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Ferry to Spain from Ireland

Direct ferries from Ireland to Spain

There are two weekly sailings from Rosslare to Bilbao and Rosslare to Santander. On this page, you'll find more information about the ferries from Ireland to Spain, as well as alternative options to consider.

From Rosslare to Spain with Brittany Ferries

Many people seek options for travelling to Spain during the summer months, and one option is to take a ferry from Ireland to Spain. The good news is that there is a direct ferry from Ireland to Spain. Brittany Ferries recently began operating this route, specifically designed for tourists.

Ferry Map: routes to Spain from Ireland

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.

On the map, you can find the crossing from Ireland to Spain, along with some alternative routes to consider, such as travelling to Spain via France.

There are several ways to travel from Ireland to Spain, and it's possible to bring your car by ferry. The preferred options are the direct ferries from Rosslare to Bilbao and Rosslare to Santander, which are both straightforward and convenient.

Crossings to Spain from Ireland

Rosslare-Bilbao

Brittany Ferries
642 miles
18 Hours
Up to 2 times per week
From: £227.00

Rosslare-Santander

Brittany Ferries
620 miles
32 Hours
Up to 2 times per week
From: £227.00

Ferry Guide: to Spain from Ireland

Option 1: Ireland to Spain – Rosslare to Bilbao or Rosslare to Santander

This is the best and most comfortable option if you're travelling from Ireland to Spain. We highly recommend booking the ferry from Rosslare to Bilbao if you're planning a holiday in Spain or Portugal from Ireland.

Rosslare is located in the south of Ireland, just a 2-hour drive from Dublin and about 4 hours from Belfast. Bilbao is in the north of Spain, making it an ideal entry point.

All sailings include at least one night on board. On the return trip, it's often a one-night crossing. You'll leave Spain for Ireland on a Thursday evening or Sunday late morning and arrive back the following day.

The ferry from Ireland to Spain is also a good option for those travelling onwards to the south of France.

If you're sailing to Bilbao, you can choose from a two-night sailing if you depart on Friday, a Wednesday morning departure to Bilbao, or a one-night crossing. You'll be on the ship Salamanca, which can carry up to 1,000 passengers from the Europort.

Ticket prices start at around โ‚ฌ190 or ยฃ170, but in peak season, for two people with a car and a cabin, it can quickly rise to around โ‚ฌ500 or ยฃ470.

The travel time for the one-night crossings from Ireland to Spain is about 28 hours, covering approximately 1,031 km (as the crow flies).

Option 2: From Ireland via the UK to Spain

While the direct ferry from Ireland to Spain might seem the most logical choice, we've considered some alternatives for those looking for different options. There are three crossings from the UK to Spain, so you could also decide to travel via the UK from Ireland.

From Portsmouth, two ferries head to Spain: Portsmouth-Santander and Portsmouth-Bilbao. Additionally, you can sail from Plymouth (Devon) to Santander. If the ferry from Rosslare is fully booked or you prefer to sail to Santander, these UK routes are good alternatives.

For these routes you can consult our page from the UK to Spain

If you choose to sail from the UK, you'll first need to find a suitable ferry from Ireland to the UK to reach your departure port.

As for prices, they are comparable to the crossing from Rosslare to Bilbao.

Option 3: From Ireland via France to Spain

This is another alternative to consider for travelling to Spain from Ireland. You could first take a ferry from Ireland to France and then continue your journey to Spain. This option is ideal if you want to combine visits to both France and Spain during your holiday.

Your route could be from Cork to Roscoff, Rosslare to Cherbourg, Rosslare to Dunkirk, or Dublin to Cherbourg. This makes for a great choice if you'd like to include a stop in France on your way to Spain or if you'd prefer to spend less time on a ferry.

This option might also help you save on ferry costs. However, keep in mind that you'll incur toll fees on French roads and add extra miles to your journey.

Travel and Things to Do in Spain

Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. While many tourists fly or drive to Spain, taking the ferry is a comfortable alternative.

From Bilbao and Santander, you can easily travel onwards to cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or even Portuguese destinations such as Porto or Lisbon. Keep in mind there is a small time difference between Ireland and Spain, and you'll need to adjust to driving on the other side of the road.

Travelling by train is also a great option. Driving from Bilbao to Madrid takes around 4 hours, while the drive to Barcelona takes about 6 hours.

With vibrant cities like San Sebastian, Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, and Seville, thereโ€™s plenty to see and do in this stunning, sunny southern European destination. Whether youโ€™re after beautiful beaches, delicious tapas, or relaxing siestas, Spain has it all.

Yes there is, the ferry from Rosslare to Bilbao is a direct crossing from Ireland to Spain. An ideal start of your vacation / trip while enjoying all things on board of the British Ferries vessels.ย 

In summer / peak season you'll probably pay around โ‚ฌ550 – โ‚ฌ600 for 2 persons and a car on this trip to Spain. So around ยฃ470 – ยฃ510 for a return trip of 2 persons with a cabin and a car.

This would be the most direct one, so Rosslare – Bilbao. The alternatives, so travelling via either France or the UK to Spain will cost you a bit more time.

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All crossings to Spain

Rosslare-Bilbao

Brittany Ferries
642 miles
18 Hours
Up to 2 times per week
From: £227.00

Portsmouth-Bilbao

Brittany Ferries
536 miles
31h 30 mins
Up to 2 times per week
From: £305.00

Almeria to Oran ferry

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Spain
Naviera Armas
128 miles
8 hours
Up to 3 times per week
Night crossing
Car ferry

Plymouth-Santander

Brittany Ferries
480 miles
20 Hours
Up to 2 times per week
From: £361.00

Alicante to Algiers ferry

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Spain
Algรฉrie Ferries
218 miles
12 Hours
Up to 1 time per week
Night crossing
Cruiseferry

Rosslare-Santander

Brittany Ferries
620 miles
32 Hours
Up to 2 times per week
From: £227.00

Portsmouth-Santander

Brittany Ferries
530 miles
28h 30 mins
Up to 2 times per week
From: £273.00

Algeciras-Tangier Med

Baleร ria, DFDS, FRS
19 miles
1h 30 mins.
Up to 23 times per week
From: £35.00

Tarifa-Tangier

DFDS, Intershipping
20 Miles
1 Hour
Up to 10 times per week
From: £44.00

Barcelona-Civitavecchia

Grimaldi Lines
496 miles
20 Hours
Up to 6 times per week
From: £60.00

Barcelona-Tangier Med

GNV
579 miles
32 Hours
Up to 2 times per week
From: £100.00

Alicante to Oran ferry

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Spain
Algรฉrie Ferries
181 miles
13 hours
Up to 2 Times p/week
Night crossing
Car ferry

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