United Kingdom
Portsmouth to Bilbao Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Arrives
Bilbao
Basque Country
Brittany FerriesAt a glance
The Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry takes about 33h, with one departure at 22:00. It is operated by Brittany Ferries.
- First sailing
- 22:00
- Last sailing
- 22:00
- Sailings listed
- 1
- Crossing
- 33h
Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22:00 | 08:00 | 33h | Brittany FerriesGalicia | Sun |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Portsmouth – Bilbao crossing
The same crossing is timetabled at 32, 33 or 36 hours depending on which departure you take. Brittany Ferries lists a Thursday sailing at 19:00 running 2,160 minutes, a Sunday one at 22:00 at 1,980, and a Tuesday one at 22:45 at 1,934. Each has its own validity window as well as its own duration.
Three timetables, not one
The Thursday service is listed from 6 August to 29 October 2026, the Sunday one from 9 August to 1 November, and the Tuesday one only from 3 November to 1 December. They overlap in part and replace each other in part, so the departure available to you depends on the week as much as the day.
Across the Bay of Biscay
This is one of the long-haul routes of the western European network: England to northern Spain by sea, bypassing the whole of France. For a driver heading to Iberia it removes roughly a thousand miles of motorway, which is why a thirty-six-hour passage still sells.
Evening departures, and two nights aboard
All three sailings leave between seven and eleven at night. On a crossing of this length that means two nights at sea and a daytime arrival — cabins are standard rather than optional, and the fare reflects that.
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 Portsmouth – Bilbao route
Galicia works this crossing on all 3 listed sailings.
Galicia
Brittany Ferries
3 sailings on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Does this ferry cross an international border?
No, it's entirely within United Kingdom.
How often does the ferry run?
One sailing a day on this route (Sun).
What time does it depart?
Departure is set for 23:00.
How long, roughly, is the crossing?
About 33h under normal conditions.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Brittany Ferries.
Is this a daily service?
No, it runs Sun only.
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.
Is there an overnight option?
Some sailings run overnight — the longest crossing is around 33h, 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.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Bilbao
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Bilbao.
Same departure port
More ferries from Portsmouth
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Portsmouth or Bilbao
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 9, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 10, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Portsmouth on the map
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