Book a ferry at the port of Bilbao

1. By car

The port of Bilbao has very direct road access from the A-8 motorway: take exit 130 towards Portua-Santurtzi and continue along the N-644 to the port area.

Once you are near the port, simply follow the yellow "ferry" signs, which guide you from the main road directly to the boarding terminal.

From central Bilbao, the drive takes around twenty-five minutes, or slightly longer at peak times or on particularly busy days.

Bear in mind that, as this is an international route, check-in closes 45 minutes before departure, or up to 90 minutes before if you are travelling with a pet.

If you are boarding with a car or motorhome, move into the lane indicated for your departure and have your ticket and vehicle documents ready.

Before setting off, you can confirm your ferry timetable and booking details on Kikoto Ferries, so you arrive in Santurtzi with plenty of time to spare.

2. By taxi

Taking a taxi to the port of Bilbao is a convenient option, especially if you are travelling with luggage or prefer not to drive from the city centre to Santurtzi.

From central Bilbao, the journey to the Santurtzi terminal is around fifteen kilometres, with the journey time and fare depending on traffic and the time of day.

Santurtzi has a radio taxi service throughout the day, ideal for covering the final kilometres between the metro station and Quay A3.

Fares are regulated, with fixed initial and per-kilometre charges; surcharges may apply at night, on public holidays or for bulky luggage.

You can easily find taxis at several nearby locations, including:

• The taxi rank beside the Santurtzi Ferry Terminal, on Quay A3 itself.
• Santurtzi town centre and fishing port, famous for its sardine sellers.
• Santurtzi metro station, the terminus of Metro Bilbao Line 2.
• Central Bilbao, from Gran Vía or Abando station.

When ordering a taxi, simply say you are going to the ferry terminal at the port of Bilbao, at Quay A3 in Santurtzi; drivers know the area and will drop you at the terminal entrance.

3. By public transport

Travelling by public transport to the port of Bilbao is easy thanks to the metro, commuter trains and buses connecting the city with Santurtzi.

The most convenient connection is Metro Bilbao, whose Line 2 reaches its terminus in Santurtzi after around twenty-five minutes from the city centre; from there, the terminal is a short taxi or bus ride away.

The most practical ways to reach the terminal are:

• Metro Bilbao, Line 2: reaches Santurtzi station, the closest to the port, in around twenty-five minutes from Bilbao.
• Renfe commuter rail, line C-1: connects Abando station in Bilbao with Santurtzi in just over twenty minutes.
• Bizkaibus buses: several routes connect Santurtzi with Bilbao and other towns on the left bank.

As timetables may vary by day and season, check each operator's latest information and allow plenty of time before check-in.

Bear in mind that the terminal is not in the town centre, so although the Santurtzi seafront promenade is pleasant for walking, the most practical way to complete the journey to Quay A3 is by taxi or bus.

Services

The port of Bilbao has a modern, well-equipped terminal designed to make the wait before a long crossing as comfortable as possible.

Why travel with Kikoto Ferries?

Booking with Kikoto Ferries to depart from the port of Bilbao gives you everything in one place: Brittany Ferries timetables, routes to the United Kingdom and Ireland and the conditions of each ticket, ready to compare.

Here is what you gain by booking with us:

• Compare prices, dates and ferry companies for each route at a glance.
• Pay securely, with the full amount clearly displayed and no hidden charges.
• Receive your digital ticket and manage online check-in when the ferry company allows it.
• Use the "I'm in a hurry" express mode and complete your purchase in just a few steps.
• You can rely on our support while searching, purchasing and preparing for your trip.

The port of Bilbao is much more than just a boarding point: it is northern Spain's main ferry departure point for the British Isles. With Kikoto Ferries, you can compare upcoming crossings, choose a date and cabin, plan how to reach Santurtzi and check the terminal services without leaving the website. Book in seconds and travel with everything under control. Your next crossing starts now, with Kikoto Ferries.