Portsmouth - Bilbao
Ferries to Spain
Portsmouth - Bilbao
Ferries to Spain
On the Portsmouth Bilbao route, fares generally fall between $91* and $2635*. On average, a Portsmouth Bilbao ferry ticket costs around $1325*, with the lowest Portsmouth Bilbao fares starting at $91*. Foot passengers pay an average of $835*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $1404*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Portsmouth Bilbao sailings usually begin with a departure from Portsmouth at approximately 19:00, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 22:46.
Given the length of the crossing, a trip between Portsmouth and Bilbao tends to work better as a weekend getaway or longer stay, so you can get the most out of the journey.
Yes, Brittany Ferries operates car-friendly sailings between Portsmouth and Bilbao. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Yes, Brittany Ferries welcomes bicycles on the Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing. Bikes are accepted by most ferry operators, though it's worth confirming the specific policy in advance so there are no surprises at the terminal.
Yes, Brittany Ferries accepts foot passengers on sailings between Portsmouth and Bilbao.
Good news for pet owners — Brittany Ferries allows pets on board sailings between Portsmouth and Bilbao. Traveling with a pet on this route costs an average of $2599.
Figures reflect fares searched over the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last updated August 26.
When you bring a pet on board, you'll typically need to have the following ready:
This varies by operator — on some ferries, pets must stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing, while others provide dedicated pet zones, pet-friendly cabins, or lounge areas. Check our Deal Finder to compare the pet arrangements on offer and choose the crossing that suits you and your pet best.
A few things are worth knowing before you travel with a guide or assistance dog. We'd suggest letting our customer service team know, or flagging it with the ferry operator when you book, that you'll be travelling with an assistance animal.
Bring along any relevant certification and paperwork too, since you may need to show it at boarding or at some point during the crossing.
Even on sailings where pets generally aren't permitted, different rules often apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs. Get in touch with our customer service team to confirm the specific policy for your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for general guidance.
Overnight sailings on the Portsmouth to Bilbao route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Portsmouth - Bilbao Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $835 | |
| Average Price with Car | $1404 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $931 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $1574 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $1323 | |
| Portsmouth - Bilbao Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | Spain |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Brittany Ferries |
| Average Price | $1325 |
| Average Pet Price | $2599 |
| 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 August 2026.
Portsmouth is one of the best connected ports in the United Kingdom, serving nine different destinations across Europe with operators including Condor Ferries and Brittany Ferries. To the south of the naval base, you will find the Isle of Wight (Ryde) Passenger Ferry Terminal, while the Continental Ferry Terminal serves Le Havre in France and Bilbao in Spain. There are also daily crossings to Cherbourg, Caen and St Malo in France, St Helier in Jersey and St Peter Port in Guernsey.
Located on the south coast of England, in the county of Hampshire, Portsmouth is the UK's only island city, situated around 100 km to the south west of London and 30 km to the east of Southampton. The city's long history is inextricably linked to the sea, hosting to the oldest dry dock in the world still used today and also to famous ships such as HMS Victory, Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship; the Mary Rose, and HMS Warrior.
The Spanish city and port of Bilbao is the capital of the province of Bizkaia and lies on the banks of the Nervion River, which joins the Cantabrian Sea 11 km further downstream. The river has been important to the city's development since it was established in the 14th century. Along with the other towns that are situated along both banks of the river until it reaches the sea, Bilbao forms the Greater Bilbao area and has a lively cultural scene which visitors to the city enjoy. If performing arts is of particular interest then the Teatro Arriaga and Euskalduna Concert Hall are definitely worth a visit as is the Fine Arts Museum which is located at the edge of the Dona Casilda Park. The Park's famous neighbour is the famous Guggenheim Museum with its Frank Gehry designed building.
The Port of Bilbao is located on the Bilbao Abra bay, and along the Estuary of Bilbao, in Biscay (Basque Country). The main facilities are in the Santurtzi and Zierbena municipalities, approximately 15 km west of Bilbao. Brittany Ferries operate the Portsmouth to Bilbao route, with their boat, the MV Cap Finistère.
