Portsmouth - Bilbao
Ferries to Spain
Portsmouth - Bilbao
Ferries to Spain
Ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao are operated by 1 ferry company: Brittany Ferries. The crossing typically takes around 33 hours. There are currently 2 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $191. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Bilbao today.
Booking your Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry is simple. Enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to view all available sailings and prices. You can also compare alternative routes and departure times to find the option that best suits your schedule and budget.
Look out for early-booking deals and special ticket types such as upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancellations. To ensure a smooth booking process, always enter accurate passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
The best time to book ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao is as early as possible. Booking in advance often secures lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times, seating, and cabin options. We recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead, particularly during peak holiday seasons. Prices can vary depending on demand and availability.
If no sailings from Portsmouth to Bilbao appear on your chosen date, this may be due to seasonal timetable changes, temporary schedule adjustments, or limited availability caused by high demand. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the most suitable option.
After completing your booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with your travel details. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you have booked with.
Some operators provide boarding passes at the time of booking, while others require check-in at the port terminal. Where available, online check-in can be completed through the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are generally located near the terminal entrance. To prevent delays, we recommend arriving early to allow sufficient time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in you will need to present your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If travelling with a pet, relevant documentation like vaccination records, pet passport and insurance may also be required. Passengers using resident discounts must provide proof of eligibility.
There are around 2 weekly sailings from Portsmouth to Bilbao.
Brittany Ferries provide 1 sailing daily, 2 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry prices typically range from $507 to $1943. The average ferry price from Portsmouth to Bilbao is around $1122. The cheapest fares usually start from $507. The average foot passenger ticket costs $699. The average price when traveling with a car is $1228.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route, and sailing time. Please be aware that pricing data excludes service fees and is based on searches from the last 30 days. This was last updated May 26.
The cheapest tickets on the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry cost approximately $506.94. However, prices can reduce to as little as $140.30 in the winter.
Direct Ferries makes it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, so you can find the best deal for your journey. Please visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is typically the most reliable way to secure lower fares and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process: simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and recent graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you'll receive a discount code to use at checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected routes in Spain and Italy. When applicable, choose the "Residents" option during booking and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that proof of residence or a valid ID showing the correct address must be presented at check-in.
The first ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao usually departs at around 19:00, with the last sailing leaving Portsmouth Port at approximately 22:46.
Due to the longer crossing time, ferries between Portsmouth and Bilbao are generally better suited to weekend breaks or longer stays. For ideas on the best things to do in Bilbao, please visit our blog.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Portsmouth and Bilbao depends on the operator and timetable. Enter your travel details in our search bar to check if an overnight option is available, alongside current timetables and alternative daytime crossings. Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
The fastest ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao is with Brittany Ferries in 32 hours 14 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao usually cost around $1,122.41.
Yes, Brittany Ferries allow cars on ferries traveling between Portsmouth and Bilbao. Use our Deal Finder to view live prices for car ferries on this route.
Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available on the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan, or caravan, please visit our blog.
Yes, bicycles are permitted on ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao with Brittany Ferries. While most operators allow bicycles onboard, we recommend checking individual policies in advance to avoid any complications upon arrival at the port.
Yes, foot passengers are welcome on ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao with Brittany Ferries.
First class is available on ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao with Brittany Ferries.
Pets are permitted on ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao with Brittany Ferries. The average price for traveling with a pet is $1956.
Pricing is based on searches from the last 30 days, excluding service fees, and was last updated May 26.
When traveling with your pet on a ferry, you will usually need:
Pet accommodation varies by operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, while others provide designated pet areas or pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows all available options so you can choose the best crossing for you and your pet.
If you're traveling with a guide dog or assistance dog, we recommend informing the ferry operator or our customer service team at the time of booking.
Please ensure you carry all required documentation, as you may be asked to present this during check-in or while onboard.
Even where standard pet travel is not permitted, different rules may apply to guide and assistance dogs. You can confirm the specific requirements for your sailing by reaching out to our customer service team.
Yes, you can book cabins on ferries that sail from Portsmouth to Bilbao with Brittany Ferries. The price of a cabin on the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry ranges from $76.77 and $2,618.74, with an average price of $874.44. Please note that prices may vary depending on the type of cabin you book.
Foot passengers sailing with Brittany Ferries can bring up to 1 piece of hand luggage weighing a maximum of 50kg at no extra cost. There is a baggage room available on Deck 6, which is inaccessible during the crossing.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it's important to confirm which documents you need before you set sail. In most international cases you will need a valid passport to travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination's entry rules. To avoid delays at check-in, check out our blog post on traveling to Europe for useful tips.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | $64 |
| Winter (Dec - Feb) | $140 |
| Spring (Mar - May) | $73 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | $78 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $191 |
| Car | $195 |
| Cabin | $77 |
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| Portsmouth - Bilbao Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $699 | |
| 1 Adult with Car | $1228 | |
| 1 Adult with Motorcycle | $655 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $874 | |
| Portsmouth - Bilbao Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | Spain |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Brittany Ferries |
| Average Price | $1122 |
| Average Pet Price | $1956 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 2 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 33 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 32 h 14 m |
| First Ferry | 19:00 |
| Last Ferry | 22:46 |
| Distance | 463 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 May 2026.
Portsmouth Port (Port of Portsmouth) is one of the main ferry ports in the United Kingdom, located on the south coast in the city of Portsmouth. The port provides extensive Portsmouth ferry services to destinations in France, Spain and the Channel Islands, including routes to Santander, Caen, Cherbourg and St Malo.
Portsmouth Port serves both foot passengers and vehicles and is a major hub for international ferry travel from the UK. Due to the number of daily sailings and security checks, passengers traveling with Portsmouth ferry tickets should arrive early and allow time for boarding procedures.
Address: Portsmouth International Port, George Byng Way, Portsmouth PO2 8SP, United Kingdom
Portsmouth Port has multiple ferry terminals within Portsmouth International Port, each serving different ferry operators and international routes to Europe and the Channel Islands.
Bilbao Port (Port of Bilbao) is a major ferry port in northern Spain, located on the Bay of Biscay near the city of Bilbao. The port provides regular Bilbao ferry services connecting Spain with the United Kingdom and Ireland, including routes to Portsmouth and Rosslare.
Bilbao Port serves both foot passengers and vehicles and is a key hub for long-distance ferry travel across the Bay of Biscay. Due to international travel requirements and long crossing times, passengers travelling with Bilbao ferry tickets are advised to arrive early for check-in and boarding.
Address: Bilbao Ferry Terminal, Santurtzi, 48980, Biscay, Spain
Bilbao Port operates from a dedicated passenger ferry terminal in Santurtzi, which handles ferry services between Spain, the UK and Ireland.
Portsmouth is a historic port city on England’s south coast, known for its rich naval heritage, waterfront attractions, and vibrant cultural scene. Located in Hampshire, Portsmouth is home to the UK’s most important naval base and offers a mix of historic ships, museums, and modern shopping and entertainment areas. With its seaside charm and maritime history, Portsmouth is a great destination for visitors exploring southern England.
Bilbao is a vibrant city in northern Spain, located in the Basque Country and known for its striking modern architecture, rich culture, and world-class gastronomy. Once an industrial hub, Bilbao has transformed into a leading cultural destination, blending historic streets with contemporary landmarks. Visitors can explore museums, riverside promenades, and lively neighborhoods while enjoying the city’s renowned food scene and unique Basque identity.
