Ferries to Spain from Ireland FAQ

Q: Is it worth getting a cabin on the ferry to Spain from Ireland?

Given the long, overnight, sailing time we strongly recommend you get a cabin for your trip to Spain from Ireland. A cabin will provide you with a more comfortable place to sleep, a safe space away from the crowds and your own bathroom.

Frequently asked questions about ferry travel to Spain from Ireland answered.

Can you Get a Ferry To Spain From Ireland?

There is only one direct ferry route to Spain from Ireland that runs all year round, this is from Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland to Bilbao in Northern Spain.

This ferry route is operated by Brittany Ferries.

For a more detailed view of this route, the timings, what facilities are available, and some alternative options – take a look at our Ferries to Spain From Ireland Web App.

Are there any ferries to Spain from Northern Ireland?

No, there are no direct ferries from Northern Ireland to Spain.

Can you take a car on the Ferry To Spain from Ireland?

Yes, you can take a car on the Rosslare to Bilbao Ferry.

Can you travel as a foot passenger on the ferry to Spain From ireland?

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Rosslare to Bilbao Ferry.

How long does it take to sail to spain from Ireland on the ferry?

The fastest ferry crossing from Ireland to Spain takes 27 hours and 30 minutes, and the slowest crossing takes 33 hours.

Route	Departure Day	Sailing Time
Rosslare to Bilbao	Wednesday	27 hours and 30 minutes
Rosslare to Bilbao	Friday	33 hours

How many times a week does the ferry to Spain from Ireland sail?

The Rosslare to Bilbao ferry sails twice a week, Wednesday and Friday. Note, the arrival days for each ferry are different as the Wednesday ferry arrives the next day but the Friday ferry arrives two days later.

Here is a reference table to help explain the arrival days for the ferry to Spain from Ireland.

Route	Departure Day in Ireland	Arrival Day in Spain
Rosslare to Bilbao	Wednesday	Thursday
Rosslare to Bilbao	Friday	Sunday

Is there a ferry to Santander from Ireland?

There is a ferry option from Ireland to Santander. However, it only runs for a limited time from November to March. This ferry runs every Tuesday when it is scheduled to run.

To understand more about this option take a look at our Ferries to Spain from Ireland Page.

Is it worth getting a cabin on the ferry to Spain from Ireland?

Given the long, overnight, sailing time we strongly recommend you get a cabin for your trip to Spain from Ireland.

A cabin will provide you with a more comfortable place to sleep, a safe space away from the crowds, and your own bathroom.

To understand you cabin and seat options in more detail take a look at our Brittany Ferries cabin guide.

Is there priority boarding and disembarkation available on the Ferry to Spain from Ireland?

Yes, priority boarding and disembarkation options are available on the ferries to Spain from Ireland. It is generally linked to premium cabins but can sometimes be purchased by phoning Brittany Ferries or asking when you check in for your ferry.

Can you take a dog or other pet on the ferry to Spain from Ireland?

Yes, the ferry from Rosslare to Bilbao includes options to take dogs or other pets and has pet cabins available.

Can you take a caravan, motorhome or campervan on the ferry to Spain from Ireland?

Yes, you can take a caravan, motorhome or campervan on the ferry from Ireland to Spain.

What is the food like on the ferry to Spain from Ireland?

The ferry from Ireland to Spain has a range of food options including:

Restaurant Azul – combination of table and self service restaurant that includes a buffet option for starters and desserts.
La Taberna – Casual dining with options from light snacks to pizza to delicious cheese boards with wine.
Plaza Mayor – Main bar area serving snacks and drinks.
CClub lounge – Cozy, private lounge with limited seating to keep it relaxed. Includes complimentary hot and cold drinks, and some snacks.

Is the ferry to spain from Ireland suitable for an autistic family or autistic children?

We will always tell you that every autistic person is different and that there is no one size fits all when it comes to autistic travel.

However, if you are planning on travelling to Spain from Ireland then the ferry does provide these potential benefits:

No luggage restrictions and the ability to take plenty of support items on board e.g. a sensory toy, or noise cancelling headphones.
Plenty of space to move around.
The option to take a cabin for a quiet space and avoid the crowds or escape any overwhelm.
A range of food options including the abilty to take your own food.

It is worth noting though that ferry travel does still present some challenges:

Ship noise.
Some crowded areas e.g the bar.
Strong food smells.
Periods of waiting to get on and off the boat.

What Entertainment Options are available on the ferry to Spain from Ireland?

There are a variety of entertainment options onboard the ferry including:

Cinema
Video on demand
Wi-Fi
Wellness Centre
Indoor play area
Shopping

Is there Wi-fi available on the ferry to Spain from Ireland?

Yes, Wi-fi is available on board the ferry to Spain from Ireland.

Which Part Of Spain Do The Ferries From Ireland Arrive In?

All Ferries to Spain from Ireland dock in the North of Spain.

Bilbao is in the Basque region of Northern Spain.

Santander is in the Cantabria region of Northern Spain.

This makes it an excellent choice for exploring Northern Spain, The South of France, or heading further south into Spain.

Is The Ferry To Spain From Ireland Worth It?

If you are looking for a comfortable and relaxed way to start your Spanish or European holiday, and want to take as much luggage as you can fit in your vehicle with you, then the ferry from Ireland to Spain is definitely worth it.

However, if you and your family just want to get to Spain as quickly as possible then you may want to consider flying rather than the ferry.

More Ferry Tools And Advice

We hope you found this FAQ on Ferries to Spain from Ireland useful. If you would like to know more about the Ferry options to Spain then check out more of our Ferry Travel Guides and Tools.

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