Portsmouth-Bilbao

Ferry to Bilbao and Portsmouth

If you want to travel from England / UK to Spain by ferry without driving through France, you can choose the Portsmouth to Bilbao route. This ferry service takes about 33 hours and runs twice a week. Portsmouth is located in the south of England, while Bilbao is one of the northernmost cities in Spain. The two cities are 860 km apart by air.

Alternatively, you can sail from Portsmouth to Santander, which is slightly west of Bilbao.

Bilbao is a popular holiday destination and a convenient base for exploring other parts of Spain or Portugal. By taking the ferry to Spain from the UK, you can enjoy a relaxing journey and avoid traffic jams on the road. From Bilbao, you can drive to Madrid in 4 hours or to Barcelona in 6 hours.

On this page, you will find information and tips about this ferry crossing from the UK to Spain from Brittany Ferries

Ferry Bilbao and Portsmouth costs

If you want to travel by ferry to Bilbao or Portsmouth, you can expect the following prices:

• Lowest possible price for one adult: is €290,- for a one-way ticket for one person car, and a cabin.
• 2 persons with 1 car during peak season: €636,- for a one-way ticket 🛈

Schedule Bilbao and Portsmouth

The Bilbao – Portsmouth ferry route is operated by Brittany Ferries twice a week in both directions. You can find the departure times below, but keep in mind that they may vary and you should always check the booking module and the ferry company’s website for the latest information.

Ferry to Bilbao from Portsmouth

The ferries to Bilbao from Portsmouth leave up to 2 times per week; for the actual timetable, make sure to double-check before boarding.

The journey from Portsmouth to Bilbao takes between 31.5 and 36 hours and involves two nights on board the ferry.

The ferry departs from Portsmouth every Thursday and Saturday around 21:00 – 21:30 and arrives in Bilbao on Saturday or Monday morning.

After sailing for more than 36 hours, you will reach the port of Bilbao, where you can continue your trip.

Ferry to Portsmouth from Bilbao

The ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth leaves every Tuesday and Saturday from Spain to the UK. This is a 1-day crossing. For the ferry back, you'll depart at around 14.00 and will be back in the UK the next day at around 20.30 in Portsmouth.

Bilbao – Portsmouth

• Departure: Tuesday and Saturday around 14.00 – 15.00
• Arrival: Wednesday around 20.45 and Sunday around 17.30

On board the ferry to Bilbao and Portsmouth

The ship Santander of Brittany Ferries, which sails on this route, has a Spanish touch. As the Santander is a cruise ferry suitable for long distances, there is a lot to do on board. On the night sailing, it is possible to book a cabin.

This (and more) can be expected on the ferry:

Port information

To get to the departure port, use the address and follow the signs to the terminal when arrived.

Bilbao

Portsmouth

Frequently Asked Questions Ferry Bilbao – Portsmouth