The ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao, run by Brittany Ferries, is the classic way for British drivers to reach Spain with their own car without crossing France. Here is what to expect when you arrive.
The crossing
The crossing takes around a day and a half (roughly 29 – 36 hours depending on the ship and direction), with about two sailings a week. You sleep on board, so book a cabin. Check the current timetable and ships with Brittany Ferries.
Arriving
Ships dock at the port of Bilbao in Santurtzi, at the mouth of the river, about 20 minutes' drive from the city centre. From there:
- Bilbao centre: about 20 minutes.
- San Sebastián: about 1 h 15 on the AP-8 (tolls in Gipuzkoa).
- The coast and Cantabria: the A-8 west.
Roaming and data for UK drivers
Since Brexit, many UK mobile tariffs charge for roaming in Spain or limit it. Before you sail, check yours. A data eSIM for Spain, installed at home, gives you local data as you drive off the ship: maps, tolls, fuel stations and your first hotel, without removing your UK SIM, so calls and texts still reach your number.
First stops
Bilbao, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastián are all within an hour or so of the port.