Ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth

When planning your trip on the ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. Typically, infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free, while children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket rates.

The Bilbao - Portsmouth route is operated with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Galicia. These vessels which are designed for long-haul travel. Onboard, you will find a range of modern amenities and services, such as:

• Comfortable air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks with sea views
• Restaurants, cafés and bars serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals
• Entertainment including children’s play areas with digital and physical games, a video-on-demand platform and a travel and sea exhibition
• Onboard wellness facilities, including spa, massage and beauty treatments
• Duty-free shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts and travel essentials
• Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of data bundles to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The Bilbao - Portsmouth ferries are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts to move between decks, adapted seating and amenities in common areas, as well as wheelchair accessible cabins with adapted amenities.

Brittany Ferries also offers boarding assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the operator at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

What cabins can I book?

On the ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers. Typically, you can choose from:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and suites with a double bed and a sea view
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins feature a desk, toiletries, and an ensuite bathroom.

Prices for cabins start at around €300.

Can you sleep on the ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth?

Yes, the ferry trip from Bilbao to Portsmouth in England lasts around 29 hr, so you can expect to spend 1 night at sea. In addition to standard deck/lounge tickets, Brittany Ferries also offers numbered reclining seats and a range of cabins, where you can stretch out and arrive fresh in the UK.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, when travelling from Bilbao to Portsmouth by ferry, you can choose one of the deluxe Commodore Suites, which offer greater comfort and privacy. These premium cabins have extra room, a double bed and additional amenities and services such as a TV, Wi-Fi access, tea- and coffee-making facilities, complimentary breakfast and access to the exclusive C-Club Lounge.

Luggage

When traveling with Brittany Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight, at no extra cost. You can store your luggage in the baggage room, which remains closed until 20-30 min before arrival. For more details, contact the reception desk when you board the ferry.

Travelling with pets

Pets are generally welcome on Bilbao - Portsmouth ferries, provided you include them in your booking. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

When travelling with Brittany Ferries, your pet can either stay in a pet-friendly cabin, in the onboard kennels or in your vehicle. The ferries have designated walking areas, however, pets are not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or dining areas.

Important: if you decide to leave your pet in your vehicle, try to leave a window slightly open for ventilation.

What pet travel documents do I need?

You must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Keep in mind that for dogs, you will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before arriving in the UK.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Bilbao to Portsmouth:

• The port in Bilbao can get crowded in the summer, so plan your arrival at least 1.5-2 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure to clear check-in and passport control. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to be there 2-3 hr in advance.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness tablets before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Keep in mind that there is a time difference between Spain and England, with Bilbao being 1 hr ahead of Portsmouth. All times on Ferryhopper are local.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Portsmouth - Bilbao ferry well in advance, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle or cabin.
• You can also travel to England on the Santander - Portsmouth and Santander - Plymouth ferries.
• From Bilbao you can also travel directly by ferry to Rosslare in Ireland! For more details on all routes, ticket prices and operators, check out the Bilbao ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth

Ferries to Portsmouth typically leave from the Brittany Ferries terminal in the port of Bilbao, in the Zierbena area. The port is 3 km from the port town of Santurtzi, 21 km from the city centre of Bilbao and approximately 30 km from Bilbao Airport.

At the ferry port, you will find basic traveler amenities, such as a snack bar, an information desk, a departure lounge, accessible toilets, Wi-Fi and short- or long-stay parking. There are more car-rental agencies, hotels, shops and restaurants to be found in Santurtzi and central Bilbao.

How to get to the port of Bilbao?

• By car: take the A-8 motorway and leave at exit 130 for the N-644 towards Portua/Santurtzi. Continue along the N-644 and follow the yellow ferry signs to the terminal.
• By metro: take Metro Bilbao Line 2 to Santurtzi, the nearest station and from there you can reach the port with a 5-min taxi ride.
• By bus: Brittany Ferries operates a shuttle for foot passengers between central Bilbao (near the Guggenheim Museum) and the terminal, that aligns with ferry arrivals and departures.
• From Bilbao Airport: Bizkaibus line A3247 connects the airport with Bilbao Intermodal, every 15-20 minutes and from there, continue by Metro Line 2 to Santurtzi and take a taxi to the terminal. The entire journey takes around 1-1.5 hr
• By taxi: a taxi ride to the port of Bilbao takes 20-25 min from central Bilbao and around 25-35 min from the airport.

Where does the ferry arrive in Portsmouth?

Ferries from Bilbao normally arrive at Portsmouth International Port, located on George Byng Way, directly off the M275 motorway. The port is about 2 km north of Portsmouth city centre, around 30 km from Southampton Airport and 95 km from London Heathrow.

At the ferry terminal, you will find many traveller amenities, including cafés, waiting lounges, car rental agencies, ATMs, and long-stay multi-storey parking. You will also find a taxi rank just outside and local bus stops nearby.

Onward travel from Portsmouth

• By car: the port has direct access to the M275, which connects with the M27 for Southampton, the New Forest and destinations farther west or east.
• By train: Portsmouth & Southsea station is around 1.5 km from the ferry terminal (5 min by taxi or 20 min on foot), with regular connections to London, Southampton, Brighton and other destinations across southern England.
• By coach: National Express services call at Portsmouth International Port, offering connections to London and other major UK cities.
• By local bus: Stagecoach line 20 and First Bus services 8, X4 and X9 connect the port area with Portsmouth city centre, nearby railway stations and surrounding towns.
• By taxi: taxis are usually available outside the terminal, with the ride to Portsmouth city centre, Gunwharf Quays or Portsmouth Harbour station taking around 5-10 min.