Hampshire, England · Santander and Bilbao
Portsmouth Ferry Port
The busiest UK port for sailings to Spain, with direct crossings to both Santander and Bilbao. Parking, height limits, directions and check-in, all in one place.
Address and opening hours
Portsmouth International Port sits just off the M275, open around the clock. The terminal is fully accessible, with lifts and wheelchair-accessible toilets throughout.
| Detail | Portsmouth International Port |
|---|---|
| Port address | George Byng Way, Portsmouth PO2 8SP |
| Brittany Ferries terminal | Wharf Road, Portsmouth PO2 8RU |
| Operators to Spain | Brittany Ferries |
| Other operators | Condor Ferries, to the Channel Islands |
| Access | 24 hours, year round |
| Check-in | 45 minutes before departure, 90 with a pet |
Signage inside the port directs you to the right terminal once you are through the entrance.
Parking at Portsmouth
The long-stay car park is a few minutes’ walk from the terminal, which is what you want if you are leaving the car behind for a fortnight. There are also 20-minute bays directly outside for drop-offs.
At the port
- Long stay from £4 per hour, £13 per day
- 20-minute bays outside the terminal
- Secure and covered spaces available
- Pre-booking strongly recommended
Cheaper alternatives
- Market Way car park, around £10 per 24 hours
- Parkopedia and JustPark list private spaces nearby
- Brittany Ferries passengers get 10 per cent off JustPark with the code BRITTANYFERRIES
The car park has a 2.1 metre height limit
That is 6 ft 11 in, and it rules out most motorhomes, high-top vans and a lot of cars carrying roof boxes. If you are over 2.1 metres, you need a different plan. Caravans and motorhomes can wait in the check-in lanes after midnight for an early departure, at your own risk, but port facilities stay closed overnight.
Terminal facilities
While you wait
- Bar and cafe, shops and duty-free
- Passenger lounges with seating
- Free wifi and device charging points
- Bureau de change with cash machine
- Left luggage and baggage trolleys
Practical
- Lifts and wheelchair-accessible toilets
- Baby changing and breastfeeding area
- Information desks
- Customs and immigration on site
- 24-hour security and surveillance
Ferry routes from Portsmouth to Spain
| Route | Departures | Crossing | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth to Santander | Mon 21:30, Fri 22:00 | ~33 hours | Salamanca |
| Portsmouth to Bilbao | Thu 19:00, Sun 22:00 | 33 to 36 hours | Galicia |
Both are two-night crossings. Santander runs year round; Bilbao drops to one sailing a week over the winter. Portsmouth also serves several French routes and the Channel Islands.
A passport is mandatory, not a driving licence
Since Brexit you need a full passport for every passenger, including children, on any sailing to Spain or France. Check the expiry rules too: Spain requires your passport to have been issued within the last ten years and to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the EU.
Getting to the port
By car
- From the north: A3(M) to Portsmouth, then follow signs for the port
- From the west: M27 towards Portsmouth, leave at junction 12 onto the M275
- From the east: A27 towards Portsmouth, then junction 12 onto the M275
The M275 runs directly into the port, so once you are on it there are no further turns to worry about.
By train
Portsmouth Harbour and Portsmouth and Southsea are the two stations. Buses and taxis run from both to the port.
By air
Southampton Airport is nearest, with a direct train to Portsmouth Harbour.
By taxi
Available from the city centre, both stations and Southampton Airport. Ask for Portsmouth International Port.
Sailing from Portsmouth?
Direct crossings to Santander and Bilbao with Brittany Ferries.
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