Ferry crossing. Portsmouth to Bilbao - Page 2

Has anyone done this trip on the ferry sailing with animals? We are going back to UK for a couple of months in September and will be taking our Cat with us. Previously used Eurotunnel and drove through France but have decided to return by Ferry this time. 

Hi Carole

We have done both routes several times now and we find the journey fine we some times have an over night stay when we arrive in Spain depending on what time the ferry arrives in Santander or Bilbao.

My wife always takes a travel kettle with tea and coffee food on board is fine breakfast is very good.

We have a long drive as we live in Torre De La Horradada but we can normally get here in about 8 hours we stop for a coffee toilet break a couple of times.

Please be aware of thieves on the motorway flagging you over asking for help etc we have not experienced this ourselves but our friends have had trouble mainly just outside of Santander.

Loads of nice stop overs on the way down clean cheap hotels we normally stay in Burgos when we stop over but like I said it really does depend on what time you arrive.

We live in Newcastle Upon Tyne so have a long travel both ends but fully enjoy the journey as we always pack the car with a few home comforts!!

I would also recommend you fill your vehicle up in Spain a lot cheaper in Spain.

If you require any further information please just private message us safe journey.

Ian  

Hi

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.  Our place is not far from you in Pilar de la Horadada!  I am not great on boats.  Is the sea choppy in August/September?

We were going to stop in a lovely hotel in Borgus but read that the car park was really tight and didn’t want to park in a public car park as have read about cars being broken into.

We are now going to stop in a hotel in Palencia because there is lots of on site parking.

How long before the boats sails to do arrive at the port?  Someone messaged me to say that it is really difficult to find the port in Bilbao on their return (google maps?)

We are only driving because the cost of car hire was astronomical.  About 10 times more than we normally pay.  Carole

I did portsmouth to bilbao, stayed in a hotel in Portsmouth night before and did the same in bilbao on my return. I enjoyed every minute of the crossing both ways. You can chill out have a drink and eat well for the money . There are three restaurants as such and I found the one on the middle deck (I think ) very good value. I did find Bilbao port difficult to access on the return as the signage is very understated in my opinion..As with most ferries you can't access your car once they close the car deck , so be sure to pack everything you need in a night bag or similar ..Happy sailing..

I did the Portsmouth Bilbao sailing last October. Very easy and relaxing. Had a single outside berth. The weather for the crossing can be variable but I was lucky, very smooth.

The drive down is an easy 8 hour whether you go via Madrid or Valencia. I’d do it again. 

Hi Carole. We have done both crossing several times, sometimes very calm some not so. I’m ok if laying down in cabin. Before all this Brexit rubbish. We used to take a cool box on with us. With bottles of water, one of which we froze, this wou thaw out but give us water to drink once we got off, plus water for the cabin, plastic cups, snacks, crisps,nuts,fruit etc etc, bottles of wine which we took to the bar to drink, bottle opener. Books or kindle, pack of cards. Something to listen to our own music with ear pods. Sea sickness tablets and sea bands and any other medication you might need, phone charger. We also went to reception once on board to ask for extra pillows and towels. Hope this helps 👍

Carol

As you can appreciate the weather can change but August / September probably two of the best months for ferry crossing.

Bilbao ferry terminal is not well sign posted however sat nav or google maps and you will be fine.

Just enjoy the journey and take a few pointers with regards to what people have said some good advice.

Kind regards

Ian 

Done the trip numerous times over the years. All been good sea travel except the last one March 19. Bay of Biscay really choppy. Much better than driving through France because you can relax a d sleep. Always had a pet friendly cabin as we wont leave our baby (DOG) in the kennels on deck. There is a designated area for exercise etc for the dog. Then a relaxed drive to Alicante. Always difficult to get a pet friendly cabin though as they are limited.

Hi

We have done this several times to Bilbao and Santander with no problems, it is approximately 9 hours drive down to Pillar de Horardada.  We always book a cabin on most occasions we have had a four berth cabin for just the two of us.  We usually take all the food and drink we would need on the ferry as prices can be expensive.  Although saying that we sometimes have a breakfast which is included in the price of the ferry and the odd drink on board. 
The drive down is quite enjoyable with the different scenery on the way.  We stop for food and drink on the way and take a short break but all in all no problems with any of our trips.  We will be doing it again in September when we come out to our house to do some more refurbishments.  

Happy traveling. 

I've done the crossing many times, the last time with two dogs, I wouldn't know about cat's though I think you would have to have it with you. As for me never again with dogs as the crossing was bad, the cages have tarpaulin strapped round but not sufficient for total protection and all the animals got a soaking, to make matters worse we had another ferry Cadiz to Tenerife which is a longer crossing.