As most people take advantage of the multitude of cheap flights that operate between Spain, Ireland and the UK every day, the ferry routes between them are often forgotten about, or considered old-fashioned.

In reality, there are still regular ferry routes between Spain and the UK and Ireland with plenty of people who prefer or need to or prefer to travel by sea to and from Spain rather than by air.

The Local has had a look at the options and outlined them below:

Brittany Ferries offers 3 ferry routes between England and Spain: 

• Portsmouth – Santander  
• Plymouth – Santander 
• Portsmouth – Bilbao 

There are up to six sailings and week, some of which take place all year round.

UK to Spain

Plymouth to Santander

The trip from Plymouth leaves to Santander in northern Spain takes around 21 hrs and 30 minutes on what is described as a ‘modern luxurious vessel’ with everything you’d need to pass the time on the approximately 430-nautical mile journey. There are two crossings a week from around March to September. Sailings are typically on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Portsmouth to Santander

The Portsmouth to Santander route takes anything from 28 hours to 33 hours, depending on the weather and the boat you’re on. The distance between Portsmouth and Santander is around 623 nautical miles.

READ ALSO: The rules for travelling by car with your pet in Spain 

Portsmouth to Bilbao

The Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry leaves twice weekly throughout the year, typically on Thursdays and Sundays. It’s a 675 nautical mile journey that takes around 30 hours. 

How much is the ferry from the UK to Spain?

Prices are very seasonal and vary largely depending on the time of the year you want to travel. Generally speaking, tickets between the UK to Spain are cheapest during autumn and winter, but can double during the peak summer season.

On average the cost of a return ticket between Plymouth and Santander is £751.83 (€894.67). Between Portsmouth and Bilbao it’s £668.88 (€798.27) and between Santander and Portsmouth it’s £707.04 (€834.36).

Ireland – Spain

The are two routes from Ireland to Spain that go from Rosslare in southern Ireland to Bilbao and Santander. These are also both with Brittany Ferries.

Rosslare to Bilbao

Crossings usually leave twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays and it takes between 26.5 and 31 hours under normal conditions with at least one night spent on board. They usually run between March to November.

One way tickets start from around €99, but it depends on the time of year.  

Rosslare to Santander

The ferry from Rosslare to Santander operates twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays, taking around 28 to 31 hours, overnight. Ticket prices also start from €99.

Taking your car

Cars can be boarded on all routes operated by Brittany Ferries between the UK and Spain or between Ireland and Spain. This is a very popular way to travel, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance.

Taking your pets

Unlike the hassle of flying with pets, taking your pets with you on the ferry is a much easier experience. There are pet friendly cabins and kennels on the all the routes between the UK and Spain and between Rosslare and Bilbao.

You will need to make sure your pet has all its necessary vaccinations and documentation in order to travel to Spain.