Portsmouth – Bilbao
Ferry to Spain
Portsmouth – Bilbao
Ferry to Spain
Ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao are operated by 1 ferry company; Brittany Ferries. The journey usually takes around 33 hours. There are currently 2 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £308. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Bilbao today.
Portsmouth Bilbao ferry prices typically range between £308* and £1233*. The average price is typically £665*. The cheapest Portsmouth Bilbao ferry prices start from £308*. The average price for a foot passenger is £488*. The average price for a car is £710*.
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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth Bilbao ferry typically departs from Portsmouth at around 19:00. The last ferry usually departs at 22:46.
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Portsmouth and Bilbao are currently not suitable for a day trip.
Yes, Brittany Ferries ferries allow cars on board ferries between Portsmouth and Bilbao. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Portsmouth and Bilbao. You can also find the latest offers and cheap Portsmouth Bilbao 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 Portsmouth and Bilbao. 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 Portsmouth to Bilbao 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 Portsmouth and Bilbao.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Portsmouth to Bilbao 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 Portsmouth to Bilbao 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.
Due to the ferry sailing overnight (almost like a mini cruise), the ferries are automatically overnight ferries.
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.
Portsmouth Harbour 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 loads of luggage.
If you are looking for accommodation near the Port of Portsmouth 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 Spain.
Ferries to Bilbao take you to Northern Spain. Once you've arrived in Bilbao, make sure you follow the instructions at the port on where to go. Be prepared for possible custom checks since this an international journey, and have your passport ready to show.
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 Portsmouth Harbour? 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 Portsmouth to Bilbao 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 Portsmouth to Bilbao 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 Portsmouth to Bilbao, 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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| Portsmouth - Bilbao Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | England | |
| Destination | Spain | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Brittany Ferries | |
| Average Price | £665 | |
| 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 September 2025.
Portsmouth Ferry Port, a bustling maritime hub, boasts a rich naval history and a plethora of modern attractions. This port city is renowned for the historic dockyard which houses the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, offering a deep dive into Britain's naval past. Beyond the docks, the Spinnaker Tower provides stunning panoramic views across the city and the Solent. For those keen on literary history, the Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum is a significant site. Portsmouth is also a hub for several events, including the annual Portsmouth Festivities that celebrate local arts, culture, and heritage. Efficient transport links are available, with direct trains and buses connecting the ferry port to the city centre swiftly, ensuring visitors can explore the area with ease. From Portsmouth, travellers can also easily access other popular destinations such as the Isle of Wight and France, making it an ideal starting point for various excursions.
Bilbao Ferry Port serves as a vibrant entry point to Spain's Basque Country, a region known for its unique culture and gastronomy. The city of Bilbao, once an industrial heartland, has transformed into a hub of art and architecture, highlighted by the iconic Guggenheim Museum. This titanium-clad marvel, along with the historic old town 'Casco Viejo', offers a compelling mix of the modern and the historic. Travellers can also explore the nearby scenic Vizcaya Bridge and the lush landscapes of the Basque coast. Bilbao hosts the annual Semana Grande, a week-long festival in August filled with concerts, fireworks, and cultural displays. The port provides convenient onward travel options, with excellent road and rail connections to major Spanish cities. From the port, the city centre is easily accessible via the efficient local bus services or the metro, ensuring a seamless transition from sea to city.
