Bilbao

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Ferries

Sections

1. Ferry Services in Bilbao and Surrounding Areas

Bilbao does not have a large-scale ferry terminal for passenger ferries within the city itself. However, the nearby port of Santurtzi, located about 15 km northwest of Bilbao, serves as the main ferry terminal for international and regional ferry services. Additionally, there are smaller boat services and river cruises available within Bilbao for leisure purposes.

a) International Ferry Services

The primary ferry service near Bilbao is operated by Brittany Ferries, connecting the Port of Bilbao (Santurtzi) to the United Kingdom.

  • Route: Bilbao (Santurtzi) ↔ Portsmouth, UK
  • Operator: Brittany Ferries
  • Frequency: Typically 2-3 sailings per week, depending on the season.
  • Duration: Approximately 24-30 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions.

b) Local Boat Services

While there are no commuter ferries in Bilbao, there are leisure boat services and river cruises along the Nervión River, which runs through the city. These are primarily for sightseeing and provide a unique perspective of Bilbao’s architecture and landmarks.

  • Routes: Nervión River tours, typically starting near the Guggenheim Museum or the Old Town (Casco Viejo).
  • Operators: Various private companies, such as Bilboats.
  • Duration: 1-2 hours, depending on the tour.

2. Schedules

a) Brittany Ferries (Santurtzi-Portsmouth)

  • Departure Days: Sailings are typically scheduled on specific days of the week. Check the Brittany Ferries website for the most up-to-date schedule.
  • Departure Time: Usually in the late afternoon or evening (e.g., 15:00-18:00).
  • Arrival Time: Arrives in Portsmouth the following day, late afternoon or evening.

b) Local River Cruises

  • Frequency: Daily, with multiple departures depending on the operator.
  • Typical Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with tours departing every 1-2 hours.

3. Ticket Costs

a) Brittany Ferries

  • Standard Ticket Prices:
    • Foot passengers: Starting at €100-€150 one way.
    • Vehicles: Additional fees apply, starting at €200-€300 depending on the size of the vehicle.
    • Cabins: Optional, with prices ranging from €50-€200 depending on the type of cabin.
  • Discounts: Early bookings, group discounts, and loyalty programs may apply.

b) Local River Cruises

  • Ticket Prices:
    • Adults: €10-€20 per person.
    • Children: €5-€10 per person.
    • Family packages or group discounts may be available.

4. How to Purchase Tickets

a) Brittany Ferries

  • Online: Tickets can be purchased directly on the Brittany Ferries website (www.brittany-ferries.co.uk).
  • Travel Agencies: Many travel agencies in Bilbao and abroad can assist with ferry bookings.
  • At the Port: Tickets can also be purchased at the ferry terminal in Santurtzi, but availability may be limited, especially during peak travel seasons.

b) Local River Cruises

  • Online: Many operators, such as Bilboats, offer online booking through their websites.
  • On-Site: Tickets can be purchased at the departure points along the Nervión River.
  • Tourist Offices: Bilbao’s tourist information centers can assist with bookings and provide recommendations.

5. Special Procedures

  • Brittany Ferries:

    • Check-In: Passengers are required to check in at least 90 minutes before departure. For vehicles, check-in may close earlier (e.g., 2 hours before departure).
    • Documentation: A valid passport or national ID card is required for all passengers. UK travelers should also check for any post-Brexit travel requirements.
    • Luggage: Foot passengers can bring luggage, but there are restrictions on size and weight. Vehicle passengers can store luggage in their vehicles during the journey.

  • Local River Cruises:

    • No special procedures are required. Simply arrive at the departure point 15-30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

6. Local Tips and Considerations

  • Getting to Santurtzi:

    • From Bilbao, you can reach the Port of Santurtzi by:
      • Metro: Take Line 2 (L2) toward Santurtzi. The journey takes about 25-30 minutes, and the port is a short taxi ride or walk from the Santurtzi metro station.
      • Bus: Bizkaibus services connect Bilbao to Santurtzi.
      • Taxi: A taxi from central Bilbao to Santurtzi costs approximately €20-€30.
    • Plan to arrive early to allow time for check-in and boarding.

  • Weather Considerations: Ferry schedules may be affected by weather conditions, especially during the winter months. Always check for updates before traveling.

  • Leisure Cruises: For the best experience, consider taking a river cruise in the late afternoon or early evening to enjoy the sunset and the city’s illuminated landmarks.

  • Language: While English is spoken by ferry staff on international routes, it’s helpful to know some basic Spanish or Basque phrases when dealing with local operators.

  • Accessibility: Most ferries and river cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s a good idea to confirm with the operator in advance.

7. Key Contacts

  • Brittany Ferries Customer Service: +44 330 159 7000 (UK) or +34 902 108 147 (Spain)
  • Bilbao Tourist Office: +34 944 795 760
  • Bilboats (River Cruises): +34 946 085 000

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Bilbao’s ferry options and enjoy your journey, whether you’re traveling internationally or exploring the city’s waterways.