Guggenheim Museum
Visit Frank Gehry’s landmark building for modern art, architecture and the revitalised riverfront around it.
Basque Country · Spain
Bilbao Ferry &
Bilbao Ferry &
Destination Guide
Explore Bilbao’s Guggenheim, old town and Basque food culture, then plan long-distance ferry journeys to Britain and Ireland.
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Discover Bilbao
Contemporary architecture, pintxos culture and a major Atlantic ferry gateway in the Basque Country
Bilbao has reinvented itself around the Nervión river while retaining a compact historic core in Casco Viejo. The Guggenheim Museum is the city’s best-known landmark, but markets, bridges, hillside viewpoints and Basque food culture make the destination much richer than a single museum stop.
Casco Viejo’s Seven Streets, Plaza Nueva and Mercado de la Ribera are ideal for exploring on foot and sampling pintxos. On the opposite side of the city, riverside regeneration connects the Guggenheim with new architecture and public spaces.
Bilbao’s passenger ferry terminal is not in the city centre. Brittany Ferries uses the Port of Bilbao at Zierbena on the coast, with long-distance routes to Portsmouth and Ireland on current schedules.
The distance between city and ferry terminal means passengers should plan the transfer carefully. Motorists have straightforward motorway access, while foot passengers need to check the transport arrangements recommended for their sailing.
Bilbao also has excellent onward travel potential. Rail and coach services connect other Basque cities, while a car opens the Atlantic coast, Rioja wine region and mountain landscapes.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Bilbao
Bilbao combines a compact old town with a striking regenerated riverfront and an exceptional food scene.
Casco Viejo
Explore the Seven Streets, cathedral area and lively lanes of Bilbao’s historic centre.
Mercado de la Ribera
Browse the riverside market and use it as a gateway into the old town and local food culture.
Plaza Nueva
Stop for pintxos under the arcades of one of Casco Viejo’s most atmospheric squares.
Mount Artxanda
Ride above the city for panoramic views over Bilbao, the surrounding hills and river valley.
Azkuna Zentroa
See the transformed former wine warehouse now used as a major cultural and leisure centre.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Bilbao
Browse food tours, Guggenheim experiences and excursions around Bilbao and the Basque Country.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Port of Bilbao passenger ferry terminal
Long-distance passenger ferries serving Bilbao use the Port of Bilbao on the coast at Zierbena rather than a terminal in the central city. Brittany Ferries operates routes linking the Basque Country with Portsmouth and Ireland according to the current seasonal programme.
These are long crossings designed for vehicles and overnight travel as well as foot passengers. Cabins and onboard accommodation are therefore an important part of the journey, particularly on sailings lasting well beyond a day.
Allow generous transfer time between central Bilbao and the ferry terminal. Vehicle passengers have direct road access to the port, while foot passengers should confirm the recommended terminal connection for their departure.
Passenger terminalPort of Bilbao, Zierbena – follow Brittany Ferries check-in signs
Directions to the portOpen Bilbao Ferry Terminal in Google Maps
Britain routeLong-distance passenger and vehicle sailings connect Bilbao with Portsmouth
Ireland routeCurrent programmes include passenger ferry connections between Bilbao and Rosslare
Vehicle travelThe port has straightforward motorway access for cars, motorhomes and touring vehicles
City transferThe ferry terminal is outside central Bilbao, so foot passengers should plan onward transport
Plan your stay
Getting around Bilbao
Bilbao has metro, tram, bus and rail services, while the compact old town and riverfront are easy to explore on foot.
Walk the river and old town
Casco Viejo, Mercado de la Ribera and much of the central riverfront fit naturally into a walking itinerary.
Use metro and rail
Public transport connects central Bilbao with the wider metropolitan area and other Basque destinations.
Find Bilbao rail tickets here...Drive the Basque coast
A car is useful for coastal villages, Rioja, mountain scenery and the ferry-terminal transfer at Zierbena.
Stay in Bilbao
Find Bilbao Accommodation
Stay in Casco Viejo, Abando or beside the river
Casco Viejo is strongest for atmosphere and food, while Abando and the Guggenheim riverfront are convenient for transport and modern Bilbao.
Common planning questions
Bilbao ferry & destination FAQs
Where is Bilbao Ferry Port?
Passenger ferries use the Port of Bilbao at Zierbena on the coast, outside central Bilbao.
Where can I travel by ferry from Bilbao?
Brittany Ferries operates long-distance passenger routes linking Bilbao with Portsmouth and Ireland on current seasonal schedules.
How far is the ferry terminal from central Bilbao?
The terminal is outside the city, so allow significant road-transfer time and follow your operator’s recommended arrival arrangements.
What are the best things to do in Bilbao?
Popular highlights include the Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo, Mercado de la Ribera, Plaza Nueva and Mount Artxanda.
Can I take a car on ferries from Bilbao?
Yes. The long-distance Brittany Ferries routes are designed for vehicle travel as well as passengers.
Are cabins available on Bilbao ferries?
Yes on suitable long-distance sailings. Accommodation options vary by vessel and should be booked early for busy dates.
Can foot passengers travel from Bilbao?
Yes on relevant sailings, but foot passengers should plan the transfer between central Bilbao and the coastal ferry terminal.
How long should I spend in Bilbao?
Two days covers the main city highlights; three or more gives time for the Basque coast, food experiences and nearby towns.
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