Ferry to Portugal from Ireland
Travel to Portugal by Ferry from Ireland
Many people are looking for ways to travel to Portugal by ferry. Although there is no direct ferry from Ireland to Portugal, there are two direct ferry routes from Ireland to Spain, which make it possible to reach Portugal conveniently:
- Ferry to Bilbao: This ferry sails to Bilbao in northern Spain. From there, you can easily continue your journey to Portugal by car or public transport.
- Ferry to Santander: This ferry also departs from Rosslare and sails to Santander in Spain.
The ferry is an ideal option if you want to bring your car or camper along, making it perfect for a road trip or extended vacation in Portugal.
Map: Ferries Ireland to Portugal (via Spain)
Use the interactive map to find the right crossing and ferry company. You can zoom in and out and view the routes in the ports. While there are no direct routes from Ireland to Portugal you can travel via Spain to Portugal.
About these crossings
Best Ferry Routes from Ireland to Portugal
If you're considering traveling by ferry from Ireland to Portugal, these are the best routes to take. The ferry makes it possible to bring your car or camper along, adding convenience to your journey.
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Preferred Option: The direct ferry from Rosslare to Bilbao or Santander is our top recommendation. These routes are straightforward and ideal for reaching Portugal via northern Spain.
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Alternative Option: You could sail from Ireland to France, such as Dublin to Cherbourg or Cork to Roscoff, and then drive to Portugal. However, this option involves a significantly longer overland journey.
For ease and comfort, the direct ferry to Spain is the most practical and efficient choice.
There are two weekly sailings from Rosslare: one to Bilbao and one to Santander.
Alternatives? Not really: while you could sail from Ireland to France and then drive to Portugal, this is a much longer journey and lacks the convenience and comfort of travelling by ferry for the majority of your trip.
If you choose to travel from Ireland to Portugal in your car or camper on a ferry, of the two, Santander might be your best option as it’s closer to Portugal.
- Location Highlights:
- Rosslare is in the south of Ireland, just 2 hours from Dublin and about 4 hours from Belfast.
- Santander, located in northern Spain just west of Bilbao, is about a 6-hour drive to Porto, Portugal.
Travel Details:
- All sailings include at least one night on board, with the return trip often being a 1-night crossing.
- Departures typically leave Ireland in the evening or on Sunday, arriving in Spain the following morning.
Additional Benefits:
- These ferries are also a great option for tourists heading to the south of France.
For a comfortable and straightforward journey, the ferry from Rosslare to Spain is an excellent connection for reaching Portugal.
Option 2: From Ireland via the UK to Portugal via Spain
The option above seems to be the most logical choice, but we've looked into other options to offer tourists and voyagers some alternatives. There are three crossings from the UK to Spain, so you can also decide to travel via the UK from Ireland.
From Portsmouth, two ferries leave for Spain: Portsmouth-Santander and Portsmouth-Bilbao. From Plymouth (Devon), you can also sail to Santander. So if the ferry from Rosslare is overbooked or you want to sail to Santander, you can opt for one of these routes.
When sailing from the UK, you must find a suitable ferry from Ireland to the UK to get to the port of departure.
If you're wondering about the prices, these are comparable to the crossing from Rosslare to Bilbao.
Ireland ⇔ Portugal via UK & Spain
Option 3: From Ireland via France to Portugal
This is a good alternative if you're planning a trip to Portugal from Ireland and want to combine France or Spain as part of your vacation. It’s a great choice if you have extra time and wish to explore more along the way.
Route Options:
You can take a ferry from Ireland to France and then drive to Portugal. The available routes are:
- Cork to Roscoff
- Rosslare to Cherbourg
- Rosslare to Dunkirk
- Dublin to Cherbourg
Why Choose This Option?
- Ideal if you want to include France or Spain in your travel plans.
- Suitable if you prefer to spend less time on a ferry and more time driving.
- Can be a more economical option to save on ferry costs, although toll fees on French roads and additional mileage costs should be considered.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- You’ll incur toll fees on French roads.
- The drive adds extra miles to your journey, increasing fuel costs.
This route can be a reasonable alternative if you want a mix of ferry travel and road trip, or if your journey includes stops in France or Spain.
On board, ferries and route maps
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- Ferries to Portugal from Ireland
Travel and Things to Do in Portugal
Portugal is a popular vacation destination with plenty to see, do, and taste! Whether you’re a foodie, history enthusiast, or beach lover, Portugal has something for everyone.
Must-Try Local Delicacies
- Vinho Verde wine: Refreshing and perfect for warm days.
- Pastel de Nata: A delicious custard tart, ideal with your morning coffee.
- Francesinha: A hearty sandwich, perfect for lunch to keep you energized.
Top Places to Visit
- Porto: Known for its charming historic center, lively squares, terraces, and world-famous port wine.
- Lisbon: Portugal’s vibrant capital, offering unique neighborhoods, stunning viewpoints, historic landmarks, and an energetic atmosphere.
- The Algarve: A resort-like region with beautiful beaches, cosy beach restaurants, and smaller historic towns. Perfect for enjoying sun, sea, and sand.
Why Visit Portugal?
- Incredible Scenery: From dramatic coastlines to lush vineyards and golden beaches.
- Warm Hospitality: Many people in Portugal speak English, making it easy to explore.
- Rich History: Historic city centers, castles, and UNESCO sites.
- Relaxed Lifestyle: Enjoy a slower pace of life with great food and wine.
Whether you’re strolling through Lisbon’s cobblestone streets, relaxing in the Algarve’s sun-drenched beaches, or exploring Porto’s vibrant riverside, Portugal truly has it all!
Thanks for the guidance here FerryGoGO! Great to know how to travel all the way to Portugal from Ireland 🙂 (Long trip by ferry)
You are welcome, happy to be of help!