Bilbao riverside and city architecture in the Basque Country

Spain → United Kingdom

Bilbao to Portsmouth Ferry

Bilbao to Portsmouth leaves from Zierbena and normally has one night at sea, unlike the two-night southbound journey. The advertised return takes around 29 hours 30 minutes to 32 hours 45 minutes. Check the seasonal northbound programme first: the operator directs winter travellers to Santander as an alternative departure port.

Bilbao → PortsmouthCheck dated sailings

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Check Bilbao to Portsmouth ferry prices & availability

Choose Spain as your place of departure, then select Bilbao - Portsmouth. If the ports are grouped under an island or region, choose that place of departure or “Show all routes”. Enter your dates and confirm the direction shown before booking. Search all ferry routes.

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Route guide

Check the Bilbao return season before travelling to Zierbena

Brittany Ferries advertises Bilbao–Portsmouth at around 29 hours 30 minutes to 32 hours 45 minutes, normally with one night onboard. That is different from the two-night Portsmouth-to-Bilbao journey; use the selected northbound date and arrival time.

The current route information offers up to two weekly returns for much of the year and directs winter passengers to Santander–Portsmouth. Confirm an available sailing before arranging travel to Zierbena or assuming a Bilbao return matches your outward booking.

The Bilbao ferry terminal is at Zierbena, about 21 km outside the city. A metro journey to Santurtzi still leaves a transfer to the port. In England, Portsmouth International Port is separate from the city railway stations.

Travelling the other way? Read the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry guide.

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Make the right crossing choice

Bilbao to Portsmouth: practical ferry planning

Operators, passengers and sailing choices

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Operator	Crossing or service	Passengers and vehicles	Planning detail
Brittany Ferries	About 29h30m–32h45m; one night	Foot passengers and cars; other vehicles subject to booking conditions	Book the required accommodation for the selected northbound sailing. The published sailing information has one night onboard, so compare the actual cabin and inclusions rather than copying the two-night southbound package.

Bilbao to Portsmouth ferry prices: what to compare

Compare the total for passengers, vehicle and required accommodation on the northbound date. Add travel to Zierbena and onward travel from Portsmouth International Port, including both station transfers if travelling without a car.

For winter dates, compare Santander–Portsmouth and include the journey to Santander. Confirm that replacement itinerary before cancelling or changing any linked hotel, vehicle arrangements or rail bookings.

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Bilbao departure and Portsmouth arrival

Bilbao: before boarding

Go to the ferry terminal at Zierbena, about 21 km from central Bilbao, using the N-644 and ferry signs from the A-8 corridor.
Santurtzi metro station is about 3 km from the terminal. Arrange the remaining transfer; the metro does not deliver you to ferry check-in.
Follow the current booking confirmation. Brittany Ferries’ dedicated guidance specifies check-in at least 60 minutes before departure, or 90 minutes with a pet; operational instructions may require earlier arrival.

Read the Bilbao port guide

Portsmouth: after arrival

Leave through Portsmouth International Port and allow for disembarkation before a taxi, collection or train connection.
The M275 connects motorists to the wider motorway network; rail passengers need a transfer to the city stations.
For a stay in Portsmouth, plan the transfer to the Historic Dockyard or Gunwharf area from the international terminal.

Read the Portsmouth port guide

Which option fits your trip?

Santander to Portsmouth

The operator’s winter alternative changes your Spanish departure port. Include the transfer to Santander in the plan.

Read santander to portsmouth

Portsmouth arrival

Plan the onward train transfer or road journey after leaving the international ferry terminal.

Read portsmouth arrival

Sources and service review

Travel guidance checked 19 October 2026 using published information from Brittany Ferries. This guide explains the journey; the dated booking result and operator confirmation determine your sailing, fare and reporting time.

How FerryEU checks its guides · Report a route-information correction

Official route and travel information:

Ferry companies

Ferry operators on the Bilbao–Portsmouth route

Compare the operators and departures offered for your dates. The sailing result confirms the carrier, vessel and travel options for that journey.

Brittany Ferries

Brittany Ferries is listed in FerryEU’s guide to this crossing. Search the Bilbao to Portsmouth direction to see which departures and ticket types are offered for your date.

Check the vessel, boarding arrangements at Bilbao, baggage allowance and any vehicle or accommodation options in the selected sailing. The return leg can have a different schedule or ship.

Cars and other touring vehicles accepted
Foot-passenger bookings available
Northbound sailing with one night onboard in the current route description

Compare Ferry Prices Brittany Ferries guide

Departure and arrival ports

Departing Bilbao and arriving in Portsmouth

Departure · Spain

Bilbao Ferry Port

Bilbao ferry port is at Zierbena, around 21 km from Bilbao city. The terminal is well connected to the A-8 road network, while the nearest metro station is at Santurtzi, around 3 km away.

For your Bilbao to Portsmouth sailing, arrange your journey to Bilbao around the check-in deadline. The ferry may use a different entrance or terminal from other services at the same harbour. Check the boarding instructions before booking a connecting train, bus or taxi.

About 21 km from central Bilbao
Road access via N-644 and the A-8 corridor
Port shuttle arrangements can help foot passengers reach Bilbao

Explore Bilbao port and destination guide

Portsmouth waterfront, Spinnaker Tower and historic harbour in England

Arrival · United Kingdom

Portsmouth Ferry Port

Portsmouth International Port provides direct motorway access via the M275 and is Brittany Ferries’ principal English base for routes to France and Spain.

After the ferry reaches Portsmouth, allow time for disembarkation before a collection or onward connection. Check where passengers leave the terminal and whether your next stop is within walking distance or requires a transfer.

Direct road link from the M275
Public transport connections available

Explore Portsmouth port and destination guide

On board

Your Bilbao–Portsmouth crossing

Use the facilities listed for the ship on your departure. Vessel assignments and onboard services can change.

Cabins

Check the required accommodation for the northbound sailing, advertised with one night onboard. Reserve the cabin type offered for your ship and date.

Restaurants & bars

Multiple meal periods make onboard dining an important part of the route experience.

Lounges & decks

Public lounges and outside decks provide space to relax during daylight hours.

Shopping & entertainment

Shops and entertainment vary by ship and help break up the long passage.

Before departure

Prepare for check-in at Bilbao

The Bilbao to Portsmouth journey crosses between Spain and United Kingdom. Check the current entry and travel-document requirements for your nationality and itinerary, together with the operator’s boarding instructions.

Your departure terminal

Use the terminal named on the Bilbao booking confirmation. Plan the approach, parking or drop-off before departure; the town centre or onward transport stop may be some distance from check-in.

Passenger and vehicle details

Check names and travel details before you arrive. If taking a vehicle, enter its full dimensions and include trailers, roof loads or rear-mounted equipment where required.

Travel documents

Use current official guidance for documents, entry permissions and any vehicle or pet requirements that apply to your journey. Requirements depend on your circumstances and can change.

After arriving

Continue your journey from Portsmouth

Portsmouth International Port is separate from the city railway stations, the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf. Plan the transfer from the ferry terminal before arranging sightseeing or an onward train.

The Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and Old Portsmouth fit naturally into a harbour-side walk.

A car is useful for the South Downs, Chichester and onward touring after an international ferry crossing.

For an onward connection from Portsmouth, include time to leave the ship and terminal. Check local transport for the actual arrival day, especially if the ferry arrives early in the morning or late at night. A nearby hotel or a later connection may give more flexibility if the crossing is delayed.

Explore Portsmouth

Other ferry options

Compare routes for your Bilbao to Portsmouth journey

Search nearby dates and compare the complete journey when considering another crossing. Different ports can change your transfer time, onward drive or overnight plans.

Bilbao → RosslareAnother departure from Bilbao. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route Santander → PortsmouthAnother crossing arriving in Portsmouth. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route Caen → PortsmouthAnother crossing arriving in Portsmouth. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route

Return journey: Portsmouth to Bilbao · Browse all ferry routes

Common planning questions

Bilbao to Portsmouth ferry FAQs

How long is the Bilbao to Portsmouth ferry?

Where do I check in at Bilbao?

The ferry terminal marketed as Bilbao is at Zierbena, around 21 km from the city. Santurtzi metro station is still about 3 km from the terminal, so a separate connection is needed for foot passengers.

Can I take a vehicle or travel on foot?

Foot passengers and cars can be booked, subject to availability on the selected sailing. Enter the full dimensions of any vehicle and attached equipment. If you travel without a car, include the transfers at both ferry ports.

What accommodation should I book?

Book the required accommodation for the selected northbound sailing. The published sailing information has one night onboard, so compare the actual cabin and inclusions rather than copying the two-night southbound package.

How do I compare Bilbao–Portsmouth ferry fares?

Can I travel with a pet?

Ordinary pets cannot accompany foot passengers on Brittany Ferries’ France and Spain routes. Reserve the permitted vehicle and ship accommodation in advance. For an assistance dog, contact the operator about the arrangements for your sailing.

Can I use Bilbao–Portsmouth throughout winter?

Do not assume a year-round northbound service. Brittany Ferries directs winter travellers to Santander in its published service guidance. Check the date in the sailing calendar and compare the complete journey to the alternative Spanish departure port.

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