Direct Ferry Service Between Ireland and Spain Confirmed for 2024, Timetable Released
Brittany Ferries has announced that a direct ferry service between Ireland and Spain will begin operating in 2024. The year-round service will run twice a week, connecting Rosslare in Ireland with Bilbao in Spain’s Basque Country. The journey will take approximately 30 hours each way.
Starting from summer 2023, one-way fares for the ferry service are being offered at €451 for a car plus two people, which includes reserved seats. The main destination for the service will be Bilbao; however, from November 7 to March 25, 2024, it will temporarily switch to Santander in order to facilitate port infrastructure work in Bilbao.
The ferry link between Ireland and Spain has been in operation since November 2022, utilizing the Salamanca, a cruise ferry that can accommodate 1,015 passengers across its 321 cabins. According to Brittany Ferries, the Salamanca has been well-received by Irish customers, with reservations for this year already showing a 100% increase compared to the previous vessel.
In 2024, the Salamanca will be joined by two modern sister ships, the Santoña and Galicia. These three ships will share the sailings to Spain. The Galicia, launched in late 2020, has a similar passenger capacity as the Salamanca but possesses 421 cabins. The Santoña, launched in 2022, has 341 cabins and, like the Salamanca, is an E-Flexer ship powered by LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).
Passengers traveling on any of these ships can enjoy a variety of amenities, including high-quality French and Spanish dining options, duty-free shopping, and entertainment for the whole family. Brittany Ferries also offers a limited number of pet-friendly cabins. In the summer months, passengers can even participate in whale- and dolphin-watching activities accompanied by expert wildlife guides from ORCA, Brittany Ferries’ conservation partner.
French timetables for 2024 will be made available shortly, according to Brittany Ferries.
With the introduction of this direct ferry service between Ireland and Spain in 2024, travelers will have a convenient transportation option for both leisure and business purposes. The journey will provide an opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes of both countries while enjoying the onboard facilities and services offered by Brittany Ferries.
The confirmation of this ferry link further strengthens the transportation network between Ireland and Spain, fostering closer ties between the two regions. Travelers can look forward to the ease and comfort of traveling between these destinations, knowing that reliable and efficient ferry services are available.
