Ireland
Rosslare to Bilbao Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Rosslare
Leinster
Arrives
Bilbao
Basque Country
Brittany FerriesAt a glance
The Rosslare to Bilbao ferry takes about 27h 30m, with one departure at 09:00. It is operated by Brittany Ferries.
- First sailing
- 09:00
- Last sailing
- 09:00
- Sailings listed
- 1
- Crossing
- 27h 30m
Rosslare to Bilbao ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | 13:30 | 27h 30m | Brittany FerriesSantona | Tue, Wed |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Rosslare – Bilbao crossing
Ireland to Spain by sea, without touching Britain or France by road: Rosslare to Bilbao, twenty-seven to thirty-one hours across the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay. It is one of the longest scheduled crossings in northern Europe.
The regular sailing leaves at 09:00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on Santoña, arriving 13:30 the next day. A late Friday departure at 23:59 docks at 08:00 on Sunday — thirty-one hours, the longest single passage in the Brittany Ferries network.
Spain runs an hour ahead of Ireland. On a crossing of this length the ship has to work as accommodation: cabins, restaurants and space to walk. Bilbao's terminal is at Zierbena across the estuary from the city, about twenty minutes by road. The sister service to Santander runs on a thinner calendar.
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 Rosslare – Bilbao route
Santona works this crossing on all 2 listed sailings.
Santona
Brittany Ferries
2 sailings on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 27h 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 09:00.
Is there an overnight option?
Some sailings run overnight — the longest crossing is around 27h 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.
Same departure port
More ferries from Rosslare
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Rosslare or Bilbao
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 12, 2026 – Dec 1, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 12, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Rosslare on the map
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