FerryConnect

Ireland → Spain

Rosslare → Bilbao

The only direct ferry between Ireland and Spain, linking Rosslare with the Basque Country. Irish motorists heading for Spain or Portugal use it to avoid driving across Britain and France.

⏱ 27h 30m – 31h (one or two nights at sea)🚢 1 operator📅 Two sailings a week each way from late March to early November; one a week in winter🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Rosslare to Bilbao ferry at a glance

The ferry from Rosslare to Bilbao takes 27h 30m – 31h (one or two nights at sea) across the Bay of Biscay, operated by Brittany Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: two sailings a week each way from late March to early November; one a week in winter.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-28.

Sources: brittany-ferries.ie · brittanyferriesnewsroom.com · brittany-ferries.ie · brittany-ferries.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: Bilbao to Rosslare

Brittany Ferries also sails Bilbao to Rosslare, taking 27h 30m – 31h (one or two nights at sea). From Bilbao, Santoña sails on Thursdays and Sundays (11:00 or 18:00) in October 2026.

Rosslare to Bilbao ferry timetable & sailing pattern

About one sailing a week each way on Santoña from November 2026 to February 2027; in October 2026 there were two a week (from Rosslare on Wednesdays at 09:00 and Fridays at 23:59)

Two a week each way from 30 March to 1 November 2026, then one a week each way through the winter

Published departure times

  • 09:00 (Wed)
  • 23:59 (Fri)

Return: From Bilbao, Santoña sails on Thursdays and Sundays (11:00 or 18:00) in October 2026.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Brittany Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Ferryscanner →

Source: Brittany Ferries press release and Irish route page. Verified 2026-10-03.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Rosslare and Bilbao

📐 560 Nautical Miles
Rosslare⇄Bilbao
⏱ 27h 30m – 31h (one or two nights at sea) · 📐 560 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Brittany Ferries27h 30m – 31hSantoña

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

560 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Rosslare Europort has its own railway station with Iarnród Éireann trains to Wexford and Dublin
  • The Bilbao terminal at Santurtzi is by the A-8 motorway and Cercanías trains into Bilbao

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from RosslareRosslare → Cherbourg16h 00m – 17h 30m · Stena Line, Brittany FerriesAlso sails from RosslareRosslare → DunkirkAbout 24h · DFDSAlso sails from RosslareFishguard → Rosslare3h 15m · Stena LineAlso sails from RosslarePembroke Dock → Rosslare4h · Irish FerriesOnward from BilbaoPortsmouth → Bilbao29h 30m – 36h · Brittany FerriesNearby alternative crossingPlymouth → SantanderAbout 20h · Brittany Ferries
⚓ Rosslare Europort guide⚓ Port of Bilbao Ferry Terminal (Santurtzi) guide⛴ All ferries from Rosslare⛴ All ferries from Bilbao🗺 All ferries in Ireland🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sail from Rosslare to Santander instead?
Only in winter and only one way. Brittany Ferries lists Rosslare–Santander sailings from November 2026 to March 2027, with no Santander–Rosslare return; you come back via Bilbao.
How long is the ferry from Rosslare to Bilbao?
The crossing typically takes 27h 30m – 31h (one or two nights at sea). Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Rosslare to Bilbao ferry sail?
About one sailing a week each way on Santoña from November 2026 to February 2027; in October 2026 there were two a week (from Rosslare on Wednesdays at 09:00 and Fridays at 23:59). Two a week each way from 30 March to 1 November 2026, then one a week each way through the winter. This is the pattern published in the Brittany Ferries press release and Irish route page (checked 2026-10-03); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Rosslare to Bilbao?
Brittany Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Rosslare to Bilbao ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Rosslare to Bilbao ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Rosslare to Bilbao ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Rosslare from Bilbao by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 560 nautical miles (roughly 1037 km).