TAKING THE FERRY FROM LAREDO TO SANTONA ON THE CAMINO DEL NORTE: A SHORT GUIDE.
Walking the Camino del Norte along Spain’s northern coast brings many unique experiences. For me, one that stands out is the crossing the estuary from Laredo to Santoña by ferry. Despite being a quick journey, it’s a rare chance to put your feet up!
This short guide answers the key questions pilgrims often have about this crossing.
Do you have to take the ferry from Laredo to Santoña?
The ferry is not strictly required, but for most pilgrims, it is the most convenient way to continue along the coastal Camino del Norte. The ferry saves a significant stretch of walking along busy roads and allows you to enjoy the coastal scenery from the water.
If you’d prefer not to take the ferry for whatever reason, you can take the inland Camino del Norte variant to the town of Colindres.
During the winter months, when the ferry does not operate (November to March), you can also follow this variant. Although, we recommend walking the Camino del Norte between April and October.
What to expect on the crossing
The ferry ride itself is very short, typically around five minutes, but it offers a welcome break from walking and a unique view of the Laredo bay and the surrounding coast. The service is straightforward and functional, used by walkers and any locals who need to cross the water.
Boats departing roughly every 10–15 minutes in high season. But keep in mind that the first boat normally doesn’t leave until around 09:00.
Can you book tickets for the ferry
For the regular pilgrim ferry between Laredo and Santoña, there is no need to book in advance.
The ferry runs frequently during the operating season, and you can simply show up at the boarding point.
You can find a timetable for the ferry here.
How much does it cost to take the ferry from Laredo to Santona
The one-way fare is €2.50. If you are carrying a bicycle, there is a small additional fee of around €1.50 for a one-way trip.
Where exactly to board the ferry
In Laredo, the ferry departs from Playa del Puntal. A wooden walkway extends along the beach leading to the boarding point.
In Santoña, the ferry lands along the Paseo Marítimo, close to the Monumento a Juan de la Cosa. The route is well signposted, and local residents or tourist offices can provide directions if needed.
Where to stay the night before the ferry
For pilgrims looking to catch an early ferry, Laredo is the most convenient place to spend the night. The town offers a range of accommodations, from albergues (pilgrim hostels) to small hotels and guesthouses.
It’s a lovely town, with plenty of restaurants and a wonderful beach to enjoy in the afternoon after your walk.
We loved staying at Albergue de Peregrinos-Casa de la Trinidad in Laredo. A convent that operates an overnight albergue for pilgrims.
Alternatively, the small town of Liendo is around 5-6 kms back from Laredo and also a popular overnight stop for walkers on the Camino del Norte.
A common way to stage this section is to walk from Castro Urdiales to Laredo. From Laredo, 26km takes you to the famous hostel of Guemes.
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Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
British travel writer and long-distance hiker, native to Kent. Emma has walked the Camino de Santiago more than ten times, completed trails across Europe from the Corfu Trail to the Fisherman’s Trail, and covered thousands of kilometres on foot. She always writes from first-hand experience. Her goal? Inspire just one person to go on their first long-distance hike.
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