Ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao

When planning your trip with the Portsmouth - Bilbao ferry, you can take advantage of the regular 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.

Brittany Ferries operates the Portsmouth - Bilbao ferry route with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Galicia, 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 ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao 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

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, on the ferry to Bilbao from the UK, 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 €185.

Can you sleep on the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao?

Yes, the Portsmouth - Bilbao ferry trip lasts about 33 hr, which means you will spend 2 nights at sea before reaching Spain. Booking accommodation on this route is compulsory, with Brittany Ferries offering the choice between numbered reclining seats and cabins.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, when travelling from Portsmouth to Bilbao by ferry, you can book a range of deluxe cabins, the Commodore Suites, for 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.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet on the Portsmouth - Bilbao ferry, provided you include it 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 or in the onboard kennels. The ferries have designated walking areas, however, pets are not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or dining areas.

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 returning to England.

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

• Portsmouth is a major port in England and can get busy, especially during the summer months, 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 England and Spain, with Bilbao being 1 hr ahead of Portsmouth. All times on Ferryhopper are local.
• You can also travel to Spain on the Portsmouth - Santander and Plymouth - Santander ferries. For more details, check out our blog on UK - Spain ferries.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Bilbao - Portsmouth ferry well in advance, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle or want to book a cabin.
• From Portsmouth, you can also travel by ferry to Caen, Jersey, Saint-Malo, Le Havre, and Cherbourg, among others! For more information on all routes, ticket prices and ferry companies, have a look at the Portsmouth ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao

Ferries to Bilbao typically depart from Portsmouth International Port, which is about 2 km from the city centre of Portsmouth, 30 km from Southampton Airport and 95 km from London Heathrow.

At the ferry terminal, you can find a café, a shop selling snacks and travel essentials, seating, Wi-Fi, tourist information, baby-changing facilities and more passenger amenities. A multi-storey car park is available inside the port, with accessible bays, luggage trolleys and electric-vehicle charging points. Follow the left-hand lane towards the car check-in area and then the signs for parking.

How to get to the port of Portsmouth?

• By car: follow the M275 towards Portsmouth and continue to the end of the motorway, where the international ferry terminal is clearly signposted. From London, you can take the M3 or A3, while from the Midlands you can use the A34 and M3. Check whether the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone applies to your vehicle before travelling.
• By train: get off at Portsmouth & Southsea and from there, you can take a 5-min taxi ride or walk to the port in approximately 20-30 min.
• By bus: First Bus services 8, X4 and X9, as well as Stagecoach service 20, stop near Portsmouth International Port.
• By coach: National Express operates services to the port from London Victoria and Heathrow Airport. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.
• By taxi: a taxi from Portsmouth & Southsea station normally takes around 5 min.

Where does the ferry arrive in Bilbao?

Ferries from Portsmouth normally arrive at Muelle A3 in Zierbena at the port of Bilbao (Puerto de Bilbao). The ferry terminal is around 3 km from the port town of Santurtzi and 21 km from central Bilbao along the Bay of Biscay.

At the terminal, you can find a snack bar, an information desk, a departure lounge, accessible toilets, Wi-Fi and short- or long-stay parking. You will find car-rental agencies, a wider selection of hotels, shops and restaurants in Santurtzi and central Bilbao.

Onward travel from the port of Bilbao

• By car: you can reach the city of Bilbao via N-644 and A-8 in about 20-30 min.
• By taxi: taxis can be arranged from the terminal or booked through local operators in Santurtzi, with the ride to central Bilbao taking around 25 min.
• By metro: the nearest metro station is Santurtzi, approximately 3 km from the ferry terminal. You can reach it by taxi, then take Metro Line 2 towards central Bilbao.
• By shuttle: Brittany Ferries may provide a shuttle for foot passengers between the terminal and central Bilbao that aligns with the ferry crossings. Ask the crew before arrival.
• By bus: there is no regular public bus stop directly outside the ferry terminal. For local and regional services, travel first to Santurtzi or central Bilbao.