Europe's longest ferry journey departs from Portsmouth, England, and takes 36 hours to reach Bilbao in Spain's Basque Country. Operated by Brittany Ferries, the service runs twice a week, offering an alternative to air travel during peak summer season.
Journey details and schedule
The ferry accommodates cars, bikes, and motorhomes. On Thursdays, it leaves Portsmouth at 7pm and arrives in Bilbao at 8am two days later, totaling 36 hours. Sundays depart at 10pm and arrive at 8am, shaving three hours off the journey. The return route operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays, taking between 29 hours 30 minutes and 32 hours 45 minutes.
Onboard amenities
Passengers receive private cabins with what Brittany Ferries describes as 'the largest and most comfortable beds in the fleet.' Dining options include a main restaurant serving Spanish food and La Taberna for lighter bites. A sundeck features sports equipment and a children's play area, while additional play spaces offer interactive games, video systems, and in-cabin TVs.
Pricing and availability
Prices vary by season. As of July 2026, a standard ticket for August 20 costs £396. Looking ahead to October, fares drop to £231. Availability remains for late August.
Exploring Bilbao
Often called 'the Manchester of Spain,' Bilbao offers the Guggenheim Museum, a regenerated riverbank, a vibrant music scene, and waterside bars and restaurants. Athletic Bilbao flags are ubiquitous, reflecting the city's football culture. A tour of San Mamés Stadium costs £19 for adults, £7 for children, and is free for under-6s.
The Iralabarri district, built around 1916, features colourful terraced houses inspired by Victorian England, earning it the nickname 'the Notting Hill of Bilbao.' The Museum of Basque Nationalism offers archaeology, anthropology, folklore, and history exhibits. Entry is free on Wednesdays; other weekdays cost £4.50, including an audio guide.
Bilbao La Vieja, or Bilbi, is an eclectic district with graffiti, tattoo studios, trendy bars like Bihotz Café, and independent clothes shops. Visitors can grab coffee at Bar Marzana 16 or explore architectural gems such as Casa Cuna and Atxuri Station.
