Brittany Ferries sails Portsmouth to Bilbao in around 36 hours, a two-night sailing and the longest direct crossing from the UK to Spain, up to twice a week, all year round. It’s a proper stretch across the Bay of Biscay, landing you deep in the Basque Country.
We haven’t sailed this route ourselves yet. Our own Brittany Ferries experience so far is on the shorter France crossings (see our Cherbourg and Saint-Malo write-ups). What’s below is based on route research and current operator information, not a first-hand crossing.
Departures
Sailings run a few times a week, less often than the France routes, and the schedule thins out further in winter. Given the crossing length, this is a route to plan around rather than book at the last minute. Check current departure days at Brittany Ferries.
Ship and stay
A cabin is the sensible option for a crossing this long, most travellers treat it as a proper overnight (or two-night) stay rather than a seated journey. Expect a wider range of onboard facilities than the short Channel routes, multiple restaurants, lounges, entertainment and outdoor deck space, since passengers are aboard for a lot longer.
Departure from Portsmouth
As with the Santander route, check-in for the longer sailings tends to open earlier than on the short crossings, go by your ticket. See our Portsmouth port guide for check-in, parking and getting to the terminal.
Same Bay of Biscay crossing as the Santander route, and the same caveat applies: it has a reputation for rough water, especially outside summer. Big ferries handle it fine, but you may feel it. A cabin with a window is worth it if you’re at all prone to seasickness.
Arrival in Bilbao
The ferry terminal sits at Zierbena, outside the city itself, with a drive in to central Bilbao from there. It’s a genuinely good arrival point for the Basque Country, plus decent onward road access into central and southern Spain if Bilbao itself isn’t the final stop.
Costs and booking
This is the most expensive route from Portsmouth simply because it’s the longest, you’re paying for more time and a cabin, not just a ticket. Book ahead, availability on the less frequent sailings tightens up faster than on the daily France routes. Check current prices at Brittany Ferries for your dates.
Alternatives
Portsmouth to Santander is a similar crossing time and worth comparing if Bilbao itself isn’t the specific draw. If two nights at sea doesn’t appeal at all, the usual alternative is driving down through France to a shorter Spanish crossing further south, which trades ferry time for road time rather than cutting the journey down. See all five routes on the Portsmouth ferries overview.
Worth the detour: San Sebastián
San Sebastián isn’t a ferry port, so there’s no direct crossing there, but it’s about an hour’s drive east of Bilbao, even closer than from Santander. If Bilbao is your ferry and San Sebastián is your destination, that’s a straightforward add-on, not a detour.
FAQs
How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao?
Around 36 hours, a two-night sailing and the longest direct UK to Spain crossing.
Does the ferry arrive in Bilbao itself?
It docks at Zierbena, a short drive from central Bilbao, not right in the city centre.
Is this route only for cars?
No, foot passengers can travel too, though most people take this route with a vehicle given how far it goes.