Ferry from Stranraer to Belfast in Northern Ireland

Ferry from Stranraer to Belfast in Northern Ireland

In 2012 Stena Line replaced their Stranraer to Belfast ferry with their brand new Cairnryan to Belfast ferry  Which is served by the biggest ferries ever to sail between Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Cairnryan is just a 10 minute drive north of Stranraer. As well Belfast, you also have the option to sail to Larne with P&O. No ferries to Northern Ireland operate from Stranraer now.

All ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland

Car & 4 passengers from £199
6 sailings per day       Sailing time: 2hr 15m
Car & 4 passengers from £217
6 sailings per day       Sailing time: 2 hours

All ferries from England to Northern Ireland

Car & 4 passengers from £231
2 sailings per day       Sailing time: 8 hours

Sailing from Cairnryan, near Stranraer to Belfast with Stena Line will take you just over 2 hours on the Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII, these ships are the biggest ferries ever to sail between Scotland and Northern Ireland

In recent years Belfast has emerged from decades of conflict to be a top tourist destination. With its relatively small size and amazing picturesque location nestled between mountains, Belfast offers it’s visitors a special holiday. Stunning coastline, a fascinating history and a vibrant atmosphere make Belfast a very popular tourist destination.

Whether your planning just a weekend trip or Belfast is the starting point for a longer self drive holiday, the Stena Line Cairnryan, near Stranraer to Belfast crossing offers you wonderful relaxed hassle free crossing. Their bright spacious ships make it easy for you to travel in comfort, with all the onboard facilities at hand to make your journey as relaxing and fun as possible!

Travel by ferry to Belfast on the Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII and be Northern Ireland in just over 2 hours. Travel from Cairnryan, near Stranraer to Belfast and explore all that this exciting city has to offer.

70 thoughts on “Ferry from Stranraer to Belfast in Northern Ireland

  1. Good morning, I know I can pre book seats at a cost but can you tell me if there are other seats that are free? Either on deck or under cover, asking for 2 OAP’s and lively 8 year old Grandson.
    Many thanks
    Ann

    1. Hi Ann

      Yes, there are other seat located throughout the vessel that are free to relax on without having to book. I hope this helps.

  2. Helleo I am.thinking of going to Belfast by boat from Cairnryan as single foot passenger how much would it cost and are there any consessions I will be coming back a week later and what are the times of the ferries there and back I hope you can help Me thank you

    1. Hi Christopher

      Thank you for getting in touch. So the Cairnryan to Belfast route is operated by Stena Line. It runs 6 times a day with a crossing time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Foot passengers are permitted, but not on all the crossings. Times which foot passengers are permitted is 0730, 1130, 1530 and 1930 sailings. The concessions which are on offer are Senior Citizens (+65) and Students (+16). With regards to price, I would need more detail I am afraid. When are you looking to travel? Can you be flexible with dates and times of sailings? There is also three different types of tickets which you can purchase, which would either increase or decrease the price depending which one you picked. If you get back in touch with a few more details, I can provide you with a quote.

      1. Hi Oliver

        On Sunday 4th February 2024, Sailings from Cairnryan to Belfast are at: 09:00, 15:30, 19:30 and 23:00. I hope this helps.

  3. What documents do I need for my dog travelling on the ferry from UK to Belfast, in March 2021, under the new EU rules?

  4. Hi my mother would like to travel to Ireland on the ferry. However she has difficulty using stairs due to shortness of breath and will not use a lift due to anxiety, are there ramps to get her up on deck or could she stay in the car?
    Kindest regards,
    Jill Carey

    1. Hi Jill

      Thank you for getting in touch with us. Unfortunately your mother would not be able to remain in the car for the duration of the crossing. (This is due to HSE procedures in an event of an emergency) All travel companies are happy to help passengers and accommodate their needs where possible. Due to the design and layout of ships going between levels is only possible via steep stairs or lifts. I am sorry I cannot be of more help to you.

  5. Best route to go to stranraerfrom northern Ireland foot passenger is it from large or Belfast and what days do the ships sail from rather location

    1. Hi Bill

      Yes, your car can be left at Cairnryan Ferry Terminal. It has both a long stay and short stay car park. If you are leaving your car for longer than 24 hours, we recommend booking a spot in advance as this will work out cheaper. I hope this helps.

    1. Hi Debbie

      Dogs are able to travel as foot passengers onboard ferries, although they would have to be checked in to the onboard kennels and remain there for the duration of the crossing. If arriving by car, you will have the option whether to leave your dog in your vehicle or check them into the onboard kennels. Both options require dogs to be booked on in advance. This is done by adding them into your passenger details whilst making your booking. I hope this helps.

    1. Hi Andy

      Yes you can. Pets need to be booked on in advance, and will either remain in your vehicle or be placed in the onboard kennels for the duration of the crossing. I hope this helps.

    1. Hi Bob

      Yes you can take your caravan on the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast. Just select Caravan (or Motorhome) as your vehicles option. I hope this helps.

  6. We need to go to work over to Moy, County Tyrone BT71 7JE. Which is the best ferry to take over there. We are based in Fife. Will be travelling in a Mitsubishi Barbarian

      1. Do I have to book a journey fro Stranrae to Belfast and what are the departure times weekdays

        1. Hi Janie

          Yes, all journeys between Cairnryan (formerly Stranraer) and Belfast have to be booked in advance. Departure times are as follows:

          Mondays: 07:30, 11:30, 15:30, 19.30 and 23.30.
          Tuesday: 03:30, 07:30, 11:30, 15:30, 19.30 and 23.30.
          Wednesday: 03:30, 07:30, 11:30, 15:30, 19.30 and 23.30.
          Thursday: 03:30, 07:30, 11:30, 15:30, 19.30 and 23.30.
          Friday: 03:30, 07:30, 11:30, 15:30, 19.30 and 23.30.

          I hope this helps.

  7. We have a small dog that is very nervous of the car so we are concerned about leaving him alone in the car. 3-4 mins in his own while we load the car leaves him shaking. He needs to get to Belfast. Is there anyway he can stay with us or us with him? The vet won’t allow sedation.

    1. Hi Sarah

      I am sorry to hear of your predicament. Unfortunately you will not be able to wait with your dog while crossing. He will have to remain in your vehicle or in the onboard kennels while you wait on on the upper levels. Visiting your dog during sailing would be at the discretion of the operator and would require you to be accompanied by a member of staff. I am sorry we cannot be of more help on this matter.

  8. Hi, are dogs allowed on the deck please during the crossing ? There’s no pet passport requirement either is there from Scotland to Northern Ireland ? Thanks

  9. hi there, i am looking to book a weekend away for my mother in laws 40th. we are thinking of going to cork if i was to get the boat from stranraer to belfast could you tell me how i would get to cork, how long it would be ect? and also how much is the boat for 15 on foot passengers from stranraer to belfast thanks.

    1. Hi Rachael

      What a lovely gesture for your mother in law. If you wanted to get to Cork from Belfast it would approximately 4.5 hours drive, 5-6 hours travel using a variety of public transport. As your party size is greater than 9, you would have to contact Stena Line directly to get a quote. Please contact them on the Reservation Telephone Number: 08445 764 764. I hope this helps.

  10. Hi I would like to no how I can get from Belfast to Haven Craig Tara 6 adults 2 children and a wee Yorkshire terrier in his carrier we would be footpasngers

    1. Hi Alice

      So to do this, you would need to catch the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. Then get in a taxi from the ferry port to Stranraer train station. Then get the train from Stranraer to Ayr. Then a taxi to Ayr Bus station. Then get on Haven’s dedicated bus to Craig Tara.

      Whilst on the ferry your Yorkshire terrier will have to be placed in the onboard kennels. I hope this helps.

  11. Do dogs have to remain in the vehicle or are they permitted onboard the ferry? If they have to remain in vehicle, can owner stay with them?

    Thanks.

    1. Hi Elaine

      Your dog can either remain in your vehicle or be booked into the onboard kennels. Unfortunately you will not be permitted to remain with your dog in your vehicle during the sailing. I hope this helps.

  12. My daughter wants to meet in Belfast for weekend she’ll be coming via stranrar Belfast , but she has no passport is this gonna be a problem
    ???

    1. You don’t need a passport. British or Irish citizens travelling on Irish Sea routes do not need a passport to travel to Britain or Ireland but are advised to take a form of identity. A driving licence, citizenship card or utility bill will usually suffice. A birth certificate will provide adequate proof of identity for your child to travel.

  13. Are there rental car companies in Cairnryan?
    If not, is Stranraer the closest location to rent a car?
    Thank you

    1. Hi Angela

      You can get Hertz Rental Cars at Cairnryan Ferry Termminal:

      Stranraer, Cairnryan – Stena Line Terminal Building
      Belfast Way , Loch Ryan Port
      Stranraer (Cairnryan) , DG9 8RG
      United Kingdom

      Your phone number: +44 (0) 843 309 3072*
      Location Type: Corporate
      Hours of Operation: Mo-Fr 0930-1430, Sa-Su closed

  14. Is it possible to sail from Liverpool to Belfast, spend a few days there and then sail from Belfast to Troon ?

    1. Hi Bob

      Unfortunately you cannot sail between Troon and Larne. The closest route would be Cairnryan to Belfast. (Get the train from Troon to Cairnryan). Sorry for the inconvenience.

    1. Hi Ronnie

      There is a large car park with over 300 spaces in front of the terminal building, with large spaces for blue badge holders. Payment for the car park may be made in cash through the pay stations or by credit card at the travel centre. You may also pay onboard at the guest services desk prior to arrival. Cars are left at your own digression.

      Car Parking Tariff

      • First 30 minutes FREE

      • 30 mins – 1 hour £0.50

      • 1 – 2 hours £1.00

      • 2 – 4 hours £2.00

      • 4 – 6 hours £3.00

      • 6 – 8 hours £4.00

      • 8 – 24 hours £5.00

      then £5 per day (or part thereof)

  15. can we take a ferry from Belfast to Stranraer. we will be traveling from Dublin to Belfast by rail, and wish to go from Stranraer to Glasgow.

    1. The ferry now sails from Belfast to Cairnryan. There is bus service that connects Cairnryan port with the Stranraer train station.

    1. This particular ferry closed in 2012. But to get a price for any ferry just use the quote button as the price will depend on your time and day of travel and type of fare required.

  16. hello. i along with 11 work colleagues are planning to do the national 5 peak challenge . is it possible to get a mini bus on the stenna superfast ?

    1. Hi Dave

      Yes, minibuses are able to go on this route. Just select the appropriate size of minibus from the choice of vehicle options in the drop down box. As your party size is greater than 9 people, you will have to contact Stena Line directly to complete the booking. This can be done through their customer service telephone number for groups: 08445 764 764. Good luck with your five peak challenge!!

  17. I Prefer To Travel By Rail … So Are There No More Sailings From Belfast to Stranraar Rail Terminal? Or Do You Only Cater Now, For Road Users? Buses Are Very Uncomfortable For Me As I am Disabled & I Need Leg Room …

    1. Hi Kieran. Unfortunately there are no sailings from Stranraar to Ireland anymore. All sailings moved to Cairnryan in 2012. There is now a bus service that connects Stanraar rail station with the Cairnryan ferry port, the journey time is just 10 minutes and should be fully disabled accessible.

  18. Is it possible to cross as a foot passenger from cairnryan to belfast pick up a young dog and return on the same ferry. Thanks

    1. Hi Heather

      Yes it is entirely possible. When placing your booking click on the “Different passengers or vehicles out/return” and add your dog into the return journey. Please note, you will require all relevant paperwork for your dog to travel on the ferry. This will include a pet passport, for the dog to be micro-chipped and all relevant vaccinations. Please see our Travelling with a Dog – Passports and Vaccinations Guide for more information. I hope this helps.

    1. Hi Daphne

      You can get a bus from Port Road Ferry Terminal to Glasgow’s Buchanan Bus Station. (Depending on the bus, there will be a change within a bus station). Buchanan Bus Station is approximately 10 minutes walk to Glasgow Central Train Station. (Depending exactly the route of the bus, ask the driver if you are able to get off at the end of Bothwell Street, this will place you 1 minute walk to Glasgow Central Station). I hope this helps.

    1. Hi Daniel

      There is a large car parking lot with over 300 spaces situated in front of the main terminal building. You can pay for the car parking lot using cash through the pay stations or by credit card in the travel centre. It is also possible to pay onboard our ferry at the guest services desk prior to arrival.

      Parking Lot Charges

      First 30 minutes FREE
      30 mins – 1 hour £0.50
      1 – 2 hours £1.00
      2 – 4 hours £2.00
      4 – 6 hours £3.00
      6 – 8 hours £4.00
      8 – 24 hours £5.00
      then £5 per day (or part thereof) I hope this helps.

  19. I’m travelling to Stranraer by train from Glasgow with my daughter with luggage and i dont know how to get to the Cairnryan ferry to Belfast. How do we get there?

    1. Hi Elizabeth

      Cairnryan Ferry Port is located a short distance from the Town of Stranraer (approx. 8 miles / 10 minutes away). You could either get a taxi or get a train from Stranraer to Port Rodie Ferry Terminal. I hope this helps.

  20. Information please
    Are there parking facilities to leave the car for up to a week whilst travelling as a foot passenger to Belfast ? and do ineed to book ahead ?

    1. Hi Trevor

      There is a large car parking lot with over 300 spaces situated in front of the main terminal building. You can pay for the car parking lot using cash through the pay stations or by credit card in the travel centre. It is also possible to pay onboard our ferry at the guest services desk prior to arrival.

      Parking Lot Charges

      First 30 minutes FREE
      30 mins – 1 hour £0.50
      1 – 2 hours £1.00
      2 – 4 hours £2.00
      4 – 6 hours £3.00
      6 – 8 hours £4.00
      8 – 24 hours £5.00
      then £5 per day (or part thereof)

      This would have to be booked in advance. I hope this helps.

  21. Hi There,

    I would appreciate it if you could answer these questions. Can a disabled passenger travel on there own with no car? How far is the ferry from Belfast airport?

    Regards,

    Carol

    1. Hi Carol

      Of course, Stena Line are always pleased to make arrangements for anyone who requires help at the ports or onboard ships.

      If you have a disability, reduced mobility or other impairment & require assistance please advise us of your specific requirements at least 48 hours before the start of your journey by calling us on 03447 707070 with your booking reference. Alternatively e-mail: assistance@stenaline.com (more than 7 days before departure).

      We may require that you travel with an attendant if it is essential for safety reasons or you are unable to assist in your own evacuation from the ferry or you are unable to understand safety instructions. If this is the case, there will be no additional fee for the attendant.

      To enable us to provide you with the best level of service, we kindly request you to check-in at least 1 hour before departure (2 hours on our Liverpool route). Upon arrival, please also advise our check-in staff, so we can make the necessary arrangements.

      The airport is situated 10 minute drive from the ferry terminal, so we would recommend you use a taxi. Alternatively you can get a bus into Belfast town center, then a bus our to the airport. (this journey would take approximately 1 hour). I hope this helps.

  22. I am going to Northern Ireland to collect a puppy, will I be able to transport the puppy in my car on the Stenna Line Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry?

  23. I would like to ask if there are any sailings from hull to Scotland return please

    Regards

    Liz

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.