Bilbao riverside and city architecture in the Basque Country

Spain → United Kingdom

Bilbao to Portsmouth Ferry

Plan the crossing from Bilbao to Portsmouth, with departure-port details, Brittany Ferries and onward travel after arrival.

Bilbao → PortsmouthCheck dated sailings

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Compare Bilbao to Portsmouth tickets

Choose your route, travel dates, passengers and vehicle to compare current sailings and fares. Route selected: Bilbao to Portsmouth. Search all ferry routes.

Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.

Route guide

Plan your ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth

The Bilbao to Portsmouth crossing links Bilbao in Spain with Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.

For a departure from Bilbao, start by locating the ferry terminal and checking how to reach the correct boarding point. Bilbao ferry port is at Zierbena, around 21 km from Bilbao city. The terminal is well connected to the A-8 road network, while the nearest metro station is at Santurtzi, around 3 km away.

On the other side of the crossing, Portsmouth is your arrival port. Portsmouth is easy to navigate by foot and rail, with several ferry terminals, the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf all close to the urban core.

Compare the Bilbao departure and Portsmouth arrival on the same dated itinerary. Sailing times and intermediate calls can differ between directions, so use the Bilbao to Portsmouth result when planning your trip rather than assuming the outward timetable applies in reverse.

Check the total cost for everyone travelling, including any vehicle, reserved seat, cabin or other option offered. A later arrival in Portsmouth may affect your next connection or accommodation, so compare the whole journey as well as the fare.

Travelling the other way? Read the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry guide.

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Ferry companies

Ferry operators on the Bilbao–Portsmouth route

Compare the operators and departures offered for your dates. The sailing result confirms the carrier, vessel and travel options for that journey.

Brittany Ferries

Brittany Ferries is listed in FerryEU’s guide to this crossing. Search the Bilbao to Portsmouth direction to see which departures and ticket types are offered for your date.

Check the vessel, boarding arrangements at Bilbao, baggage allowance and any vehicle or accommodation options in the selected sailing. The return leg can have a different schedule or ship.

Cars and other touring vehicles accepted
Foot-passenger bookings available
Two-night sailing with cabin accommodation options

Compare Ferry Prices Brittany Ferries guide

Departure and arrival ports

Departing Bilbao and arriving in Portsmouth

Departure · Spain

Bilbao Ferry Port

Bilbao ferry port is at Zierbena, around 21 km from Bilbao city. The terminal is well connected to the A-8 road network, while the nearest metro station is at Santurtzi, around 3 km away.

For your Bilbao to Portsmouth sailing, arrange your journey to Bilbao around the check-in deadline. The ferry may use a different entrance or terminal from other services at the same harbour. Check the boarding instructions before booking a connecting train, bus or taxi.

About 21 km from central Bilbao
Road access via N-644 and the A-8 corridor
Port shuttle arrangements can help foot passengers reach Bilbao

Explore Bilbao port and destination guide

Portsmouth waterfront, Spinnaker Tower and historic harbour in England

Arrival · United Kingdom

Portsmouth Ferry Port

Portsmouth International Port provides direct motorway access via the M275 and is Brittany Ferries’ principal English base for routes to France and Spain.

After the ferry reaches Portsmouth, allow time for disembarkation before a collection or onward connection. Check where passengers leave the terminal and whether your next stop is within walking distance or requires a transfer.

Direct road link from the M275
Public transport connections available

Explore Portsmouth port and destination guide

On board

Your Bilbao–Portsmouth crossing

Use the facilities listed for the ship on your departure. Vessel assignments and onboard services can change.

Cabins

A private cabin is the natural choice for sleeping across the two-night sailing.

Restaurants & bars

Multiple meal periods make onboard dining an important part of the route experience.

Lounges & decks

Public lounges and outside decks provide space to relax during daylight hours.

Shopping & entertainment

Shops and entertainment vary by ship and help break up the long passage.

Before departure

Prepare for check-in at Bilbao

The Bilbao to Portsmouth journey crosses between Spain and United Kingdom. Check the current entry and travel-document requirements for your nationality and itinerary, together with the operator’s boarding instructions.

Your departure terminal

Use the terminal named on the Bilbao booking confirmation. Plan the approach, parking or drop-off before departure; the town centre or railway station may be some distance from check-in.

Passenger and vehicle details

Check names and travel details before you arrive. If taking a vehicle, enter its full dimensions and include trailers, roof loads or rear-mounted equipment where required.

Travel documents

Use current official guidance for documents, entry permissions and any vehicle or pet requirements that apply to your journey. Requirements depend on your circumstances and can change.

After arriving

Continue your journey from Portsmouth

Portsmouth is easy to navigate by foot and rail, with several ferry terminals, the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf all close to the urban core.

The Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and Old Portsmouth fit naturally into a harbour-side walk.

A car is useful for the South Downs, Chichester and onward touring after an international ferry crossing.

For an onward connection from Portsmouth, include time to leave the ship and terminal. Check local transport for the actual arrival day, especially if the ferry arrives early in the morning or late at night. A nearby hotel or a later connection may give more flexibility if the crossing is delayed.

Explore Portsmouth

Other ferry options

Compare routes for your Bilbao to Portsmouth journey

Search nearby dates and compare the complete journey when considering another crossing. Different ports can change your transfer time, onward drive or overnight plans.

Bilbao → RosslareAnother departure from Bilbao. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route Santander → PortsmouthAnother crossing arriving in Portsmouth. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route Caen → PortsmouthAnother crossing arriving in Portsmouth. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route

Return journey: Portsmouth to Bilbao · Browse all ferry routes

Common planning questions

Bilbao to Portsmouth ferry FAQs

How long is the ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth?

Check the sailing time shown for your selected Bilbao to Portsmouth departure. A timetable for the opposite direction may have different calls, departure patterns or overnight timings. Allow additional time at both ports for check-in, boarding and disembarkation.

Which ferry operators should I compare for Bilbao to Portsmouth?

FerryEU’s guide to this crossing lists Brittany Ferries. Search the Bilbao to Portsmouth direction and your travel date to confirm which operators and departures are available.

Where do I check in for the ferry from Bilbao?

Bilbao ferry port is at Zierbena, around 21 km from Bilbao city. The terminal is well connected to the A-8 road network, while the nearest metro station is at Santurtzi, around 3 km away. Use the terminal and check-in deadline specified on your booking confirmation.

Can I travel with a vehicle or as a foot passenger?

Check the travel categories offered for the selected Bilbao to Portsmouth departure. The choices depend on the operator and vessel; do not assume every sailing accepts both vehicles and foot passengers. Enter all travellers and the correct vehicle dimensions before comparing fares.

How can I find the best Bilbao to Portsmouth ferry fare?

Compare the dates and departure times that work for your trip. Check the total for passengers, any vehicle and accommodation, then compare ticket flexibility and the onward journey from Portsmouth. Prices depend on the sailing and available capacity.

How do I continue my journey after arriving in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth is easy to navigate by foot and rail, with several ferry terminals, the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf all close to the urban core. Allow time to disembark and reach your onward transport before a timed connection.

Can I book the return ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao?

Use the return-trip option in the search and check both directions and dates before booking. The Portsmouth to Bilbao guide covers the opposite departure port. Availability and sailing times can differ between the two legs.

Choosing this crossing for a UK journey

Bilbao provides a Basque Country arrival for a direct sailing from southern England. The sea journey is long, but it avoids the continental drive from a Channel port.

Use the ferry terminal’s directions for the Bilbao port area rather than a city-centre address. Include the cabin, vehicle dimensions and any pet booking in the outward and return price comparison.

Travelling in the other direction?

Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.

Departing from Bilbao

Use the terminal or pier named on your Brittany Ferries confirmation. The published departure is the sailing time; check-in and vehicle acceptance close earlier. If reaching Bilbao by train or bus, allow for the transfer from the station to the harbour and for luggage handling.

About 21 km from central Bilbao
Road access via N-644 and the A-8 corridor
Port shuttle arrangements can help foot passengers reach Bilbao

Bilbao destination and port guide

Arriving in Portsmouth

Start your onward itinerary at the actual landing point in Portsmouth. Leave time to unload before a timed collection, train or island bus. If the ferry arrives late in the day, check the final public-transport departure or arrange a transfer in advance.

Direct road link from the M275
Public transport connections available

Portsmouth destination and port guide

Arriving in the United Kingdom

Plan this direction as an arrival into the UK. British and Irish citizens do not need a UK ETA; other travellers must check whether an ETA, visa or existing immigration permission is required. Keep the document linked to any permission available at check-in. Vehicle and foot-passenger exit arrangements may be different after landing.

Read the UK ferry documents guide

Passengers, vehicles and the fare

Select the correct passenger category before comparing Bilbao to Portsmouth fares. A passenger-only boat cannot take a car, and a vehicle ferry may still have limited bicycle or foot-passenger availability. The travel modes shown in the facts panel should be checked against the specific sailing.

For a vehicle booking, give the full height and length including a roof box, rear rack or trailer. Where accommodation is offered, check whether a cabin or seat is required and whether meals are included. Request mobility assistance and any pet space before completing the booking, because these can have separate capacity limits.

Prices depend on the date, passenger mix, vehicle and ticket conditions. Compare the complete return cost and the amendment or cancellation terms. No fixed fare on this guide should replace a dated quote.

Car and motorhome planning · Travelling without a car · Taking a pet

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