Ireland to Spain Ferry
Check prices & times »There's one direct ferry route between Ireland and Spain: Rosslare to Bilbao, run by Brittany Ferries across the Bay of Biscay. It's the first-ever direct ferry link between the two countries, connecting the south-east of Ireland with the Spanish Basque Country.
It's a long crossing — a proper cruise-ferry journey with one or two nights on board — and it lets travellers reach northern Spain from Ireland without driving through Britain and France. This guide covers the route, the ship and how to book.
Rosslare to Bilbao at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Rosslare – Bilbao |
| Operator | Brittany Ferries |
| Crossing | Bay of Biscay, one to two nights on board |
| Season | Year-round (more frequent in summer) |
| Ship | Santoña |
The only direct Ireland–Spain ferry, sailing year-round from Rosslare in County Wexford to Bilbao in the Basque Country.
The route
Rosslare to Bilbao is Brittany Ferries' newest long-haul route, and the first direct ferry service ever to link Ireland with Spain. It sails from Rosslare Europort in County Wexford across the Bay of Biscay to Bilbao.
The service runs year-round — with two sailings a week in each direction in the peak season, roughly late March to early November, dropping to one a week over winter. It's proved popular since launch, carrying tens of thousands of passengers a year.
The ship and crossing
The crossing is a genuine mini-cruise across the Bay of Biscay, with one or two nights on board depending on the sailing. In 2026 the route is served by the Santoña, a modern ship with en-suite cabins, restaurants, bars, shops and sun decks.
The Bay of Biscay is rich in marine wildlife, and dolphins and whales are often spotted from the deck on the crossing.
Arriving in Bilbao
The ferry arrives at the terminal in Zierbena, about 16km from central Bilbao, with a shuttle bus or taxi into the city.
Bilbao is the gateway to the Basque Country, San Sebastián and the Rioja wine region. It's also well placed for a wider trip — around 90 minutes to two hours' drive to the French border, and roughly six hours to Barcelona.
Why sail direct from Ireland?
The direct route has clear advantages for Irish travellers:
- No detour through Britain: reach Spain without driving across Wales, England and France
- Your own car: arrive in northern Spain with your vehicle, ready for a road trip
- Slow travel: a relaxed cruise-ferry crossing instead of airport queues
- Basque base: Bilbao opens up San Sebastián, Rioja and onward routes into Spain and France
Travel documents and EES
Spain is in the EU and the Schengen area. Irish citizens travel freely, but if you're not an Irish or EU national you'll need a valid passport, and the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) may apply to non-EU travellers on arrival.
Check the current entry requirements for your nationality before you travel, and allow a little extra time at the border during the EES rollout.
Booking and travel tips
A few practical things worth knowing:
- Book early: cabins and vehicle space sell out well ahead, especially in summer
- Season: two weekly sailings in peak season, one a week over winter
- Road trips: ideal for cars, campers and motorhomes — enter your dimensions carefully
- Pets: carried, with pet-friendly cabins and kennels
- Compare: for UK departures instead, see our main Spain ferry routes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct ferry from Ireland to Spain?
Yes — Brittany Ferries runs Rosslare to Bilbao, the first-ever direct ferry link between Ireland and Spain.
How long is the Ireland to Spain ferry?
It's a Bay of Biscay crossing with one or two nights on board, sailing from Rosslare to Bilbao.
Does the Ireland to Spain ferry run all year?
Yes — year-round, with two weekly sailings each way in peak season and one a week over winter.
Which ship runs the Rosslare to Bilbao route?
In 2026 the route is served by the Santoña, with cabins, restaurants, bars and sun decks.
Where does the ferry arrive in Spain?
At Bilbao, with the terminal at Zierbena about 16km from the city centre — the gateway to the Basque Country and Rioja.