Ferries to Northern Ireland
Just 12 miles separate mainland UK from Northern Ireland at its closest point. That point happens to be in Scotland, so it will be no surprise that all but one sailing to Northern Ireland from the UK sails from Scotland.
There is currently up to twelve daily sailings from Scotland to Northern Ireland, that’s spread across two routes, Cairnryan to Belfast and Cairnryan to Larne. The other two sailings from the UK, goes from Liverpool to Belfast and sails twice a day, once during the day and once overnight.
Ferries to Northern Ireland
|
|
|
|
Travelling to Northern Ireland by ferry takes from 2-2.5 hours from Cairnryan in Scotland and 8 hours from Liverpool to Belfast (with an over night option available).
As well as the direct ferries there are number of other options. You could get a ferry to The Republic of Ireland and make the drive up to Northern Ireland via one of the well linked motorways.
If your taking your dog or small pet with you on your travels, then you are in luck because all ferries allow you to travel with dogs and small animals. Both operators have their own policy and usually offer kennels for dogs, with smaller animals remaining in your vehicle during the crossing.
If your planning a trip to the Northern Ireland soon, then why not have a look at our Ireland Destination Guide as well as our individual city guides for some of Northern Irelands great cities, including Belfast, Derry and Newry.
Can you please advise on best ferry for car and two passengers from Liverpool to Belfast, end of June for one week? Many thanks!
Hi Frank
We would recommend Stena Line’s Liverpool to Belfast route for this journey. I’ve added a link to the page for you. I hope this helps.
I’ve a wedding in Belfast in feb 2024 I don’t want to fly I live in Kent but can you advise me on travel by ferry
Hi Jayne
Unfortunately the prices for February 2024 are not available yet. (Prices are available for January 2024). Unfortunately you will have to wait another month before prices become available. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
I need to get to Belfast from England Wednesday 30th June and return either Saturday or Sunday 10th/11th July, as a foot passenger, can you help me with times and prices please
Hi Linda
So we suggest you travel on Stena Line’s Liverpool to Belfast Route. Departing from Liverpool on Wednesday 30th June, departure times would be 10:30 and 22:30 (prices start from £22 for this journey). Returning on Saturday 10th July from Belfast, departure times would be 22:30 (prices start from £32 for this journey). Returning on Sunday 11th July from Belfast, departure times would be 22:30 (prices start from £32 for this journey). I have linked the Stena Line page, so you can see all the options. I hope this helps.
Is ferry open from Liverpool to Belfast in June
Hi Ian
Thank you for getting in contact with us. Yes, Stena Line are operating the Liverpool to Belfast route in June. Just click on the “Get A Quote” button, then select your required dates, number of passengers and mode of transport (foot passenger, car etc) and follow the booking options. I hope this helps.
why is it so difficult to try and book on a crossing as a foot pasenger from cairnryan?
Hi Stewart
Sorry to hear you are having some difficulties, if you can give us a bit more information on where you are getting stuck we will do our best to help you.