Ayamonte Ferry
Spain to Portugal
The River Guadiana divides Spain and Portugal. Until 1991, the ferry from Ayamonte on the Spanish side to Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the Portuguese side was the only way to cross the border.
The Puente Real suspension bridge was opened in 1991 and connects the Spanish motorway E-1/A-49 with the Portuguese motorway AP-1. The opening of the bridge was viewed by some as detrimental to both border towns.
Prior to the opening of the bridge both towns had huge numbers of visitors using the crossing. In the long term the bridge has had a positive effect. The towns are prospering and visitor numbers are on the up. Additionally, traffic using the towns just to pass through has declined.
The ferry service still operates daily and carries passengers and cars. The service is used mostly by tourists and is a pleasant ten minute journey. There are two ferries operating, one run by the Portuguese and one by the Spanish.
The Ayamonte ferry pier is located on Muelle de Portugal, a short walk from Plaza de la Laguna. The Vila Real ferry pier is on Avenida da Republica almost opposite the Hotel Guadiana.
Tickets can be purchased at kiosks on both piers. Fare for adults is €1.35, children over 3 €0.75 and cars €4.50. The ferry operates a summer and winter timetable.
Ferry Timetable
Summer Timetable (July 1st to September 15th):
Mon-Fri: From 0930 to 2100 every half an hour.
Sun & Holidays: 0920 to 2000 every 40 minutes.
Winter Timetable (September 16th to June 30th):
Mon-Sun: 0940 to 2000 every 40 minutes.
Please note all the above are in Spanish time. The Portuguese service runs at the same times minus 1 hour.
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