FerryConnect

UK → Spain

Portsmouth → Bilbao

Brittany Ferries’ direct sailing from Portsmouth to the Basque Country, arriving at Santurtzi on the Bilbao estuary. It is the closest UK ferry landing to San Sebastián, La Rioja and the road to the Pyrenees.

⏱ 29h 30m – 36h🚢 1 operator📅 Two return sailings a week from April to November; one a week in winter🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry at a glance

The ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao takes 29h 30m – 36h across the Bay of Biscay, operated by Brittany Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: two return sailings a week from April to November; one a week in winter.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-28.

Sources: brittany-ferries.co.uk · brittanyferriesnewsroom.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Bilbao to Portsmouth

Brittany Ferries also sails Bilbao to Portsmouth, taking 29h 30m – 36h. Northbound sailings from Bilbao are a little quicker, about 29h 30m to 32h 45m.

Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Two sailings a week for most of the year, one a week in the winter months

Brittany Ferries lists two return sailings a week from April to November 2026

Return: Northbound sailings from Bilbao are a little quicker, about 29h 30m to 32h 45m.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Brittany Ferries timetable →

Source: Brittany Ferries route page and press release. Verified 2026-09-28.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Portsmouth and Bilbao

📐 470 Nautical Miles
Portsmouth⇄Bilbao
⏱ 29h 30m – 36h · 📐 470 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Brittany Ferries33h – 36h southboundGalicia

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

470 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • The terminal is at Santurtzi, on the Bilbao estuary west of the city centre; Santurtzi has Cercanías commuter trains into Bilbao
  • The A-8 motorway runs east to San Sebastián and the French border, and the AP-68 goes south to La Rioja

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Caen (Ouistreham)6h – 7h (day) / overnight · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → St Malo9h – 11h (overnight) · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)45m · WightlinkAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Jersey (St Helier)About 9h · DFDSAlso sails from PortsmouthSouthsea → Ryde (Isle of Wight)About 10m · HovertravelAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → CherbourgDaytime and overnight sailings (times vary) · Brittany Ferries
⚓ Portsmouth International Port guide⚓ Port of Bilbao Ferry Terminal (Santurtzi) guide⛴ All ferries from Portsmouth⛴ All ferries from Bilbao🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao?
The crossing typically takes 29h 30m – 36h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry sail?
Two sailings a week for most of the year, one a week in the winter months. Brittany Ferries lists two return sailings a week from April to November 2026. This is the pattern published in the Brittany Ferries route page and press release (checked 2026-09-28); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Portsmouth to Bilbao?
Brittany Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Portsmouth from Bilbao by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 470 nautical miles (roughly 870 km).