Bilbao – Portsmouth
Ferry to England
Bilbao – Portsmouth
Ferry to England
Ferries from Bilbao to Portsmouth are operated by 1 ferry company; Brittany Ferries. The journey usually takes around 29 hours 30 minutes. There are currently 2 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £267. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Portsmouth today.
Bilbao Portsmouth ferry prices typically range between £267* and £1136*. The average price is typically £606*. The cheapest Bilbao Portsmouth ferry prices start from £267*. The average price for a foot passenger is £533*. The average price for a car is £638*.
Pricing will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated September 25.
You can easily find cheap ferry tickets with our Deal Finder. We recommend booking in advance to get the best possible prices and availability. You can also check out our Special Offers page for the latest deals on Bilbao ferries.
Are there any discounts available for senior citizens, students or residents?
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year around. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed in our Deal Finder. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first Bilbao Portsmouth ferry typically departs from Bilbao at around 13:00. The last ferry usually departs at 18:00.
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Bilbao and Portsmouth are currently not suitable for a day trip.
Yes, Brittany Ferries ferries allow cars on board ferries between Bilbao and Portsmouth. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Bilbao and Portsmouth. You can also find the latest offers and cheap Bilbao Portsmouth ferry tickets on our Special Offers page & tips for the perfect journey on our blog.
Yes, it is possible to take a motorhome or caravan on the ferries between Bilbao and Portsmouth. For more information on travelling with caravan on ferries, use our Deal Finder or visit our blog.
Yes, you can bring a bicycle on a ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth with Brittany Ferries. Most ferry companies allow bicycles on board, but it is always best to check policies regarding bringing bicycles on the ferry. View our Deal Finder for more information.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Brittany Ferries ferries between Bilbao and Portsmouth.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Bilbao to Portsmouth with Brittany Ferries. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey unless the ferry operator supplies pet accommodation.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Bilbao to Portsmouth with Brittany Ferries. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey unless the ferry operator supplies pet accommodation.
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board the Bilbao to Portsmouth boat: Health documents showing your pet’s vaccinations, everything your pet needs for a safe & comfortable journey such as food, water and a lead.
In general, you can travel with a guide or assistance dog on the ferry. However, recommend checking prior to your departure what the exact rules are. That way you avoid any stressful situations at the port. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
Use our Deal Finder to find out whether your desired ferry is a night ferry. Here you will also find the current ferry timetables and crossing times. Please note that the duration of the night ferries is usually slightly longer than that of the day ferries.
The port of Bilbalo can be busy, especially during the peak summer season. So, make sure you allow plenty of time for your journey and boarding, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle, pet or lots of luggage.
If you are looking for accommodation near the Port of Bilbao before you travel, visit our Accommodation page for the best deals and prices.
Luggage restrictions on board ferries may vary depending on the operator, so please check in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises on board. If you are travelling with a car you can generally take as much luggage as fits in your vehicle.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry generally takes around 30-45 minutes. If you are travelling with a car, campervan or a pet it might take longer. Also be aware of the possibility of border checks when you are entering the UK.
We recommend pre-booking a ticket to guarantee your place on the ferry. There is often limited space on board the popular ferries and prices can be a lot higher if you don't pre-book your tickets.
How early should I arrive at the port of Bilbao? It is generally recommended that you arrive at the port at least 90 minutes before departure.
Book your ferry tickets online with Direct Ferries using our Deal Finder. Just enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and check-in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Bilbao to Portsmouth for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable.
We recommend checking for alternative dates. Our Deal Finder automatically compares the desired route with alternative routes and dates, offering up-to-date real time options, all in one place.
The best time to book ferries from Bilbao to Portsmouth is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when traveling from Bilbao to Portsmouth, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel.
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| Bilbao - Portsmouth Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Spain | |
| Destination | England | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Brittany Ferries | |
| Average Price | £606 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 2 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 29 h 30 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 28 h | |
| First Ferry | 13:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 18:00 | |
| Distance | 463 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2025.
The Spanish city of Bilbao, located in the autonomous region of the Basque Country, lies in the north central part of Spain and is around 14km to the south of the Bay of Biscay, where the estuary of Bilbao is formed. The city is the capital of the province of Biscay and is the main commercial and cultural hub of northern Spain. One of the main drivers behind the city's reputation is the Guggenheim Museum which draws visitors in to the city who then find out for themselves the other interesting attractions the city has on offer. The city's location makes it the perfect port of entry to the northern Iberian Peninsular and to south west France.
The city's port lies on the Bilbao Abra Bay, and along the Estuary of Bilbao in Biscay (the Basque Country). The port's main facilities can be found in the Santurtzi and Zierbena municipalities, approximately 15 km west of Bilbao. Brittany Ferries operate the Portsmouth to Bilbao route, with their boat, the MV Cap Finistère.
Portsmouth is an English city in the county of Hampshire, lying on the English Channel coast. Leading ferry operators including Condor Ferries, Wightlink and Brittany Ferries serve the city's port from British and international locations including Le Havre, Bilbao, Cherbourg, Caen, St Malo, St Helier, St Peter Port and Ryde.
The city boasts a long, illustrious maritime history and has connections with the Royal Navy that go back centuries. It was also one of the world's greatest shipbuilding centres and constructed the first ever dry dock, in the 15th century, which is still in use today. Portsmouth is still an important base for the navy and is home to a number of historic ships including the crowning glory of Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory.
The nearby suburb of Southsea is a popular destination for families and has a lovely stretch of beach, two piers and a good selection of bars, cafes, restaurants and a theme park at Clarence Pier.
