Bilbao - Rosslare
Ferry to Ireland
Bilbao - Rosslare
Ferry to Ireland
Fares for the Bilbao to Rosslare crossing usually range somewhere between $121* and $1742*. Most travellers pay around $905* for a Bilbao Rosslare ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $121*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $650* on average. Bringing a car along typically brings the average fare up to $977*.
Fares vary according to passenger count, vehicle type, the route itself and what time you sail. Figures come from fares searched in the previous 30 days, don't include service fees, and were last checked September 26.
There's a quick way to stack up ferry fares and operators from around the world side by side, so you can pick the crossing that best suits you. Getting in early tends to open up the widest choice of prices and sailing times.
Direct Ferries has discounts running throughout the year. Where a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied the moment you pick the matching age bracket in the passenger section of your search.
If you're a student or recent graduate, a 5% discount is up for grabs. Head to our partner Student Beans to confirm your status and you'll receive a code to enter at checkout.
A handful of Spanish and Italian ferry routes also offer a resident discount — choose the "Residents" option if it appears during your search and the lower fare is applied straight away. You'll usually need to show proof of address, like a residency card or certificate, when you check in.
Sailings on the Bilbao Rosslare route generally kick off from Bilbao at around 11:00, and the last departure of the day is usually around 18:00.
With a longer crossing time, a trip between Bilbao and Rosslare is better suited to a weekend away or an extended stay, so you get proper value out of the journey.
Yes, Brittany Ferries carries vehicles on the Bilbao to Rosslare route. Check our Deal Finder for up-to-date car ferry pricing on this crossing.
Whether a caravan or campervan is welcome on board the Bilbao to Rosslare ferry comes down to the ship and operator running the sailing. Pop your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll check the operators on this route for you.
Yes, Brittany Ferries takes bicycles on the Bilbao to Rosslare crossing. Most operators are happy to carry bikes, but it's always worth confirming their exact policy before you turn up at the terminal.
Yes, Brittany Ferries carries foot passengers between Bilbao and Rosslare.
Pets aren't currently permitted on ferries between Bilbao and Rosslare. Our Deal Finder can help you find a nearby route that does allow them.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are often treated differently to general pets, even on routes where pets aren't allowed. Contact our customer service team to find out what's possible on your sailing, or check our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Whether the Bilbao to Rosslare route has an overnight sailing depends on a mix of factors. Search with your travel dates, and we'll show you whether an overnight option exists, plus current timetables, crossing times and daytime alternatives.
Note that overnight sailings can occasionally take a bit longer than daytime crossings.
What you'll need to travel varies by route, so it pays to check ahead of your sailing. A valid passport is typically required for the Bilbao to Rosslare crossing, along with any visa or national ID required for your nationality. As rules depend on both where you're from and where you're headed, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is worth a read to avoid any hold-ups at check-in.
Booking couldn't be simpler — select your departure port, arrival port and travel date to see everything on offer. From there, you can weigh up alternative routes and departure times to land on the best fit.
Look for early-booking deals and flexible fare types, like upgrades or flexi-tickets, which give you room to change plans later. Double-check details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specs as you go, to keep the booking process painless.
You'll get a confirmation email the moment your booking goes through. From there, how your boarding pass turns up depends on the operator.
Some operators send the boarding pass straight away, while others want you to check in at the port. Where it's on offer, online check-in through the Direct Ferries app can save you time at the terminal.
Ticket desks tend to sit right by the ferry terminal. Building in some extra time before you sail means you won't be rushed collecting tickets and getting checked in.
Have your confirmation email and valid photo ID — a passport or identity card — ready at check-in. If a pet's travelling with you, bring their vaccination and insurance papers, and hold onto proof of address if you booked with a resident discount.
A gap in sailings from Bilbao to Rosslare on your chosen date usually comes down to something like a timetable adjustment, limited space, or a seasonal dip in service. Try a different date, or browse other options with our Route & Port finder.
Generally speaking, booking your Bilbao to Rosslare ferry sooner rather than later pays off — earlier bookings usually mean lower fares and more choice of departure times and cabins.
A few weeks' lead time is usually enough to catch a good deal, though fares can still move around depending on the season and what's left available.
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| Bilbao - Rosslare Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $650 | |
| Average Price with Car | $977 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | $730 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $1156 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $922 | |
| Bilbao - Rosslare Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Spain |
| Destination | Ireland |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Brittany Ferries |
| Average Price | $905 |
| Average Pet Price | $1006 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 2 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 28 h 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 27 h 15 m |
| First Ferry | 11:00 |
| Last Ferry | 18:00 |
| Distance | 567 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
The Spanish city of Bilbao, located in the autonomous region of the Basque Country, lies in the north central part of Spain and is around 14km to the south of the Bay of Biscay, where the estuary of Bilbao is formed. The city is the capital of the province of Biscay and is the main commercial and cultural hub of northern Spain. One of the main drivers behind the city's reputation is the Guggenheim Museum which draws visitors in to the city who then find out for themselves the other interesting attractions the city has on offer. The city's location makes it the perfect port of entry to the northern Iberian Peninsular and to south west France.
The city's port lies on the Bilbao Abra Bay, and along the Estuary of Bilbao in Biscay (the Basque Country). The port's main facilities can be found in the Santurtzi and Zierbena municipalities, approximately 15 km west of Bilbao. Brittany Ferries operate the Portsmouth to Bilbao route, with their boat, the MV Cap Finistère.
The town of Rosslare is located in County Wexford in Ireland and for over one hundred years it has been a popular resort with tourists. Rosslare Strand, to give the town its full name and is used to separate it from nearby Rosslare Harbour, is proud to be able to boast that it is one of Ireland's sunniest locations with records that shows the town receives on average 300 hours more sunshine each year than the rest of Ireland. The town's long sandy stretch of beach has been awarded Blue Flag status and therefore is popular with swimmers and families. there are also some good golf courses close to the town.
Facilities at the town's port includes a restaurant, a waterfront bar, a waiting area, children's play area, shops, car hire, baby changing, bureau de change and a Department of Agriculture office. Ferry services from Rosslare depart to Pembroke (4 hours), Fishguard (3 hours and 30 minutes), and to Cherbourg and Roscoff in France.
