Spain
Bilbao to Portsmouth Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Bilbao
Basque Country
Arrives
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Brittany FerriesAt a glance
The Bilbao to Portsmouth ferry takes about 29h 30m, with one departure at 13:00. It is operated by Brittany Ferries.
- First sailing
- 13:00
- Last sailing
- 13:00
- Sailings listed
- 1
- Crossing
- 29h 30m
Bilbao to Portsmouth ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13:00 | 17:30 | 29h 30m | Brittany FerriesGalicia | Tue, Sat |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Bilbao – Portsmouth crossing
Bilbao to Portsmouth sails on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 13:00, arriving at 17:30 the following day — a crossing of about twenty-nine and a half hours on Galicia.
Bilbao's ferry terminal is at Zierbena, on the far side of the Nervión estuary from the city, roughly twenty minutes from the Guggenheim by road. The Basque coast, San Sebastián and the Rioja are all within easy reach of the port, which is part of why the route holds up.
Galicia is the first of the LNG dual-fuel E-Flexers and carries freight on the same decks as cars — a Biscay crossing has to earn its keep in both markets. Cabins are effectively compulsory on a passage of this length. Brittany Ferries is the only operator sailing direct between northern Spain and England.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Cabins, including pet-friendly cabins and kennels
- Reclining seats on daytime crossings
- Restaurants, bars and cinemas on the long routes
- Cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and bicycles
- LNG dual-fuel and hybrid ships
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Ships on the Bilbao – Portsmouth route
Galicia works this crossing on all 1 listed sailings.
Galicia
Brittany Ferries
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 29h 30m.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Brittany Ferries) for current fares.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by Brittany Ferries.
How often does the ferry run?
There is 1 departure on operating days, departing at 13:00.
Is there an overnight option?
Some sailings run overnight — the longest crossing is around 29h 30m, and cabins or reclining seats are usually available. Check the individual sailing and operator for onboard sleeping options.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings operate on selected days, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Brittany Ferries does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Brittany Ferries, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Portsmouth
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Portsmouth.
Same departure port
More ferries from Bilbao
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Bilbao or Portsmouth
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 8, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 6, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Bilbao on the map
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