- Must visit
Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria
Museum in a historic market building covering Santander’s prehistory, Roman past and medieval development through well-presented local finds.
Cheapest price
£260
Average price
£260
Fastest journey
1 d 9 h
Average duration
1 d 9 h
Ferries per day
1
Distance
841 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Portsmouth to Santander is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Santander will cost around £260 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £260.
Of the 1 ferries that leave Portsmouth for Santander every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun 09 Aug the direct ferries cover the 841 km distance in an average of 1 d 9 h but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 1 d 9 h .
The slowest ferries will take 1 d 9 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
Brittany Ferries
Brittany FerriesOmio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Santander among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £18, and a ferry costs an average of £145.
Distance: 454 nautical miles (841 km)
Most popular Ferry | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£184 Average Price | £133 Average Price Cheapest | £165 Average Price |
33h 46m Average total duration 32h 46m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 33h 44m Average total duration 33h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 21:30 | Arrival Time 08:00 | Duration 33h30 | Sailing Days Mon |
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 19:00 | Arrival Time 08:00 | Duration 36h00 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 20:30 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 33h30 | Sailing Days Tue |
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 23:30 | Arrival Time 07:00 | Duration 31h30 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 01:00 | Arrival Time 08:30 | Duration 31h30 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 22:00 | Arrival Time 08:00 | Duration 33h00 | Sailing Days Fri, Sun |
Compare coach, flight and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Ferries from Portsmouth to Santander run on average 1 times per day, taking around 32h 46m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £145 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.
There are 1 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 01:00, the last at 23:30. The fastest ferry covers the 454 nautical miles (841 km) distance in 31h 30m. There are 1 sailings per week.

Distance 454 nautical miles (841 km) |
Average sailing duration 32h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £145 |
Ferries per day 1 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 1 |
Fastest ferry 31h 30m |
First ferry 1:00 |
Last ferry 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Santander — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santander trip today.
Museum in a historic market building covering Santander’s prehistory, Roman past and medieval development through well-presented local finds.
Large art centre on the waterfront with modern and contemporary exhibitions, a striking building and broad views over the bay.
Museum dedicated to Cantabrian maritime history, fishing and oceanography, with aquariums and displays suited to adults and children.
Historic gardens by the bay and Centro Botín, ideal for a gentle walk among monuments, flowerbeds and harbour views.
Headland park with the palace, coastal paths, beaches and sea views; one of Santander’s classic places for walking and photography.
Clifftop viewpoint and green space above the sea, popular for sunsets, dramatic waves and broad views of the Cantabrian coast.
Hearty Cantabrian bean stew with white beans, chorizo, morcilla and pork. A regional cold-weather classic closely tied to Santander and wider Cantabria.
Fresh anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, often salted or preserved in olive oil. Santander is especially known for high-quality bocarte and anchovy traditions.
Bonito tuna cooked with onions, peppers and tomato. A beloved summer dish across Cantabria, showcasing local fishing and seasonal produce.
Established dining room specialising in fish and seafood rice dishes, offering polished service and a classic Santander feel.
Traditional seafood restaurant known for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Cantabrian cooking in a smart but approachable setting.
Popular traditional venue for rabas, seafood tapas and casual local eating, especially good for sampling classic Santander flavours.
Moderate for Spain: hotels and dining are fair, while local buses and casual meals stay reasonably priced for tourists.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafés; round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Santander Port -> Estación de Santander
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Santander by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santander, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Portsmouth to Santander ferries use the Portsmouth International Port to Santander Port port pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Santander ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Portsmouth International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food options include: The Ship and Castle (0.6km), The John Jacques (0.8km), The Lady Hamilton (0.9km)
Free WiFi. ATMs are available near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth International Port.
Available at Portsmouth International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portsmouth International Port: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth International Port.
Santander Port has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santander Port: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.