Ferry from Spain to Ireland: Routes, Tickets and Fares

If you’re looking to travel between Spain and Ireland without airports, luggage restrictions, or rental car queues, there is currently one direct maritime link connecting the two countries: the ferry from Bilbao to Rosslare, operated by Brittany Ferries.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this unique route from Spain to Ireland across the Bay of Biscay and into the Celtic coast. What’s the craic?

• Main Ferry Route from Spain to Ireland
• Ferry fares from Spain to Ireland
• Onboard Experience and Amenities
• Traveling with Your Vehicle on the Ferry
• Travel Tips
• Information You Shoudl Know Before Boarding
• Book your Ferry Tickets from Ireland to Spain with Ferryscanner

Main Ferry Route from Spain to Ireland

At the moment, this is the sole direct sea connection between the two countries. Ferries from Spain to Ireland are available from the Spanish port of Bilbao.

• Ferries from Bilbao to Rosslare

You can take a ferry from Bilbao, the largest city in northern Spain, to Rosslare in Ireland. This route connects the Basque Country with Ireland’s southeast coast, offering a comfortable and scenic way to travel between the two countries. Many passengers even choose to continue their journey onwards to the UK.

Rosslare Europort is one of Ireland’s sunniest spots, located in County Wexford. Source: iStock

The Bilbao to Rosslare ferry operates twice per week, on Thursdays and Sundays. The journey takes approximately 28–30 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the onboard experience.

Ferry fares from Spain to Ireland

Brittany Ferries often launches special offers and campaigns with discounted prices throughout the year. On average, fares start at €102 per foot passenger. However, depending on any additional services you want to add to your ticket, your price may vary. 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.

Keep in mind that these are the prices you can find during the low season. In summer, when passenger traffic is higher, fares can rise up to €272. Here’s a little insider tip: if you’re planning to go to Ireland this year, book your trip as soon as possible and reserve your ticket through Ferryscanner. This way, you’ll make sure to have all the necessary information for your journey and at an average price.

The price difference between a standard seat and a cabin with a comfortable bed is very small. Don’t be stingy, book a bed so you can stretch out and rest during such a long crossing. For around €20 more, you can have space in a shared cabin with all basic needs covered. And if you are traveling with a group of friends or with your family, you can book an entire cabin just for yourselves, you just need to select it during the booking process.

Onboard Experience and Amenities

On your journey to Ireland, you will board the Santoña, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay entertained and relaxed while you sail towards beautiful Ireland. The journey is long, but with the right atmosphere and facilities on board, it becomes part of the adventure.

This ship offers 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.

It’s a comfortable voyage. 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.

You will need to be well-rested to make the most of your time in Ireland. Don’t forget to check the weather before you arrive. Rosslare is one of the sunniest places in Ireland, but you never know. As they often say: Rain is better than hunger!

Traveling with Your Vehicle on the Ferry

Taking your vehicle on the ferry from Spain to Ireland gives you total freedom to explore Ireland 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 and charming villages to scenic countryside and historic towns, having your own vehicle means you set the pace and choose the route. It is one of the best ways to truly discover Ireland, 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 Spain to Ireland 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 Bilbao Port 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)

Northern Spain can be cooler than you expect, and the Atlantic crossing to Ireland may be breezy. Wear comfortable clothes for the journey and pack layers for when you arrive.

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 from Spain to Ireland is a long one, 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 Ireland ready to explore! And once you’re on your way, why not sit back and relax? You might even have time to dive into Ulysses by James Joyce to get into the Irish spirit before you arrive.

Sunset at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Source: iStock

Information you should know before boarding

Located on the northern coast of Spain, the Port of Bilbao offers a convenient and well-connected departure point for your journey to Ireland. Easily accessible by road from Bilbao city centre and the wider Basque Country, the port is linked to major motorways, making travel from across northern Spain simple and straightforward.

You can reach the port by car, taxi, or local bus services connecting Bilbao with the ferry terminal area. If you’re traveling from further afield, Bilbao Airport also provides easy access to the city, with onward connections to the port.

From there, you’ll sail directly to Rosslare Europort in the south east of Ireland — the perfect gateway to start exploring the Emerald Isle. Once you arrive, Rosslare is well connected by road and rail to major towns and cities such as Wexford, Waterford, and Dublin, making onward travel smooth and convenient.

Book your Ferry Tickets from Ireland to Spain 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 ferry 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.