Return from SdC to UK by ferry from Santander - advice please

[Tim-F]

Hi.

I'd like some advice please on a couple of points.

I'm getting the train from the UK to SJPP in early May, and planning to return to the UK via ferry (Brittany Ferries) from Santander to Plymouth or Portsmouth. All being well, this will be in mid-June, but I don't want to fix a definite date.

Point 1. Do people have experience of booking ferries from Santander to the UK? I assume it makes sense to book a flexible ticket now, then change if needed nearer the time.

Point 2. How easy is it to travel from Santiago to Santander? Train and/or bus? Is there somewhere interesting to stop for a night on the way?

Thanks!

Tim

 

[mspath]

Tim,
To see most transport links try
Rome2Rio.
Search two journeys 1. SdC to Santander which will show bus and trains.2 Santander to Plymouth or Portsmouth for ferry costs, etc. Do check that foot passengers are accepted on the ferry.
Good luck and Buen camino.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Hi.

I'd like some advice please on a couple of points.

I'm getting the train from the UK to SJPP in early May, and planning to return to the UK via ferry (Brittany Ferries) from Santander to Plymouth or Portsmouth. All being well, this will be in mid-June, but I don't want to fix a definite date.

Point 1. Do people have experience of booking ferries from Santander to the UK? I assume it makes sense to book a flexible ticket now, then change if needed nearer the time.

Point 2. How easy is it to travel from Santiago to Santander? Train and/or bus? Is there somewhere interesting to stop for a night on the way?

Thanks!

Tim

Oddly enough I was looking at something similar over the weekend (Dover to Porto, 32 hrs by coach!)

You could go SdC to Ferrol by bus or train (I'd choose the train) and then catch the Feve to Santander


Feve Routes

I see from my notes there's also a bus service from SdC (leaving just after breakfast) to Torrelavega, change for Santander but the whole effort takes around 10 hours - one reason why I'd choose the train.

If you've the time to do it I imagine you'd see an interesting side of northern Spain - can't wait for Covid to end!

Edit: This is useful too Feve maps

 

[Tincatinker]

You could go SdC to Ferrol by bus or train (I'd choose the train) and then catch the Feve to Santander

Ferrol to Santander by FEVE is a two day journey but don't let that put you off. It's a great ride and a night in Oviedo is a welcome break. Take a picnic, no catering on FEVE

 

[MinaKamina]

If you have the time, visit the caves of Altamira, at about 30 kms from Santander.

https://turismodecantabria.com/disfrutala/que-visitar/11-cueva-de-altamira

 

[mspath]

MinaKamina,

Great photo!
Were you able to visit the original cave or the newer nearby copy?

 

[Skinnybiker]

Brittany ferries website seems pretty intuitive, make a flexi-booking so it's changeable, June shouldn't be too busy as it won't be school holidays, try the market in Santander for their Boquerones en vinagre

 

[amancio]

There are also ferries from Bilbao with P&O ferries, I believe, it could be Bilbao or Santurce/Santurtzi, in case it is more convenient for you to go to Bilbao instead!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

There are also ferries from Bilbao with P&O ferries, I believe, it could be Bilbao or Santurce/Santurtzi, in case it is more convenient for you to go to Bilbao instead!

Assuming P&O Ferries are sailing to the UK by then!

 

[domigee]

Hi.

I'd like some advice please on a couple of points.

I'm getting the train from the UK to SJPP in early May, and planning to return to the UK via ferry (Brittany Ferries) from Santander to Plymouth or Portsmouth. All being well, this will be in mid-June, but I don't want to fix a definite date.

Point 1. Do people have experience of booking ferries from Santander to the UK? I assume it makes sense to book a flexible ticket now, then change if needed nearer the time.

Point 2. How easy is it to travel from Santiago to Santander? Train and/or bus? Is there somewhere interesting to stop for a night on the way?

Thanks!

Tim

I took the bus from Santiago to Santander a few years ago. At the time it left from the bus station, right next to the train station. Changed at Oviedo. it was a long(ish) journey but the buses were very comfortable. In retrospect, I should have spent the night in Oviedo.

 

[MinaKamina]

MinaKamina,

Great photo!
Were you able to visit the original cave or the newer nearby copy?

I visited the real cave when I was a kid. At that time, it was still possible. You had to lay down on a flat rock and look UP.... I remember seeing nothing at all. That was very confusing. Then someone pointed out to me where to look, how to look and all of a sudden, these figures started to appear.

If you are lucky, apparently the original cave can still be visited. Every Friday, 5 visitors are allowed in. If you arrive at the museum between 9.30 and 10.30 hrs., you can take part in a lottery draw and 5 participants will win the opportunity for a short visit to the cave.

 

[mspath]

I visited the real cave when I was a kid. At that time, it was still possible. You had to lay down on a flat rock and look UP.... I remember seeing nothing at all. That was very confusing. Then someone pointed out to me where to look, how to look and all of a sudden, these figures started to appear.

If you are lucky, apparently the original cave can still be visited. Every Friday, 5 visitors are allowed in. If you arrive at the museum between 9.30 and 10.30 hrs., you can take part in a lottery draw and 5 participants will win the opportunity for a short visit to the cave.

MinaKamina,
I, too, visited it circa 1968 when I was 29. All was quite dark and very "spooky". Afterwards I had a very strong drink and a very good lunch at the nearby Parador to recuperate. It was an unforgetable day.

 

[Dickwilbur]

I have always returned by ferry from Santander to Plymouth. Two reasons, I live in Plymouth and secondly and more importantly for me, I value the slower way as it helps me decompress. I shudder at the thought of the bustle of an airport and re integration so swiftly into 'normal' life. I have never prebooked a ticket. Just gone online when close to SdC. Last ferry of the year to Plymouth is October, pompey, year round. Like domigee, I get the Alsa Bus from either Santiago, or if there is spare time, La Corunna (It's the same bus). It's becoming part of the ritual for me to do it this way now

 

[Molly Cassidy]

Hi.

I'd like some advice please on a couple of points.

I'm getting the train from the UK to SJPP in early May, and planning to return to the UK via ferry (Brittany Ferries) from Santander to Plymouth or Portsmouth. All being well, this will be in mid-June, but I don't want to fix a definite date.

Point 1. Do people have experience of booking ferries from Santander to the UK? I assume it makes sense to book a flexible ticket now, then change if needed nearer the time.

Point 2. How easy is it to travel from Santiago to Santander? Train and/or bus? Is there somewhere interesting to stop for a night on the way?

Thanks!

Tim

I wouldn't bother to book as a foot passenger. For a flexible fare you'll pay more, and you don't seem to need to travel on a particular day. There might even be cheaper last-minute deals.

 

[FLEUR]

We travelled by train from SdC to Santander, we changed trains at Palencia . We then stayed nr. Santander for a few days.
The train station to ferry port is a short, easy walk.
The ferry from Santander to Portsmouth is about a 24hrs. crossing. Get yourself a cabin and enjoy the boat trip home.

For the train if you're over 60 there's a good senior discount. Get a (senior card) carte dorata (sp!) at the station before buying your train ticket.

 

[Marcus-UK]

Assuming P&O Ferries are sailing to the UK by then!

P&O dropped their Spanish routes some years ago and Brittany Ferries then started sailing from Bilbao to replace this service.

 

[FLEUR]

I am not sure foot passengers are allowed on the Brittany Ferries route from Bilbao but obviously do check. Bilbao ferry port is not as easy to access as the port at Santander which is right in the town.

 

[Tia Valeria]

There are also ferries from Bilbao with P&O ferries, I believe, it could be Bilbao or Santurce/Santurtzi, in case it is more convenient for you to go to Bilbao instead!

Foot passengers are not allowed from Bilbao due to port access. They are allowed from Santander. If you want to you could check out the return fare with hotel nights, was 3 and could be in different places. Brings fare down and also gives hotel nights included so very cost effective. Worked with fixed dates and might with flexi travel date.

 

[Tia Valeria]

If you have the time, visit the caves of Altamira, at about 30 kms from Santander.

https://turismodecantabria.com/disfrutala/que-visitar/11-cueva-de-altamira

We have visited the cave when permits were given, in 1984 and 1994. Also the new museum in 2013, pre booked tickets in Santander. The photo is great and we have a bought copy, from 1994, hanging in our kitchen.

 

[amancio]

Foot passengers are not allowed from Bilbao due to port access. They are allowed from Santander. If you want to you could check out the return fare with hotel nights, was 3 and could be in different places. Brings fare down and also gives hotel nights included so very cost effective. Worked with fixed dates and might with flexi travel date.

thanks for the info, I did not know the two routes had different conditions, interesting...

 

[Tim-F]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply. You've given me some really useful information to digest. What a great resource and community this forum is.

I think the main thing I've gathered is that I have options. So I can collate the relevant info and make decisions/book as I (hopefully) approach Santiago. Exciting times!

Buen camino (assuming newbies are entitled to say that )

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Tim -

A terrific thing you can do on the ferry from Santander, if the weather is fine, is to go up to the top deck and go to the dogs’ playground. The dogs all play together and their owners chat - it’s a fabulous way to spend an hour or two.

Buen Camino!

 

[robert hailwood]

Hi.

I'd like some advice please on a couple of points.

I'm getting the train from the UK to SJPP in early May, and planning to return to the UK via ferry (Brittany Ferries) from Santander to Plymouth or Portsmouth. All being well, this will be in mid-June, but I don't want to fix a definite date.

Point 1. Do people have experience of booking ferries from Santander to the UK? I assume it makes sense to book a flexible ticket now, then change if needed nearer the time.

Point 2. How easy is it to travel from Santiago to Santander? Train and/or bus? Is there somewhere interesting to stop for a night on the way?

Thanks!

Tim

Hi Tim, About 8 years ago I took the bus from SDC to Santander in June. I booked the day before at a travel agents. I don't recall any changes on route. There were regular stops for refreshments. I was dropped off in Central Santander. Very convenient. The ferry port is right at the town center. As a foot passenger I don't think a flexible open ticket would be necessary. Nice boat, good food.

 

[MinaKamina]

MinaKamina,
I, too, visited it circa 1968 when I was 29. All was quite dark and very "spooky". Afterwards I had a very strong drink and a very good lunch at the nearby Parador to recuperate. It was an unforgetable day.

My parents had a caravan and we were on holiday near Bilbao. One morning we had to get up early, very early for the trip to Santander. In my memory, it was very far, Santander looked brownish (?) and it took a while before we were quite awake.

The entrance of the cave was on a small hill with a path, more like a trail, through grass and weeds leading to it. A few people were waiting, in the drizzle, it was a very grey day.
It was all as unassuming as could be.

We left Bilbao when it got too hot there for our liking. One evening, we boarded the ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth, spent two nights and one day at sea and later ended up in Cornwall near the ocean.

I've asked my mother if she remembers that holiday, and she does. 'Except for a few Spaniards and us there was no one at the caves, it wasn't like nowadays at all.' She also remembers the ferry. 'You children wanted to go, you had seen the signs to the ferry all around Bilbao.' Apparently we became very exited: 'Oooh we can go to England, we can go to England!'
'Surely we left because there was this awful heatwave,' I tell her, but to the best of her knowledge it was all due to the kids.

We both agree that a boat trip is a wonderful way to end a Camino, much better than joining the crowd on a plane.

 

[Paul Young]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply. You've given me some really useful information to digest. What a great resource and community this forum is.

I think the main thing I've gathered is that I have options. So I can collate the relevant info and make decisions/book as I (hopefully) approach Santiago. Exciting times!

Buen camino (assuming newbies are entitled to say that )

Hi Tim. Sorry I am a bit late to respond. The ferry is a good choice to return (and go) to the Camino. Not as environmentally friendly as walking but better than flying. Certainly more relaxing especially if you like to be at sea.

I am hoping to go by Brittany Ferries, Portsmouth/Santnder, travelling out late May and return mid June. I have travelled this route before and enjoyed it. Brittany Ferries are, in my opinion, better than P&O. It can be a bit expensive - £110 for the crossing as a foot passenger (but that includes a breakfast and a dinner) and £125 for a cabin. When I travelled before I just crashed out in the lounge for which you pay £12 for a reserved seat.

As regards somewhere to break the journey between SDC and Santander I would recommend Leon. For myself, I will likely go straight by train to Santander, or close by, and spend some time in that area. I have been to Leon but not explored the Santander area yet.


Buen Camino!

 

[Pilgrim9]

Ferrol to Santander by FEVE is a two day journey but don't let that put you off. It's a great ride and a night in Oviedo is a welcome break. Take a picnic, no catering on FEVE

Thank you, Tincatinker.

I would very much like to take the north-coastal-ish trains from Ferrol to Oviedo, Oviedo to Santander, and finally Santander to Bilbao, staying at least a few days in each location to explore, with extra days in Bilbao. Slow all-stops trains would be great.

On Google Maps, clicking on the stations reveals schedules for these sort-of-local north coast trains, however, I have been unable to find a way to pre-purchase the needed tickets.

A humble question addressed to anyone who knows, please and thank you: May one, or must one, simply show up at the originating station a day or two before the day of departure, and buy the needed tickets in person?

 

[Bradypus]

A humble question addressed to anyone who knows, please and thank you: May one, or must one, simply show up at the originating station a day or two before the day of departure, an

You can simply turn up on the day and buy tickets at the larger stations. If there is no ticket office or ticket machine simply get on board and pay the conductor. I don't think it is possible to make advance reservations on the FEVE trains.

PS: This article gives a good idea of what travel by FEVE is like. A scaled-up version of a child's train set

Traveling on Renfe's FEVE (now "Cercanías AM") Narrow-gauge Rail through Galicia — Pickle Deli Square

How to traverse through Spain’s scenic green north slowly but surely and comfortably, aboard the cute FEVE trains.

www.pickledelisquare.com

 

[Tincatinker]

Thank you, Tincatinker.

A humble question addressed to anyone who knows, please and thank you: May one, or must one, simply show up at the originating station a day or two before the day of departure, and buy the needed tickets in person?

You're welcome. I've never but turned up at the station on my day of travel and bought a ticket. As @Bradypus says some of the remoter station are un-staffed. You have to flag down the train if you want it to stop (really! Wave a white hanky!) and purchase a ticket from the Guard.

This site may help you with planning https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban/cercanias-feve

 

[Tia Valeria]

When we travelled on the FEVE we were able to buy a pensioners reduced fare using the Tarjeta for those who are 'jubilados' It was originally called Tarjeta Azul, then Tarjeta dorada. You have to show evidence of age. On one occasion they asked for a photo copy of the page of our passport giving age and passport number as this number goes on the Tarjeta. At the time it cost about 6 euros and gave half price fares. Well worth checking if it is still available and current terms and conditions. It could only be bought at main stations (eg Ferrol, Oviedo, Santander etc) but was valid right along the line.

 

[Tincatinker]

The Tarjeta Dorada is still available and still only €6. Some confusion in Málaga María Zambrano three weeks ago as to whether valid for over 60's or over 65's. Neither relevant to this old Tinker once I'd whipped out me passport. Discounts currently vary between 25% on laborables and 35% on weekends & festivos. Oh, and a whole range of variables around Cercanias, Media Distances, AVEs & AVANTS. None of which merit much effort in trying to interpret the RENFE website: you'll get a discount of some form or another.

Hah! According to the RENFE/FEVE website it's over 60 & 50% discount. Don't tell RENFE

 

[Bradypus]

Hah! According to the RENFE/FEVE website it's over 60 & 50% discount. Don't tell RENFE

Thanks @Tincatinker ! About 5 weeks to go then. Already thinking about my Wales bus pass. Though I'll probably wait till later in the year before returning to Spain. Looks a tad busy this summer!

 

[Tincatinker]

Tried using my West Sussex bus pass in Seville a couple of weeks ago. That bus driver had no sense of humour.....

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Here's another article to wet your whistle

Slow train through Spain

 

[Jeff Crawley]

You can simply turn up on the day and buy tickets at the larger stations. If there is no ticket office or ticket machine simply get on board and pay the conductor. I don't think it is possible to make advance reservations on the FEVE trains.

PS: This article gives a good idea of what travel by FEVE is like. A scaled-up version of a child's train set

Traveling on Renfe's FEVE (now "Cercanías AM") Narrow-gauge Rail through Galicia — Pickle Deli Square

How to traverse through Spain’s scenic green north slowly but surely and comfortably, aboard the cute FEVE trains.

www.pickledelisquare.com

Thanks for this - have always fancied including the FEVE as part of my See Spain Without Walking Too Much itinerary. The stations remind me of Doleham in East Sussex. We asked somebody in the nearby cottages when the next train was due and the response was "I think there's some kind of calendar by the shelter . . . "

 

[legless]

I took an Alsa bus from Santiago to Santander, it was about 8 hours in total but it did stop for a break a couple of times. When I got the ferry a few weeks ago foot passengers couldn't travel to Plymouth only Portsmouth. I had a lounge seat for. £12 (booking wasn't allowed without one of those or a cabin) and the crossing took 30 hours. It was a nice relaxed way to travel back to the UK.

 

[Bradypus]

The stations remind me of Doleham in East Sussex.

I took this photo out of the window of a FEVE train a few years ago. No excuses possible - I must have had a mental age of about 8 that day but it did amuse me at the time.

 

[Marcus-UK]

Tried using my West Sussex bus pass in Seville a couple of weeks ago. That bus driver had no sense of humour.....

I also found that using my Alabama state driving license was not appreciated in the UK. Especially since I have a strong Yorkshire accent.