Spain
Bilbao to Rosslare Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Bilbao
Basque Country
Arrives
Rosslare
Leinster
Brittany FerriesAt a glance
The Bilbao to Rosslare ferry takes about 28h 30m, with one departure at 11:00. It is operated by Brittany Ferries.
- First sailing
- 11:00
- Last sailing
- 11:00
- Sailings listed
- 1
- Crossing
- 28h 30m
Bilbao to Rosslare ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 | 14:30 | 28h 30m | Brittany FerriesSantona | Sun |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Bilbao – Rosslare crossing
Spain to Ireland direct: Bilbao to Rosslare, twenty-seven to thirty-two hours across Biscay and the Celtic Sea, without touching Britain. For Irish freight it removes the land bridge entirely, and passengers ride the same ships.
Three sailings run in the week. The 11:00 Sunday departure on Santoña arrives 14:30 the next day; a 13:00 Thursday sailing on Galicia docks at 20:00 on Friday; and an 18:00 Thursday departure on Santoña reaches Rosslare at 20:15 — the quickest of the three at just over twenty-seven hours.
Ireland runs an hour behind Spain, so the clock understates the passage. Cabins are effectively compulsory on a crossing this long, and the ships carry restaurants and lounges because there is a full day and night to fill. Brittany Ferries is the only operator on the corridor; the return leg sails as Rosslare–Bilbao.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Cabins, including pet-friendly cabins and kennels
- Reclining seats on daytime crossings
- Restaurants, bars and cinemas on the long routes
- Cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and bicycles
- LNG dual-fuel and hybrid ships
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Ships on the Bilbao – Rosslare route
2 ships work this crossing across 3 listed sailings, most often Santona.
Santona
Brittany Ferries
2 sailings on this route
Galicia
Brittany Ferries
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 28h 30m.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Brittany Ferries) for current fares.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by Brittany Ferries.
How often does the ferry run?
There is 1 departure on operating days, departing at 11:00.
Is there an overnight option?
Some sailings run overnight — the longest crossing is around 28h 30m, and cabins or reclining seats are usually available. Check the individual sailing and operator for onboard sleeping options.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings operate on selected days, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Brittany Ferries does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Brittany Ferries, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Rosslare
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Rosslare.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Bilbao or Rosslare
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 9, 2026 – Nov 29, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 12, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Bilbao on the map
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