- Must visit
Museo Guggenheim Bilbao
Globally known museum for contemporary art in a landmark riverside building. Go for the architecture, sculpture terraces and strong temporary shows.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£153
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£153
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 d 9 h
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 d 9 h
Ferries on 18 Sept
1
Distance
849 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Portsmouth to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Bilbao will cost around £153 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £153.
Fast ferries
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao, including 1 direct services.
On Fri 18 Sept the direct ferries cover the 849 km distance in an average of 1 d 9 h but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 1 d 9 h .
The slowest ferries will take 1 d 9 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
21:0033h00Portsmouth6:00Bilbao£1531One-way0 changes
- 21:0033h00Portsmouth6:00Bilbao£1531One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare flight and ferry for Portsmouth to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £52 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £52, while a ferry costs an average of £418.
Distance: 458 nautical miles (849 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£418 Average Price | £52 Average Price Cheapest | £124 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
34h 41m Average total duration 33h 41m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 1h 59m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 14h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao is a flight with an average price of £52.
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Bilbao:
A flight is £366 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao costing on average £418.
The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 59m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Ferry takes on average 33h 41m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Bilbao including taking a flight and ferry.
Portsmouth to Bilbao Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 19:00 | Arrival Time 08:00 | Duration 36h00 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 20:30 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 33h30 | Sailing Days Mon |
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 33h00 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat |
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 22:45 | Arrival Time 07:00 | Duration 32h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed |
Operator Brittany Ferries | Departure Time 22:00 | Arrival Time 08:00 | Duration 33h00 | Sailing Days Sun |
Live departures
Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Bilbao ferries for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brittany Ferries | 19:00 Portsmouth International Port | 36h00 | 8:00 Bilbao | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Bilbao by flight or ferry
Compare flight and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao
United Kingdom
Spain
Ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao run on average 1 times per day, taking around 33h 41m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £184 but you can travel from only £15 by flight.
There are 1 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 01:00, the last at 22:46. The fastest ferry covers the 458 nautical miles (849 km) distance in 33h 0m. There are 2 sailings per week.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £15
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 458 nautical miles (849 km) |
Average sailing duration 33h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £184 |
Ferries per day 1 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 2 |
Fastest ferry 33h 0m |
First ferry 1:00 |
Last ferry 22:46 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £15
Ferry operators: Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to BilbaoYou can travel by ferry between Portsmouth to Bilbao with Brittany Ferries for as low as £15. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Brittany Ferries
About
Brittany Ferries is a French shipping company, founded in 1972 by Alexis Gourvennec and a group of Breton farmers to export their produce to the UK. It operates a fleet of ferries and cruiseferries, connecting France, England, Ireland, Spain, and the Channel Islands. Brittany Ferries offers a wide selection of routes, including popular crossings like Portsmouth to Caen, Plymouth to Roscoff, and Poole to Cherbourg. The company focuses on providing a comfortable travel experience with luxury cruise ferries, offering amenities like French cuisine, varied entertainment, and duty-free shopping. Brittany Ferries is also committed to environmental sustainability, having been awarded the Green Marine Europe eco-label for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Brittany Ferries Duration
33h 0m
Cheapest Brittany Ferries Price
£184
Luggage included
Foot passengers are recommended to limit luggage to a maximum of two pieces weighing 20kg per crossing, as assistance is not provided between the terminal and ship.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased, and supplements apply for rear-mounted bicycle carriers or roof loads.
Luggage storage
There is an area on each ship where you can leave larger items of luggage.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation charges vary depending on the ticket type (Economy, Flexi, Standard) and the period of notice given before the scheduled outward travel date.
Refund
If you cancel your booking within 24 hours of receipt of the booking confirmation, you will receive a full refund.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but it is recommended to consult your vet before the journey if traveling with a pet.
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Onboard restaurants and food options are available.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Some ports may not have lifts to access the ship and require walking up a ramp, escalator, or stairs; contact Brittany Ferries if you have mobility issues.
Bikes
Brittany Ferries accepts bicycles for both foot and vehicle passengers, with bicycle passenger fares available for those traveling with only bikes.
Pets
Pets are allowed in pet-friendly cabins, onboard kennels, or in your vehicle, but not in public areas of the ship.
Cabin reservation
Cabins can be reserved, including pet-friendly cabins.
Complete guide to Bilbao
Things to do in Bilbao
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
- Must visit
Bilboko Arte Ederren Museoa
Fine arts museum with collections from medieval works to modern painting and sculpture. A strong choice for a broader art visit beyond the Guggenheim.
- Recommended
Euskal Museoa
Museum on Basque archaeology, ethnography and maritime life in the old quarter. A clear introduction to regional history and identity.
- Must visit
Casco Viejo
Bilbao’s old town of narrow lanes, churches, shops and lively squares. Ideal for walking, local atmosphere and understanding the city’s historic core.
- Must visit
Mirador de Artxanda
Hilltop viewpoint above the city reached by the Artxanda funicular. Worth it for broad views over Bilbao and the surrounding green hills.
- Recommended
Plaza Nueva
Elegant central square with arcades, cafés around the edges and frequent city events. A convenient stop between the old and newer parts of Bilbao.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al pil-pil
Salt cod cooked slowly with olive oil, garlic and chilli until it forms a silky sauce. A Basque classic closely linked with Bilbao’s taverns and home cooking.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la vizcaína
Salt cod baked or simmered in a red pepper and tomato sauce, often with onion. A traditional Biscayan dish emblematic of local Basque cooking.
- Gluten-free
Angulas a la bilbaína
Baby eels sautéed with olive oil, garlic and chilli, usually served very hot in a clay dish. A classic celebratory pintxo in Bilbao.
Gure Toki
Bustling pintxos bar in Casco Viejo with a wide counter selection and a lively, informal atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Sorginzulo
Well-known tavern for inventive and traditional pintxos near Plaza Nueva, with a busy bar scene and strong local following.
Victor Montes
Historic Old Town restaurant known for classic Basque dishes and seafood in a traditional, polished setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and dining cost more than in many inland Spanish cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in taxis; small change in cafés is enough.
FAQs: Portsmouth to Bilbao ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth to Bilbao by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Portsmouth to Bilbao can start from as little as £184 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Portsmouth to Bilbao is £418; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao is 33h 0m to travel the 849 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao leaves at 1:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao leaves at 22:46.
Yes, there are 1 direct ferries a day from Portsmouth to Bilbao with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
No, there are no cabins on ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao.
No, there are no vehicle options on ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Portsmouth to Bilbao is possible with . We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses, and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao, you can count on Brittany Ferries for the best way to get you to Bilbao. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Portsmouth and Bilbao and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Bilbao from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 33h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Bilbao including taking a flight and ferry.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Bilbao
Most Portsmouth to Bilbao ferries use the Portsmouth International Port to Bilbao port pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Bilbao ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Portsmouth
Arrival ports in Bilbao
Which Portsmouth port do ferries to Bilbao leave from?
Ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao leave from Portsmouth International Port. The port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre at The Brittany Centre, Wharf Rd, Portsmouth PO2 8RU, United Kingdom.
Portsmouth International PortThe Brittany Centre, Wharf Rd, Portsmouth PO2 8RU, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth International Port from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
BusX4, X5, Pr1 · 3m · every ~55 min
8, 3, 7, X4, X5 · 6m · £2 · every ~113 min
18 · 9m · £2 · every ~20 min
Portsmouth International Port port facilities and services
Portsmouth International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Ship and Castle (0.6km), The John Jacques (0.8km), The Lady Hamilton (0.9km)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi. ATMs are available near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth International Port.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Portsmouth International Port: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth International Port.
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Bilbao and Portsmouth
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