Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry: England to Spain by sea

The Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry sails straight from the south coast of England to northern Spain across the Bay of Biscay — the longest crossing from the UK, and a way to skip two days of driving through France.

How long is the crossing?

Direct sailings take around 24 hours or more, so it's a full mini-cruise with at least one night — sometimes two — on board. It's the longest ferry route from the UK.

Brittany Ferries operates it with large cruise-ferries; a cabin is essential and included in the way you book.

The Bay of Biscay

The route crosses the open Bay of Biscay, famous for both its wildlife and its occasionally lively seas. Whale and dolphin sightings are common, and many sailings carry ORCA wildlife guides on deck.

If you're prone to seasickness, book a mid-ship cabin and check the forecast; conditions are usually calm in summer.

Cabins, dining and on board

Cabins run from inside berths to en-suite sea-view rooms and commodore suites. The ships have restaurants, bars, a cinema, pool areas on some vessels, shops and outside decks for the wildlife watching.

Meal packages and reserved seating are worth booking ahead given the length of the crossing.

Why choose it over driving

Arriving in Bilbao puts you straight into northern Spain — Basque Country, Cantabria, Rioja and the road south — without the long haul down through France and its tolls and fuel.

Fares are higher than short crossings because a cabin and a day at sea are included, but for a car full of people and luggage it can compare well with driving, and you arrive rested.