Which ferry??

[WESTY66]

Ok so which is the best ferry to catch in the beginning of November 2026 from Portsmouth, is it to Bilbao or Santander, bearing in mind we are noobs as far as finding an aire the first night in Spain. Also when will the bookings be available (we do NOT need a pet cabin)

Or do we drive through France, which we don’t mind, yes we know it’s cold, we know the waters off but we can survive 5 nights with what we got

 

[Just smiffy]

For me it would boil down to costs, I don’t mind the driving through France and I think it would be cheeper for me but I did come back on the Santander ferry to Plymouth last month which I enjoyed, I only choose it for needing to get back slightly quicker…

I normally go Newhaven dieppe and down west coast through somport tunnel and on from there, diesel is slightly cheeper in France then uk at present… except motorway.

 

[Nanniemate]

Depends upon what you want , I enjoyed the drive down the west side from Dieppe in December last year. Water was not a problem but that went down to careful planning (not mine as I'm OK let's go type)
I came back via Madrid Burgus and torledo, it was stunning and the weather was kind I came back in January avoided tolls .
Not a lover of car ferries promoted as mini cruises but they can be great but I always ended up with someone's kids playing in the corridor outside my cabin.

Depends on your approach the holiday starts to some when you pull off the drive, others when they board , train, ferry/boat others when they get off.

If you have time restrictions remember boats get cancelled due to weather have a back up plan . I was lucky my boat was cancelled but u was close enough to get an earlier one

Your decision will be the right one as its the one you made at the time

 

[Dart]

I know you said from Portsmouth but if you'd consider Plymouth the Pont Aven sailing on 1st Nov 2026 is available to book now. The advantage of Plymouth over Portsmouth in this case is that it's a single night crossing rather than the dragged out two nights taken by the sailings from Portsmouth. The arrival time of 2pm would mean you'd have plenty of time to get parked up on an aire in daylight.

 

[Lee bay]

As above Plymouth to Santander for me but I am only 40 minutes from Plymouth the arrival time is good to lots of places to stay not too far away.

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[Basa]

Santander/ Bilbao are 2 night crossings
BUT you get the ferry between 7 and 9 at night, good for people with longer travel times to Portsmouth
You arrive in Spain at 8am and have a full day to get shopping etc and travel down through Spain
Cost wise probably not that much difference between Calai/newhaven

 

[Kamperkev]

There's a nice Aire in Santander we stayed for two nights and had a good around Santander

 

[Millcourt]

Ok so which is the best ferry to catch in the beginning of November 2026 from Portsmouth, is it to Bilbao or Santander, bearing in mind we are noobs as far as finding an aire the first night in Spain. Also when will the bookings be available (we do NOT need a pet cabin)

Or do we drive through France, which we don’t mind, yes we know it’s cold, we know the waters off but we can survive 5 nights with what we got

Hi Ady,

Have done both Bilbao and Santander routes at least 20 times in the MoHo/car in the last 10 years or so. Santander is west of Bilbao and adds around 50-60 miles to the journey to the Med (East coast of Spain). Perhaps more of a deciding factor is the times of departure and arrival in Spain to fit in with your travel plans. If you do not want to hang around in N. Spain, a morning arrival is preferable. Docking is usually 08.00 (Spanish time, 07.00 UK time) and you should expect to be asked to vacate your cabin an hour+ before arrival - so do not expect a good night’s sleep. If you choose a morning departure from Portsmouth, you can stay FOC overnight at Port Solent (10-15 min drive to Ferry Terminal). Have a look at Search4Sites App.

November crossings of Biscay can be trouble free…..but do not be surprised if you get a rough passage or delays in departure due to bad weather. On your arrival at either Bilbao or Santander there are local FOC options to overnight (again have a look at S4S), but I think it will be unlikely you will wish to hang around too long, as the weather on the North Coast of Spain is obviously affected by Atlantic weather systems and in November we have found it often cold with much rain. If it is sun you are after head as quickly as possible to the Med coast south of Valencia.

Also, bear in mind that Brittany Ferries operate a much reduced winter timetable frequency in November with usually only a couple of crossings a week from Portsmouth. The dates of sailings may not suit you if you have work-related time commitments. For November 2025 these are the crossings from the Brittany Ferries timetable:

Should mention that if you do decide to use Brittany Ferries, the cost of 2 singles is the same as a return booking and it is easier to change the homeward crossing, should the need arise, if it is a single. Also check out the discount you will get if you pay to become a Brittany Ferry Club member. However, I think unless you make a couple of return crossings in your year of membership, it is unlikely to be worth the cost of joining.

Time constraints for you may determine that any extra cost of the ferry over fuel etc to drive through France, still make the BF route your preferred choice. From memory, Cherbourg to Valencia (as an example) is around 550 miles further to drive than from Bibao.

For us time is not the main constraint and a fairly leisurely drive of 3 days or so through France (especially in November with the weather uncertainties in Biscay) would likely be our preferred option.

Good luck whatever you decide. I hope you and Val have a great holiday.
Brian.

 

[Lenny HB]

Getty a ferry to Spain is a long way round to Germany, let's face it we all know you will end up there.
Just don't go via Newhaven and disterb my peace

 

[WESTY66]

Hi Ady,

Have done both Bilbao and Santander routes at least 20 times in the MoHo/car in the last 10 years or so. Santander is west of Bilbao and adds around 50-60 miles to the journey to the Med (East coast of Spain). Perhaps more of a deciding factor is the times of departure and arrival in Spain to fit in with your travel plans. If you do not want to hang around in N. Spain, a morning arrival is preferable. Docking is usually 08.00 (Spanish time, 07.00 UK time) and you should expect to be asked to vacate your cabin an hour+ before arrival - so do not expect a good night’s sleep. If you choose a morning departure from Portsmouth, you can stay FOC overnight at Port Solent (10-15 min drive to Ferry Terminal). Have a look at Search4Sites App.

November crossings of Biscay can be trouble free…..but do not be surprised if you get a rough passage or delays in departure due to bad weather. On your arrival at either Bilbao or Santander there are local FOC options to overnight (again have a look at S4S), but I think it will be unlikely you will wish to hang around too long, as the weather on the North Coast of Spain is obviously affected by Atlantic weather systems and in November we have found it often cold with much rain. If it is sun you are after head as quickly as possible to the Med coast south of Valencia.

Also, bear in mind that Brittany Ferries operate a much reduced winter timetable frequency in November with usually only a couple of crossings a week from Portsmouth. The dates of sailings may not suit you if you have work-related time commitments. For November 2025 these are the crossings from the Brittany Ferries timetable:

View attachment 1093657
View attachment 1093659
View attachment 1093664

Should mention that if you do decide to use Brittany Ferries, the cost of 2 singles is the same as a return booking and it is easier to change the homeward crossing, should the need arise, if it is a single. Also check out the discount you will get if you pay to become a Brittany Ferry Club member. However, I think unless you make a couple of return crossings in your year of membership, it is unlikely to be worth the cost of joining.

Time constraints for you may determine that any extra cost of the ferry over fuel etc to drive through France, still make the BF route your preferred choice. From memory, Cherbourg to Valencia (as an example) is around 550 miles further to drive than from Bibao.

For us time is not the main constraint and a fairly leisurely drive of 3 days or so through France (especially in November with the weather uncertainties in Biscay) would likely be our preferred option.

Good luck whatever you decide. I hope you and Val have a great holiday.
Brian.

That’s very informative, thank you.
I’m hoping work will be a distant memory by then

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[WESTY66]

Getty a ferry to Spain is a long way round to Germany, let's face it we all no you will end up there.
Just don't go via Newhaven and disterb my peace

Ah yes newhaven, there’s an idea
Were hoping to be off to Morocco, Just smiffy and CaptainPaul are getting the beers in

I’ll need to take more spares

 

[Lenny HB]

Ah yes newhaven, there’s an idea
Were hoping to be off to Morocco, Just smiffy and CaptainPaul are getting the beers in

I’ll need to take more spares

You are frightened of wild camping in Germany or France no hope for you in Morocco .

 

[Jackd]

Plymouth - Santander is only 24hr crossing.
We’re 5 hrs from Santander Mr Westy. Kettle will be on for the Yorkshire tea
We have a spare bedroom for Val.

 

[WESTY66]

You are frightened of wild camping in Germany or France no hope for you in Morocco .

There’s no option in Morocco is there?

I don’t have time to meander and waste time to find somewhere that may be suitable to wild camp, I have 13 nights which are roughly planned to enjoy my trip to some extent before starting with dread for a return to work

 

[Jackd]

There’s no option in Morocco is there?

I don’t have time to meander and waste time to find somewhere that may be suitable to wild camp, I have 13 nights which are roughly planned to enjoy my trip to some extent before starting with dread for a return to work

Excellent, Drop the pretty one off with us, you bugger off to Africa & you can pick her up on the way back.

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[Barclaybasher]

I'd not do France to Spain in November - if the weather's bad,you won't want to stop - if the weather's clear it's colder and the sun is right in your face going South.....

Bilbao or Santander

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Excellent, Drop the pretty one off with us, you bugger off to Africa & you can pick her up on the way back.

He wouldn’t last a day without Val

 

[lorger]

Ady we’ve done both recently to get a feel for the difference, our first trip we left Newhaven on the 1st of November and drove down through France. We stayed at free Aires on the way down and really enjoyed taking it easy, we then spent a couple of days in Vitoria-Gasteiz for my birthday on the 5/11. We hadn’t booked a return ferry as we weren’t sure when we’d be heading home due to the imminent arrival of grandchild, we booked the ferry home from Santander to Portsmouth on the 28/12. Although the crossing was very smooth and the ship was fine I was bored out my skull , all we did really was lay in our cabin and watch shows/films we’d downloaded.

On our next trip we again went via Newhaven, however this time we drove down via Millau as our plan was if weather was nice we’d spend a few days in France. Although it wasn’t wet it wasn’t great so we just kept going and headed down Med coast of Spain. Again drive was fine and relaxed as no hurry, as before we stayed on free Aires on way with no issues regarding water. This time we had booked a return via Dieppe so we left Alicante and headed for Zaragoza before coming home via the Somport tunnel stopping at Jaca for a couple of nights. We did come home via Baye and La Rochelle as we decided to take our time (10 days) through France.
To give you an idea of fuel cost, we filled up in Zaragoza £70, La Rochelle £75 add the 1/2 the ferry which cost of just under £150 return due to late booking that works out at under £300 from Zaragoza to Newhaven. I think if you booked well in advance you might get the ferry to Spain for not much more, however we paid over £580 as we booked 3 night before.

We’re heading out again September or October and will probably drive through France, can’t book yet as daughter has just sold and bought new house and waiting for moving date before we book.

 

[cyberyacht]

Or do we drive through France, which we don’t mind, yes we know it’s cold, we know the waters off but we can survive 5 nights with what we got

You're from Yarksheer. By the time you've crossed the channel, that's practically the tropics by your standards. Anyway, Biscay in winter - pass the sickbag

 

[jongood]

Ok so which is the best ferry to catch in the beginning of November 2026 from Portsmouth, is it to Bilbao or Santander, bearing in mind we are noobs as far as finding an aire the first night in Spain. Also when will the bookings be available (we do NOT need a pet cabin)

Or do we drive through France, which we don’t mind, yes we know it’s cold, we know the waters off but we can survive 5 nights with what we got

We wouldnt fancy the bay of biscay in November. We driven through France in December serveral times, no problems, just need to carry a bit of extra water.

Portsmouth St malo is a nice trip if you can get a reasonable deal, although Portsmouth port is a pita. Portsmouth Caen is a safe bet but dont do the overnight unless your happy with 4 hours sleep. Dover calais cheapest.

There's a nice Aire in Santander we stayed for two nights and had a good around Santander

We're on it right now. Send me a pm addy and will do you a video call if you want to see it. WESTY66

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[WESTY66]

I’ll probably do Newhaven to dieppe, I know a nice free aire near Newhaven and a one man band that can do some jobs on the van whilst I’m down there

 

[AJM2]

Personally wouldn’t take the risk of the Bay of Biscay in November. I enjoy driving so through France would be my choice. Have done the Portsmouth Santander crossing and, like lorger above, I was SO bored. We’re currently in southern France having done the Portsmouth St Malo crossing.

 

[Barclaybasher]

I’ll probably do Newhaven to dieppe, I know a nice free aire near Newhaven and a one man band that can do some jobs on the van whilst I’m down there

Good luck with the weather and safe trip

 

[EuroTrotters]

Hi Ady,

Have done both Bilbao and Santander routes at least 20 times in the MoHo/car in the last 10 years or so. Santander is west of Bilbao and adds around 50-60 miles to the journey to the Med (East coast of Spain). Perhaps more of a deciding factor is the times of departure and arrival in Spain to fit in with your travel plans. If you do not want to hang around in N. Spain, a morning arrival is preferable. Docking is usually 08.00 (Spanish time, 07.00 UK time) and you should expect to be asked to vacate your cabin an hour+ before arrival - so do not expect a good night’s sleep. If you choose a morning departure from Portsmouth, you can stay FOC overnight at Port Solent (10-15 min drive to Ferry Terminal). Have a look at Search4Sites App.

November crossings of Biscay can be trouble free…..but do not be surprised if you get a rough passage or delays in departure due to bad weather. On your arrival at either Bilbao or Santander there are local FOC options to overnight (again have a look at S4S), but I think it will be unlikely you will wish to hang around too long, as the weather on the North Coast of Spain is obviously affected by Atlantic weather systems and in November we have found it often cold with much rain. If it is sun you are after head as quickly as possible to the Med coast south of Valencia.

Also, bear in mind that Brittany Ferries operate a much reduced winter timetable frequency in November with usually only a couple of crossings a week from Portsmouth. The dates of sailings may not suit you if you have work-related time commitments. For November 2025 these are the crossings from the Brittany Ferries timetable:

View attachment 1093657
View attachment 1093659
View attachment 1093664

Should mention that if you do decide to use Brittany Ferries, the cost of 2 singles is the same as a return booking and it is easier to change the homeward crossing, should the need arise, if it is a single. Also check out the discount you will get if you pay to become a Brittany Ferry Club member. However, I think unless you make a couple of return crossings in your year of membership, it is unlikely to be worth the cost of joining.

Time constraints for you may determine that any extra cost of the ferry over fuel etc to drive through France, still make the BF route your preferred choice. From memory, Cherbourg to Valencia (as an example) is around 550 miles further to drive than from Bibao.

For us time is not the main constraint and a fairly leisurely drive of 3 days or so through France (especially in November with the weather uncertainties in Biscay) would likely be our preferred option.

Good luck whatever you decide. I hope you and Val have a great holiday.
Brian.

I will second that.

I have taken the Ferry for Many years, at least 25 and Pride of Bilabo was ok. Much Preferred BF's Cap Finistere into Bilbao and even liked a luxury cabin on the old DFDS Leased ship.

I dont like the new CCS Ferries. So we now cross on Pont Aven only, whilst she is still in Service