Ferry from Ireland to Spain: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

If you’ve been searching for ways to travel from Ireland to Spain, you’re in the right place! Here, you’ll discover the best ferry options for crossing this route, handy tips you need to know, how to take your vehicle on board, schedules, prices and plenty of other useful advice to make your journey smooth and unforgettable.

This ferry route from Ireland to Spain offers all the comfort and convenience you’re looking for. On board, you can relax, enjoy the views, and make the most of your journey—whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or bringing your car along!

In this article, you’ll find:

• • Ferry routes from Ireland to Spain
  • Onboard Experience and Amenities
  • Travelling with Your Vehicle on the Ferry
  • Travel Tips
  • Information You Should Know Before Boarding
  • Book your ferry tickets from Ireland to Spain easily with Ferryscanner

Ferry routes from Ireland to Spain

There are two key ferry routes connecting Ireland and Spain for travelers planning their journey. Departures from Rosslare to Bilbao operate on Fridays, while sailings to Santander take place on Tuesdays.

Get ready for your trip to Spain! Source: iStock

This gives you the flexibility to choose the Spanish port that best fits your travel plans—whether you’re heading to northern Spain or planning to continue your adventure further south. We even know of passengers who have preferred to continue their journey towards the south of France.

• Rosslare to Bilbao
• Rosslate to Santander

Whenever you’re planning your trip to Spain, there’s two weekly ferry available, operated by Brittany Ferries. Just keep one thing in mind: this is a very long journey. Think of it less as simple transportation and more as a mini sea adventure, so booking a cabin and settling in comfortably is definitely a smart move. Keep reading to discover more about this ferry route from Ireland to Spain and what to expect on board!

Take a ferry from Rosslare to Bilbao

For anyone traveling to the north of Spain, the ferry from Rosslare to Bilbao is one of the best options available. There is one sailing each week on Fridays, making it easy to plan your arrival in Spain. During the summer months, you also have an additional departure on Wednesdays, giving you a bit more flexibility.

It is important to keep in mind that the journey takes between 27 and 31 hours, departing at 23:59 or 09:00, depending on the day you travel. Fares start from €102 per passenger with a reserved seat. For €128 , you can upgrade to a cabin with everything you need to travel in comfort in your ferry from Ireland to Spain.

Bilbao is home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a striking titanium-clad landmark that transformed the city into a global hub for contemporary art. Source: iStock

It’s definitely worth thinking about. You will be spending many hours at sea, and having your own space to stretch out and properly rest can make the whole experience much more enjoyable. And you will need to be well rested to fully enjoy the Guggenheim and to go on a pintxos route around the city (sampling these small, typically Basque bites that are traditionally served as appetizers).

The Rosslare to Santander ferry

If you’re heading to northern Spain, Santander is the main port of Cantabria and a very convenient option. You can sail there from Rosslare in around 27 and a half hours. The ferry departs at 9:00 in the morning and arrives at 13:30 the following day, giving you plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the journey. Something that you must know is that this route only operates from November to March. We will apply automatic discounts based on the company’s fare policy. Babies aged 0 to 4 travel for free, and children between 5 and 15 receive a 50% discount.

One of the big advantages is how close the Port of Santander is to the city centre, so as soon as you arrive you’ll be just minutes away from shops, restaurants and any services you might need.

Santander is one of Spain’s most elegant destinations, chosen for years as a holiday retreat by the Spanish royal family. Source: iStock

Tickets start from €102, and the final price will depend on the extras you choose to add. Just like with the Bilbao route, booking a cabin is definitely the smartest choice. You can choose between two berth or four berth cabins, giving you the space and comfort you’ll appreciate after so many hours at sea. Plan your trip to Santander and discover one of the greenest, most nature-filled regions in Spain!

Onboard Experience and Amenities

Whether you’re traveling on the Santoña or the Salamanca, in your ferry from Ireland to Spain, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay entertained and relaxed while you sail towards beautiful Spain. The journey is long, but with the right atmosphere and facilities on board, it becomes part of the adventure.

Both ships offer a wide range of services designed to make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. You can choose between free and paid WiFi options to stay connected throughout the crossing. There is onboard shopping if you fancy a little browsing, as well as free video on demand and even a cinema for when you feel like unwinding with a film.

You will feel comfortable aboard. Source: Brittany Ferries

If you prefer to spend time outdoors, you can head up to the sun deck, including an area equipped with sports facilities. Families are well catered for too, with dedicated children’s play areas and interactive digital games to keep younger travellers entertained. You will also find practical amenities such as an information desk, a baggage room and baby changing facilities.

If you’re travelling to Santander, you’ll also have access to an exclusive Wellness area on board. Here you can enjoy a range of treatments, including facials and foot therapies… and arrive in Spain like a real diva.

Traveling with Your Vehicle on the Ferry

Taking your vehicle on the ferry from Ireland to Spain gives you total freedom to explore the north of Spain your way.

Whether you travel by car, motorcycle or motorhome, you can drive straight off the ship and start your adventure without relying on public transport or car hire. From coastal roads to mountain villages, having your own vehicle means you set the pace and choose the route. It is one of the best ways to truly discover northern Spain, comfortably and on your own schedule.

Just keep in mind that if you are travelling with a vehicle, you will need to add a separate vehicle fare when making your booking.

Travel Tips

Booking your ferry from Ireland to Spain is simple, but following a few tips can help make your journey smooth and stress-free. Some of these may seem obvious, but it never hurts to double-check!

Keep your documents handy

You’re crossing international borders, so make sure you have the right papers with you. If you’re an EU citizen, bring your passport and/or ID card. Non-EU passengers should check the specific documentation required well in advance.

Arrive early

Even if you’ve taken a ferry before, the check-in process at Rosslare Europort can be a bit confusing. Brittany Ferries recommends arriving at least an hour before departure if you’re travelling as a foot passenger, and two hours or more if you’re bringing a vehicle.

Dress for comfort (and the weather)

Both Bilbao and Santander are among the cooler northern cities of Spain, so expect some showers even in summer. Wear comfortable clothes for the crossing and pack layers for when you arrive.

Bilbao’s skyline along the Nervión River, where you can enjoy a beautiful stroll. Source: iStock

Don’t worry if you forgot something

The ships have plenty of shops on board, so you can pick up essentials, snacks, travel accessories, and more without a problem.

Pay attention and relax

The ferry crossing from Ireland to Spain is so looong, so listen to the crew’s instructions for a safe and enjoyable journey. Take time to enjoy the facilities on board — whether it’s relaxing on the sun deck, watching a movie, or simply enjoying the sea views.

Following these tips will help ensure your trip starts on the right foot and lets you arrive in northern Spain ready to explore!

Information you should know before boarding

Located in the south east of Ireland, Rosslare Europort is easily accessible from across the country. It is well connected by both the national road network and rail services, making travel to and from major towns and cities straightforward and convenient.

You can reach the port by bus or train from Wexford and the nearby airport, with services linking to important towns and cities such as Waterford, Carlow, Dublin, and Dublin Airport. Bus stops are located just outside the main terminal building, making access to the port simple and practical. The train station is just a seven-minute walk from the terminal building — simply follow the signs.

And if you’re coming by car, there are plenty of convenient options to make your arrival stress-free. Rosslare Europort now offers full parking availability 24 hours a day, with short-term and long-term options within a short walk of the main terminal. Designated spaces for passengers with mobility needs are located right beside the terminal, and twenty-minute drop-off bays are available directly outside.

Book your Ferry Tickets from Ireland to Spain easily with Ferryscanner

Your bags are packed, your plans are set, and your camera is ready to capture every moment? Now all that’s left is to book your ferry tickets and get yourself, your loved ones, and your vehicle on board for an unforgettable journey from Bilbao, Spain to Ireland.

With Ferryscanner, you can easily compare and book ferries from Spain to Ireland, choosing from multiple ferry companies in a single booking and finding the option that best suits your travel plans.