Portsmouth - Bilbao
Ferry to Spain
Portsmouth - Bilbao
Ferry to Spain
Fares for the Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing usually range somewhere between $110* and $2503*. Most travellers pay around $1376* for a Portsmouth Bilbao ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $110*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $923* on average. Bringing a car along typically brings the average fare up to $1433*.
Fares vary according to passenger count, vehicle type, the route itself and what time you sail. Figures come from fares searched in the previous 30 days, don't include service fees, and were last checked September 26.
There's a quick way to stack up ferry fares and operators from around the world side by side, so you can pick the crossing that best suits you. Getting in early tends to open up the widest choice of prices and sailing times.
Direct Ferries has discounts running throughout the year. Where a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied the moment you pick the matching age bracket in the passenger section of your search.
If you're a student or recent graduate, a 5% discount is up for grabs. Head to our partner Student Beans to confirm your status and you'll receive a code to enter at checkout.
A handful of Spanish and Italian ferry routes also offer a resident discount — choose the "Residents" option if it appears during your search and the lower fare is applied straight away. You'll usually need to show proof of address, like a residency card or certificate, when you check in.
Sailings on the Portsmouth Bilbao route generally kick off from Portsmouth at around 19:00, and the last departure of the day is usually around 22:46.
With a longer crossing time, a trip between Portsmouth and Bilbao is better suited to a weekend away or an extended stay, so you get proper value out of the journey.
Yes, Brittany Ferries carries vehicles on the Portsmouth to Bilbao route. Check our Deal Finder for up-to-date car ferry pricing on this crossing.
Whether a caravan or campervan is welcome on board the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry comes down to the ship and operator running the sailing. Pop your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll check the operators on this route for you.
Yes, Brittany Ferries takes bicycles on the Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing. Most operators are happy to carry bikes, but it's always worth confirming their exact policy before you turn up at the terminal.
Yes, Brittany Ferries carries foot passengers between Portsmouth and Bilbao.
Pet owners are in luck — Brittany Ferries allows pets on board between Portsmouth and Bilbao. Travelling with a pet on this crossing costs an average of $3149.
Fares reflect searches from the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last checked September 26.
Before you bring a pet on board, it helps to have the following sorted:
It depends on which operator you're sailing with — some ferries keep pets in your vehicle for the whole trip, while others have dedicated pet areas, kennels, or even pet-friendly cabins. Our Deal Finder lays out the options so you can pick the crossing that works for your pet.
There's a bit to know before travelling with a guide or assistance dog. Let our customer service team know in advance, or mention it to the ferry operator when you book, so everything's arranged ahead of time.
Carry any certification or documentation your dog needs, since you could be asked to show it at boarding or partway through the crossing.
Rules for guide dogs and assistance dogs can differ from general pet policy, even on sailings where pets aren't otherwise allowed. Reach out to our customer service team to check what applies to your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for more detail.
Whether the Portsmouth to Bilbao route has an overnight sailing depends on a mix of factors. Search with your travel dates, and we'll show you whether an overnight option exists, plus current timetables, crossing times and daytime alternatives.
Note that overnight sailings can occasionally take a bit longer than daytime crossings.
What you'll need to travel varies by route, so it pays to check ahead of your sailing. A valid passport is typically required for the Portsmouth to Bilbao crossing, along with any visa or national ID required for your nationality. As rules depend on both where you're from and where you're headed, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is worth a read to avoid any hold-ups at check-in.
Booking couldn't be simpler — select your departure port, arrival port and travel date to see everything on offer. From there, you can weigh up alternative routes and departure times to land on the best fit.
Look for early-booking deals and flexible fare types, like upgrades or flexi-tickets, which give you room to change plans later. Double-check details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specs as you go, to keep the booking process painless.
You'll get a confirmation email the moment your booking goes through. From there, how your boarding pass turns up depends on the operator.
Some operators send the boarding pass straight away, while others want you to check in at the port. Where it's on offer, online check-in through the Direct Ferries app can save you time at the terminal.
Ticket desks tend to sit right by the ferry terminal. Building in some extra time before you sail means you won't be rushed collecting tickets and getting checked in.
Have your confirmation email and valid photo ID — a passport or identity card — ready at check-in. If a pet's travelling with you, bring their vaccination and insurance papers, and hold onto proof of address if you booked with a resident discount.
A gap in sailings from Portsmouth to Bilbao on your chosen date usually comes down to something like a timetable adjustment, limited space, or a seasonal dip in service. Try a different date, or browse other options with our Route & Port finder.
Generally speaking, booking your Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry sooner rather than later pays off — earlier bookings usually mean lower fares and more choice of departure times and cabins.
A few weeks' lead time is usually enough to catch a good deal, though fares can still move around depending on the season and what's left available.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
| Portsmouth - Bilbao Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $923 | |
| Average Price with Car | $1433 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | $1105 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $1886 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $1600 | |
| Portsmouth - Bilbao Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | Spain |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Brittany Ferries |
| Average Price | $1376 |
| Average Pet Price | $3149 |
| 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 September 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.
