Ferries from Ireland to Portugal
Portugal is a great country to travel to, and thanks to the ferry, you can do so with your own vehicle. Unfortunately, there is no direct ferry from Ireland to Portugal, but arriving in northern Spain makes it easy to continue your journey and reach Portugal in a relatively short time. This is clearly shown on our interactive ferry map.
From Rosslare, there are two direct overnight sailings to Santander and Bilbao. Santander is slightly closer to the Portuguese border than Bilbao, and from there, Portugal can be reached in just under four hours by car.
Ferries to choose from
From Ireland, you can sail direct from Rosslare to Bilbao or Santander.
What are the ferry crossings like?
Sailings depart from Rosslare to Bilbao or Santander, typically once or twice per week, with a crossing time of around 28–31 hours. These are long-distance “cruise ferries”, designed for overnight travel. On board, you’ll find:
- Private cabins (recommended for this route)
- Restaurants, bars and lounges
- Outdoor decks and seating areas
- Shops and basic entertainment
The journey is slow but comfortable. You can move freely around the ship, spend time on deck, or relax in your cabin while crossing the Bay of Biscay. Because of the duration, most passengers treat this as part of the trip rather than just transport.
Good to know
- Cabins are available in different types, from basic inside to outside cabins with sea view
- Reclining seats are sometimes available, but less ideal for overnight crossings
- You can bring a car, camper or motorbike on board
Alternatives
You can also travel via the United Kingdom, where ferries depart from ports such as Portsmouth and Plymouth to northern Spain. This requires an additional crossing from Ireland to the UK first, adding time and planning to your journey.
Another option is to sail to France and continue by road towards Portugal. While this can work well if you plan to explore along the way, it usually involves significantly more driving, toll roads, and overall travel time.
For most travellers, the direct ferry from Ireland to Spain remains the most practical option.
