Hey folks! I'm planning my first ferry trip from the UK to Spain and can't decide which route would be best. I'm hearing a lot about different port options, like Portsmouth to Santander or Plymouth to Bilbao, and wondering which route might offer a good balance between journey time, cost, and comfort. I don’t mind an overnight ferry if it's a comfortable experience, but is one port or ferry line significantly better than the other? Any insights or recommendations from people who’ve done this?
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I took the Portsmouth to Santander route last summer, and I'd say it's ideal if you prefer a shorter drive to the ferry port in the UK. The journey itself was smooth, and I was pleasantly surprised by the onboard facilities—good food options, a comfortable cabin, and even entertainment options if you're traveling with family. For those wondering about the options available, this site https://ferrytospain.co.uk/ breaks down the UK to Spain ferry routes really well, making it easy to compare journey times and costs. For example, if you're after a faster route, Portsmouth to Santander takes around 24 hours, while Plymouth to Bilbao might stretch to 32 hours but gives you a bit of a scenic cruise along the coast. Personally, I think the choice between routes often boils down to how much driving you're up for before boarding and whether the departure port’s schedule fits with your travel plans.