Approaching Bilbao on the ferry from Portsmouth

Brittany Ferries · 32h

Portsmouth to Bilbao Ferry

Compare every Portsmouth to Bilbao sailing. From £35.19 one way, 4 times a day, crossing in about 32h.

  • 32h crossing
  • 29 sailings a week
  • Cars carried

Portsmouth to Bilbao sailings on Saturday 31 October

4 departures found. Prices update live and are shown as a total.

Voyager of the Isles
05:50Portsmouth
32h 49m
★ Cheapest
14:39Bilbao (+1)
£46.12
total
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Only 10 spaces left at this price on the 05:50 sailing.

Voyager of the Isles
10:50Portsmouth
30h 30m
⚡ Fastest
17:20Bilbao (+1)
£54.46
total · free changes
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Voyager of the Isles
15:50Portsmouth
30h 33m
Foot passenger
22:23Bilbao (+1)
£55.87
total · free changes
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Voyager of the Isles
20:50Portsmouth
30h 30m
Foot passenger
03:20Bilbao (+1)
£46.39
total
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Only 9 spaces left at this price on the 20:50 sailing.

About the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry

Sailing from Portsmouth to Bilbao takes around 32h. Brittany Ferries runs the route 4 times a day, and fares start from £35.19. Book ahead and you will normally pay closer to the £35.19 end; last-minute summer sailings are where prices climb hardest.

Vehicles are carried on this route, so you can take a car, campervan or motorbike across and keep your luggage with you. Foot passengers are welcome on board.

Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry timetable

There are around 29 sailings a week on this route, 4 times a day. The table below shows how this crossing compares with the other services Portsmouth and Bilbao are connected to.

RouteOperatorsDurationSailings / weekFromAverageVehicle
Portsmouth – Bilbao Brittany Ferries32h29 £35.19£124.32 Yes
Portsmouth – Fishbourne Wightlink45m140 £11.00£178.00 Yes
Portsmouth – Caen Brittany Ferries6h 5m20 £24.00£328.00 Yes
Portsmouth – Santander NorthLink Ferries28h60 £66.03£318.13 Yes
Portsmouth – St Malo Brittany Ferries11h5 £101.00£510.00 Yes
Portsmouth – Guernsey NorthLink Ferries10h 10m59 £64.60£307.40 Yes
Rosslare – Bilbao Brittany Ferries8h 40m2 £52.76£488.10 Yes
Roscoff – Bilbao Balearia6h 30m37 £42.74£164.45 Yes

How much is the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao?

One-way fares start at £35.19. Across all booking types the average paid on this route is about £124.32. That figure includes vehicles, multiple passengers and peak-season departures, which is why it sits well above the headline price.

Which operators sail this route?

Brittany Ferries operates the Portsmouth – Bilbao crossing. As the sole operator, availability tightens quickly in peak season, so book early.

Taking a vehicle

Cars, campervans, motorhomes and motorbikes are all carried on the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry. Add your vehicle when you search and every price shown will include it, and no vehicle surcharge appears later in the booking.

Getting to Portsmouth

Check in opens around 90 minutes before departure for vehicles and 45 minutes for foot passengers, and closes 30 to 60 minutes before sailing depending on the operator. Read our Portsmouth port guide for terminal facilities, parking and directions, and the Bilbao guide for the other end.

Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry: your questions answered

How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao?

The Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry takes approximately 32h. Actual crossing time varies a little by operator, vessel and sea conditions.

How much is the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao?

One-way fares start from £35.19. The average booking on this route comes to around £124.32 once vehicles, extra passengers and peak dates are taken into account.

Who sails from Portsmouth to Bilbao?

Brittany Ferries operates this crossing. We compare all of them in a single search.

How often does the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry run?

There are around 29 sailings a week on this route, which works out at 4 times a day. Frequency is usually higher in summer and over school holidays.

Can I take a car on the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry?

Yes. Cars, campervans and motorbikes are carried on this route. Add your vehicle at the search stage so the price you see includes it.

What is the cheapest day to sail from Portsmouth to Bilbao?

Midweek departures, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday, are typically the cheapest, along with the earliest sailing of the day. Friday and Saturday crossings in July and August are the most expensive.

How far in advance should I book?

Prices on this route rise as departure approaches. Booking more than six weeks ahead usually secures the lowest fare; inside a week you can expect to pay substantially more, especially in peak season.

Do I need a passport for the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry?

Carry valid photo ID for every passenger. International crossings require a passport valid for the whole of your trip, and non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area are now subject to biometric registration at the border. Check the operator's requirements before you travel.