Malaga, and Granada, making it ideal for multi-country trips.
Tanger Ville → Tarifa
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Car & 4 passengers from £282Car & 4 passengers from €346
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This shorter crossing takes around 1 hour and is popular with foot passengers travelling between Morocco and Spain. Tarifa is located on Spain’s southern coast and is a great starting point for exploring Cadiz, Seville, and the wider Andalusia region.
Which is best ferry route to Spain?
The best route depends on your travel plans:
If you’re planning to explore multiple regions, arriving in the north and driving south through Madrid, Valencia, and Seville is a popular itinerary.
Who runs them?
Brittany Ferries currently operates all direct ferry routes from England to Spain, with multiple weekly sailings and onboard cabin options for overnight crossings. DFDS and regional operators provide frequent services between Morocco and southern Spain, particularly across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Where do they go?
These ports are well connected to major cities, making it easy to travel from ferry arrival points like Santander to Madrid or Bilbao to Barcelona.
- Bilbao – gateway to the Basque Country
- Santander – ideal for northern Spain road trips
- Algeciras – key hub for southern Spain and Gibraltar
- Tarifa – closest point to Morocco
These ports provide easy access to major inland cities like Madrid and Seville, as well as coastal destinations.
What can I do there? (Destinations)
Spain offers a huge variety of travel experiences. From northern coastal cities and cultural capitals to Mediterranean beach destinations and southern Andalusian highlights. Whether you’re arriving by ferry into Bilbao, Santander, or Algeciras, each region opens up a different type of trip, making Spain ideal for multi-stop itineraries.
Alicante is a laid-back Mediterranean destination on the Costa Blanca, known for its long sandy beaches, marina, and the hilltop Santa Bárbara Castle overlooking the city. It’s ideal for travellers looking to unwind, but also works well as part of a coastal road trip from Valencia down the Costa Blanca. With a warm climate most of the year, Alicante is particularly popular for longer stays and relaxed itineraries.
Barcelona is one of Spain’s most iconic cities, combining world-famous architecture, beaches, and a strong cultural identity. From Gaudí landmarks like the Sagrada Família to bustling areas like Las Ramblas, there’s plenty to explore. It also serves as a key hub for Mediterranean travel, making it easy to continue toward Valencia, Alicante, or even southern France.
Bilbao is a standout destination in northern Spain and a common arrival point for travellers coming from the UK. Known for the Guggenheim Museum and its food scene, it offers a mix of modern culture and traditional Basque heritage. It’s also the perfect starting point for exploring the Basque Country or driving west toward Santander.
Madrid sits in the heart of Spain and is easily reached from ferry ports like Santander or Bilbao, making it a natural next stop on a road trip. The city offers world-class museums such as the Prado, vibrant nightlife, and historic squares. It’s ideal for adding a cultural city break into a broader north-to-south Spain itinerary.
Malaga is one of the main gateways to southern Spain and the Costa del Sol, offering beaches, history, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great base for exploring Andalusia, including nearby destinations like Granada or Seville. Travellers arriving via Algeciras can easily include Malaga as part of a southern Spain route.
Santander is both a destination in its own right and one of the most important ferry ports for UK travellers. With its beaches, coastal walks, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great place to start a trip. From here, you can easily travel to Bilbao, Madrid, or further into northern Spain, making it ideal for road trips.
Seville is the cultural heart of Andalusia, known for flamenco, historic architecture, and landmarks like the Alcázar and Seville Cathedral. It’s best included as part of a southern Spain itinerary, particularly if arriving via Algeciras or Tarifa from Morocco. The city offers a completely different experience compared to northern Spain.
Valencia offers a balance of beach and culture, with attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences and a historic old town. It’s also the birthplace of paella, making it a key stop for food-focused travel. Valencia fits perfectly between Barcelona and Alicante, making it an essential part of any Mediterranean coastal route.
What should I know before going to Spain?
- Book early for UK to Spain routes, especially in summer
- Cabins are recommended for overnight crossings
- Bring a car for maximum flexibility
- Check seasonal availability (Plymouth route is not year-round)
- Consider combining north and south Spain in one trip
When planning your trip, it’s important to compare ferry routes to Spain based on journey time, departure port, and final destination.
Routes from Portsmouth and Plymouth provide direct access to northern Spain, while crossings from Morocco connect into southern Spain via Algeciras and Tarifa.
Comparing options allows you to choose the best ferry to Spain based on price, travel time, and convenience.
FAQ
If you’re planning to travel from the UK to Spain by ferry, you may have a few questions about routes, travel times, and what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ferry travel to Spain.
