Ferry Ireland
Bilbao - Rosslare
The only direct ferry between Spain and Ireland - a relaxed way across the Atlantic from the Basque coast to southern Ireland
- Two sailings a week, all year round from Bilbao
- Direct crossing in around 27-30 hours with Brittany Ferries across the Bay of Biscay
- Cabins and reclining seats bookable for the long overnight crossing
Bilbao - Rosslare
The direct ferry between Spain and Ireland
The Bilbao-Rosslare route links the Basque Country in northern Spain directly with the south-east coast of Ireland - with no need to route via Britain. It is the only continuous ferry link between Spain and Ireland, making it the key direct crossing for travellers and freight across the Bay of Biscay.
The route is operated by Brittany Ferries using modern cruise-style ferries of the Salamanca class (Galicia, Salamanca, Santoña). Onboard you will find the Azul restaurant, the Taberna de Tapas for tapas and light bites, a cinema, shops and comfortable cabins - on this roughly 27 to 30-hour crossing, the journey becomes part of the trip itself. The route runs all year round with two departures a week.
- Crossing time
- approx. 27-30 hrs
- Operator
- Brittany Ferries
- Frequency
- 2x per week
Next departures
Current departure times for the Bilbao-Rosslare route. All details subject to change.
Route guide
Bilbao - Rosslare ferry at a glance
Everything about the Bilbao - Rosslare route with Brittany Ferries: getting to the terminal in Zierbena, check-in times, onboard facilities on the Salamanca class, vehicle and pet rules, and onward travel from Rosslare.
Getting to the terminal in Bilbao
The ferry does not depart from Bilbao itself but from the Brittany Ferries terminal in Zierbena, around 21 kilometres north-west of the city. By car, follow the A-8 to exit 130 onto the N-644 towards Portua/Santurtzi, then follow the yellow "ferry" signs to the port; it is about a 20-minute drive from central Bilbao.
The terminal has short- and long-stay parking, including overnight parking, with accessible bays and spaces for motorhomes and caravans; parking is at your own risk. Without a car, you can reach the port on metro line 2 to the Santurtzi terminus, from where it is around three kilometres (roughly a five-minute taxi ride). A shuttle bus also runs between the terminal and the city centre near the Guggenheim Museum.
Check-in and departure
Check-in at the Zierbena terminal usually closes 45 minutes before departure; if you are travelling with a pet, arrive at least 90 minutes beforehand. The check-in desk opens around six hours before the crossing. If you are travelling with a vehicle, allow more buffer than foot passengers - vehicles that arrive late will not be allowed to board.
Carry valid photo ID, either a passport or national ID card. As Ireland is outside the Schengen area, border checks may apply.
Onboard
The route is served by modern cruise-style ferries of the Salamanca class, including Galicia, Salamanca and Santoña. Onboard you will find the Azul restaurant, the Taberna de Tapas for light bites, the Plaza Mayor lounge, plus a cinema, a shop and a video-on-demand service you can access on your own device over the ship's wifi. For the long overnight crossing it is worth booking one of the two- or four-berth cabins with private bathroom; travellers who prefer to skip a cabin can reserve a reclining seat instead.
Payment onboard is by card. Both Spain and Ireland use the euro, so you will not need any other currency for the whole journey.
Vehicles, bikes and pets
Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and caravans are all carried on this route; since the fare depends on vehicle length, enter your dimensions accurately when booking. Those travelling by motorhome will find more details in our motorhome guide.
Pets travel on the Salamanca class and must be registered when booking. Onboard there are pet-friendly cabins, heated kennels and exercise areas on deck, and spaces are limited. To enter Ireland you will need an EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination; full details are set out in the guide Travelling to Ireland with a pet.
Arrival in Rosslare and onward travel
The ferry arrives at Rosslare Europort at the end of the N25 in south-east Ireland. By car, head towards Dublin via the M11/N11 and the M50, or south and south-west to Cork, Limerick and Waterford via the N25. The port's own car park has 335 spaces and accepts card and cash.
Without a car, onward travel by train is straightforward: the railway station sits right at the port, just a ten-minute walk from the terminal, with up to five services a day to Dublin Connolly taking under three hours. Several Bus Éireann routes and the Local Link bus also stop at Rosslare Harbour.
Tickets and fares
Brittany Ferries offers the crossing across tiered fares: Economy is the cheapest option but non-refundable; Standard allows free changes up to around two weeks before departure and partial refund as a voucher; Flexi is the most flexible, letting you change free of charge right up until departure or cancel for a partial refund. The cabin is booked as an add-on.
You get the best price by booking early, and Brittany Ferries also runs return-fare deals. Current prices for your travel date appear in the booking window, with an overview on the prices page.
Bilbao - Rosslare ferry
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Bilbao - Rosslare ferry with Brittany Ferries
How long does the Bilbao to Rosslare crossing take, and how often does the ferry run?+
The Brittany Ferries crossing takes you from Bilbao to Rosslare in south-east Ireland in around 27 to 30 hours. It is an overnight crossing across the Bay of Biscay, the only direct link between Spain and Ireland.
The route runs all year round with two departures a week. You can check current departure days and times for your travel date on the timetable.
How much does the Bilbao to Rosslare ferry cost?+
The fare depends on the season, demand, vehicle type, fare option and cabin chosen. Foot passengers pay considerably less than those travelling with a vehicle, and the summer months cost more than spring and autumn.
Brittany Ferries offers the crossing across several fare tiers, plus early-booking and return-fare deals. Current prices for your travel date appear in the booking window, and you can find an overview on our prices page.
Do I need a cabin on the Bilbao - Rosslare ferry?+
On this long crossing spanning one or two nights, booking a cabin is strongly advisable so you can sleep en route and arrive in Ireland well rested. The Salamanca class offers two- and four-berth cabins with private bathroom, plus accessible and pet-friendly cabins.
Alternatively, you can book a reclining seat. Cabins and seats are selected directly during booking, and any supplement is shown in the booking window.
Can I bring my car or motorhome on the ferry?+
Yes, cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and caravans are carried on this route. Enter your vehicle's exact dimensions when booking, as the fare depends on length and incorrect details can lead to extra charges at the port.
Those travelling by motorhome will find more details in our motorhome guide. Motorhome and caravan parking is available at the terminal in Zierbena.
Can I bring my pet onboard?+
Yes, pets travel on the Salamanca-class ships and must be registered when booking. Onboard there are pet-friendly cabins and heated kennels, plus exercise areas on deck; spaces are limited, so book early.
To enter Ireland you will need an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination. The guide Travelling to Ireland with a pet sets out what to check.
When do I need to check in at the Bilbao ferry terminal?+
Check-in at the Zierbena terminal usually closes 45 minutes before departure, or 90 minutes before if you are travelling with a pet. Check-in opens around six hours before the crossing.
If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive earlier than foot passengers, especially in high season. Carry valid photo ID, as Ireland is outside the Schengen area and border checks can apply.