Ferries to Northern Ireland
Where is this?
Ferries to Northern Ireland connect Scotland and England with key ports including Belfast and Larne, with frequent daily sailings operated by companies such as Stena Line and P&O Ferries. Whether you’re planning a short trip to Belfast or a longer journey across the island, ferry travel offers a flexible and convenient way to reach Northern Ireland.
The region combines vibrant cities, rich history, and dramatic coastal scenery. Visitors can explore the capital Belfast, discover the historic walled city of Londonderry, or travel south towards Newry and the Mourne Mountains. Along the coast, routes like the Causeway Coastal Route offer some of the most scenic drives in the UK.
Thanks to its compact size, Northern Ireland is easy to explore by car, with short travel times between major destinations. Many travellers arrive via ferries to Belfast and use it as a starting point to explore both Northern Ireland and the Republic, continuing south towards cities like Cork.
How do I get there?
You can reach Northern Ireland by ferry from Great Britain, with regular routes connecting Scotland and England to Belfast and Larne.
Most travellers choose ferries to Belfast, which offer quick access to the city centre and onward routes across Northern Ireland.
From arrival, you can easily continue your journey towards Londonderry, head south to Newry, or even cross the border into the Republic of Ireland towards destinations like Cork via wider ferry routes to Ireland.
Why choose ferry?
Ferry travel to Northern Ireland is one of the most flexible and practical options, especially if you’re planning to explore beyond the main cities.
- Travel with your car or motorhome for full freedom
- No strict baggage limits
- Relaxed onboard experience with seating, food, and cabins
- Ideal for multi-stop trips, such as arriving via ferries to Belfast and continuing towards Londonderry or the Republic of Ireland.
- Convenient access straight into Northern Ireland’s road network
For road trips across both Northern Ireland and the Republic, ferries offer a seamless start to your journey.
What are my options?
These are the most popular ferry routes to Northern Ireland, with frequent sailings and a choice of fast crossings or overnight journeys depending on your departure point.
From Scotland
 |
| Cairnryan |
 |
| Larne |
| 6 sailings per day |
| Sailing time 2 hours |
| Car & 4 passengers from £253Car & 4 passengers from €251 |
 |
| Cairnryan |
|
| Belfast |
| 6 sailings per day |
| Sailing time 2hr 15m |
| Car & 4 passengers from £255Car & 4 passengers from €230 |
- Ferries from Cairnryan → Belfast. A fast and frequent crossing linking southwest Scotland directly to Belfast, ideal for quick access to Northern Ireland’s capital and main road network. (one of the most popular ferry routes to Northern Ireland)
- Cairnryan → Larne ferry route. A short and efficient route from Scotland to Larne, perfect for reaching the Causeway Coast and northern areas of Northern Ireland.
From England
|
| Liverpool |
|
| Belfast |
| 2 sailings per day |
| Sailing time 8 hours |
| Car & 4 passengers from £251Car & 4 passengers from €284 |
- Ferries from Liverpool (Birkenhead) → Belfast. An overnight ferry connecting northern England with Belfast, offering a relaxed and convenient option for longer-distance travel.
These routes connect directly into Northern Ireland’s main ports, making it easy to reach Belfast, travel west to Londonderry, or head south towards Newry.
These are the main ferry routes to Northern Ireland, with frequent daily sailings and a choice of fast crossings from Scotland or overnight journeys from England.
Which is best?
- Fastest route: Cairnryan → Belfast or Larne (~2–2.5 hours)
- Best for city access: Cairnryan → Belfast (especially if you’re planning to explore the city or continue your journey towards Londonderry or Newry)
- Best for north coast trips: Cairnryan → Larne
- Best from England: Liverpool → Belfast (overnight convenience)
If you’re planning to explore multiple areas — such as Belfast, the north coast, and onward to Londonderry Belfast is usually the most convenient arrival point.
Who runs them?
- Stena Line
- Cairnryan ↔ Belfast
- Liverpool ↔ Belfast
- P&O Ferries
- Cairnryan ↔ Larne
Both operators provide modern vessels with lounges, dining, and optional cabins.
Where do they go?
Belfast Port
- Main gateway for ferries to Belfast. Close to Belfast city centre with excellent onward connections
- Best for onward travel across the country
Larne Port
- Smaller, quieter port
- Ideal for reaching the Causeway Coast quickly
- Good access routes towards Londonderry
What can I do there?
Northern Ireland combines vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and dramatic coastal scenery, making it one of the most rewarding destinations to explore by ferry.
Explore Belfast
Explore Belfast home to Titanic Belfast, the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, and a growing food and nightlife scene. Many travellers arrive via ferries to Belfast before exploring the rest of Northern Ireland. The city combines industrial heritage with a modern cultural scene, from the world-renowned Titanic Belfast experience to lively pubs and restaurants in the Cathedral Quarter. It’s also the main transport hub, making it easy to continue your journey across Northern Ireland.
Discover historic Londonderry
Located in the northwest, Londonderry (Derry) is one of Ireland’s most historic cities, famous for its fully intact 17th-century city walls. Walking the walls offers a unique perspective on the city’s past, while museums and murals bring its more recent history to life. It’s a key stop on routes along the north coast and pairs well with visits to the Giant’s Causeway.
Visit Newry and the Mourne Mountains
Heading south, Newry acts as a gateway between Northern Ireland and the Republic. It’s a popular stop for shopping and a convenient base for exploring the nearby Mourne Mountains. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for hiking, scenic drives, and coastal views.
Drive the Causeway Coastal Route
One of the highlights of Northern Ireland is the Causeway Coastal Route. A spectacular drive linking Belfast to the north coast. Along the way, you’ll find dramatic cliffs, castles, and landmarks like the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Extend your trip to Cork and beyond
Many travellers use Northern Ireland as the starting point for a wider journey across the island, making Northern Ireland a great starting point for exploring the entire island. From Belfast or Newry, you can easily continue south into the Republic of Ireland, travelling towards cities like Cork, known for its food scene, coastal routes, and relaxed atmosphere.
What should I know?
- Currency: Pound Sterling (£)
- Driving: Left-hand side
- Road trips are easy — short distances between Belfast, Newry, and Londonderry
- Weather can change quickly — pack layers
- Book ferries early in peak travel seasons
FAQ
If you’re planning to travel from the UK to Northern Ireland by ferry, you may have a few questions about routes, travel times, and what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ferry travel to Northern Ireland.
Compare ferry routes, operators, and sailing times to find the best ferry to Northern Ireland for your trip.