Ferry from Birkenhead (Liverpool) to Belfast in Ireland
There are two sailings each day (except Monday, when there is one) between Birkenhead and Belfast and the crossing time for the ferry is approximately 8 hours.
Birkenhead to Belfast
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Though Birkenhead is not in Liverpool, the route is often referred to as the Liverpool Belfast ferry and is the only ferry connection between England and Northern Ireland and is a great alternative to the Scotland to Northern Ireland crossings. Although the crossings to Northern Ireland are shorter from Scotland, it will save quite a few hours drive for most folk living in England.
There is currently both a day and evening sailing available, so whether or not you wish to arrive fresh in the morning the next day or relax on a day sailing, the choice is yours. The modern ferries provide passengers with comfort and reliability all year round.
Whilst on board the staff will endeavour to ensure that you have a comfortable and pleasant trip. Why not enjoy a meal in the restaurant, unwind with a drink in the lounge or simply relax in one of the spacious cabins, all equipped with en-suite facilities.
The city center is perhaps best explored on foot as it takes just an hour to walk from one end of town to the other. The heart of downtown Belfast is centred upon Donegall Square, around which can be found the Albert Memorial, the Grand Opera House and the Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast’s most famous pub.
If your venturing further in Belfast surrounding areas and the rest of northern Ireland, taking your car to Ireland on the ferry is great way of discovering this beautiful island.
For what ever reason you are visiting Belfast, your sure to have great time in the lively capital of Northern Ireland.
Liverpool to Belfast By Ferry
- Operated by Stena
- Served By The Ships: Stena Mersey, Stena Edda
- Sailing Time: 8 hours | Up To 2 Sailings Per Day
- Foot passengers from just £32 one way
On-board Facilities
- Cabins Available
- WiFi Available
- Food Court
- Shopping Onboard
Traveling With Dogs
- Dogs allowed to travel
Accessible Travel
- Disabled Cabins Available
- Disabled Toilets Available
- Lifts Available
Traveling With Children
- Child Friendly Cabins Available
- Childrens Entertainment
Getting To Port (Liverpool)
By Train: The nearest train station to the port is Seaforth & Litherland.
By Bus: Both terminals are a 10 minute drive from the Port of Liverpool. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Walking: To walk from Liverpool train station to Liverpool ferry port would take approximately 18 minutes (0.9 mi) via A57.
Getting To Port (Belfast)
By Train: Great Victoria Street train station is the nearest train station to Belfast ferry Terminals. It is an 11 minute drive (4.8 mi) via M2.
By Bus: Translink operate Metro service (96) from Upper Queen Street, near Belfast City Hall, to the terminal daily for the 07:30, 11:30, 15:30 & 19:30 departures. The return service from the terminal drops you off at Donegall Place in Belfast City Centre.
Walking: To walk from Great Victoria Street train station to Belfast ferry port would take approximately 1 hour 26 minutes (4.3 mi) via W Bank Road.
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Hi How far from Belfast is can’t spell it sorry lockgiel
Hi Lesley
Do you possibly mean Loughguile? That is 46.5 miles from Belfast. So approximately 1 hours drive. I hope this helps.
Hi.
I am a foot passenger. Is there a charge for taking a bicycle?
Hi Michael
There is a slight increase in ticket price between a foot passenger with no vehicle and a foot passenger with a bicycle. Depending on the dates and times selected this roughly equates to a £15 increase in ticket price. I hope this helps.
What is the typical loading method for vehicles towing a caravan on the Belfast > Liverpool and Liverpool > Belfast route? I typically use Belfast > Cairnryan where you drive on and off with no turning required on the very. With there only being one entrance/exit on the Belfast / Liverpool route, I take it caravans generally go on the freight deck? Can you normally do a u-turn on the ferry to get off or is reversing etc required. Many thanks.
Hi Shaun
Unfortunately we do not know the answer to this question. Here is the Customer service number for Stena Line. They should be able to help with your query. I am sorry we could not have been more help.
+44 3447 70 70 70
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 – 22:00
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 – 22:00
Does a UK national 1 year old need a passport to travel on the ferry to Belfast? I know adults can use photo ID.
Hi Shelley
If the child is a UK National, then their birth certificate can be used in place of a passport. I hope this helps.
How much is fare for 2 adults, 3 kids aging 6,10 and 13?
How much will be charged for car?
Hi Sarwat
Unfortunately I would need a little more information to complete the quote. When are you looking travel – departure and return dates? Are you flexible with dates or times? What kind of car is it you drive? If you get back in touch I can help you more with a quote.
Do the ferries cater for towing a caravan Liverpool to Belfast and return in say mid May and rough costs for two adults over 80 years old
Hi Ken
Yes, you are able to take a car and a towing caravan onto the Liverpool to Belfast route. Unfortunately I cannot give you an estimate on the price as I am unclear on the dates which you wish to travel. I would also need the size of your car and caravan. To get a quote, simply click on on the purple “Get a quote button” and fill in all the relevant information. Selecting your car first, then adding in the towing caravan. I hope this helps.
Can you tell me times for June 2024 of the liverpool to belfast
ferries and rough price guide car and 4 passengers thanks
Hi Colin
Unfortunately the sailing schedule for June 2024 hasn’t been released yet. Currently you can only book until end Jan 2024. We would advise checking back in a few months to see if the dates have been released. I am sorry for the inconvenience.
Do the Book it, put dates in, number of people and size of vehicle and it gives price – really easy
Do you need a passport to travel from Liverpool to Belfast
Hi Carole
If you are a British national travelling between England and Northern Ireland you do not need a passport. You will need a form of photographic ID though (For example a drivers licence). If you are not a British national, then you will need a passport. Check out our handy Passports and Identification Guide for more information. I hope this helps.
hi, if i travelling with my dog, will he have to stay in the car? also will he need a passport from uk to belfast?
Hi Maxine
As a general rule of thumb, whilst travelling with a dog on a ferry, your dog will have to remain in either your vehicle or in the onboard kennels. This will have to be declared at the booking stage. Most operators provide this as a free service, but a couple of the routes do incur a small charge.
So pet passports are no longer valid. When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs:
1) a microchip
2) valid rabies vaccination
3) an animal health certificate, or a valid pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to
tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta
These requirements also apply to assistance dogs.
I hope this helps.
Do the ferries have chargers for electric vehicles?
Hi Naomi
Unfortunately it is not possible to charge your electric car onboard the ferry.
Hi, how much for one person + motorcycle, return trip.
Thank you
Hi Andy
Thank you for getting in touch. Price will vary depending on when (month and time) that you are wanting to travel. Prices for a single adult and a motorcycle in February 2023 start from £69 each way. If you get back in touch and provide us some more details we’d be happy to give you are a more accurate quote. I hope this helps.
is there an option to book cabin to sleep over for a overnight cruise from Liverpool to Belfast please ?
we are 4 people, with a car and we need at least a cabin for a sleep over so we can lie down please, if thats possible
Hi Gags
Yes, there is an option to book cabins on this route. Just click on the “Get a quote” button on the page and follow through the instructions. There is a dedicated page which allows you to book cabins if required. I hope this helps.
How much per person walk on trip please?
Hi Keith
Thank you for getting in touch. Unfortunately I would need a little more information to complete this quote? When are you looking to travel? How long are you travelling for? Can you be flexible with times for travel, or ticket types? As a rough approximation, a foot passenger in June for a single journey, prices would start from £32. I hope this helps.
I am picking my dog up from Belfast I am a foot passenger does my dog have to be kenneled and how much does it cost from Birkenhead to Belfast return including my dog thank you
Hi Chris
Dogs are able to travel on this ferry crossing. They have to be pre-booked onboard. So you will have to state at the time of booking that your Dog is going to go into the onboard kennels. As you are a foot passenger, your dof will have to go here.
Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge. You can pre-book a kennel on the “Stena Plus & Onboard Extras” step of the booking process. Please note that we have a limited number of kennels available. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book.
It may be possible to arrange to visit the kennels mid-voyage to check on your dog. Visits depend on the availability and discretion of the crew. You therefore need to prepare in such a way which ensures he/she is comfortable and happy during the journey. Any food or water your pet will require during the crossing you will have to take with you.
Under the EU pet movement system, all pet dogs, cats and ferrets moving between EU Member States must meet the same animal health rules. All pets travelling between the Republic of Ireland and the UK or Continental Europe and between the UK and Continental Europe must be micro chipped and accompanied by a pet passport. Please note it is your responsibility to provide all necessary documents and make all arrangements including where necessary quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements.
As for cost, your dog will be free, it will be just yourself as a foot passenger who will incur a cost. Price will depend on numerous factors – dates of travel and also time of travel. If you could provide me with a little more information I can help with a better quote. I hope this helps.
Hi, I would like to make a telephone booking, please could you tell me your phone number/
Thanks
Jo
Hi Jo
Unfortunately we here at Ferry To Europe don’t take booking over the phone. If you would like to speak to someone in person the number for Stena Line’s new bookings is 03447 707 070. I assume it is one of their routes you wish to travel on, due to the page you left the comment on. Sorry we cannot be of more help.
How much is it one person the driver , disabled , one way . Please
Hi Michael
Thank you for getting in touch with us. Unfortunately we would need a little more information from you to complete the quote. Which route are you looking at going on? What date are you looking to travel on or can you be flexible with dates? Are you flexible with the time or travel? If you get back in touch with a little more information we would be happy to give you a quote.
Can I take a dog on this ferry?
Hi Jane
Yes, dogs are able to travel on this ferry crossing. Dogs have to be pre-booked onboard. So you will have to state at the time of booking if your dog is going to go into the onboard kennels or will remain in your car.
By car
Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge or if you prefer, your pet can remain in the vehicle for the duration of the crossing. You can pre-book a kennel on the “Stena Plus & Onboard Extras” step of the booking process. Please note that we have a limited number of kennels available. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book.
By foot
Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge. You can pre-book a kennel on the “Stena Plus & Onboard Extras” step of the booking process. Please note that we have a limited number of kennels available. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book.
Guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the port and onboard our vessels. Please visit our Guest Services desk when you board in order to show the relevant documentation for your dog to allow access to all areas onboard.
It may be possible to arrange to visit your car mid-voyage to check on your dog – the car deck is not accessible to passengers once the ship has sailed so you would need to be escorted, so visits depend on the availability and discretion of the crew – but it is highly unlikely that he/she will be allowed to leave your vehicle. You therefore need to prepare in such a way which ensures he/she is comfortable and happy during the journey. It may also be possible to arrange a visit to your dog in the kennels during the crossing.
Any food or water your pet will require during the crossing you will have to take with you. I hope this helps.
Hi there,
I just wanted to know that what would be the quote for a 19 seater coach with 17-19 passenger (excluding Driver) from Liverpool to Belfast.
Hi GK Kara
Thank you for getting in touch. Unfortunately due to the large size of your group, will will have to contact Stena Line directly. Stena Line have a dedicated Coach and Group Team who will be able to assist you with your enquiry on 08445 764 764. I am sorry we cannot be of more help.
Hi,
I am looking to travel from Liverpool to Belfast.
I understand that I do not need a covid-19 test of any description to be able to do this – is this correct?
My wife is mask exempt on medical grounds, however no GP will provide a certificate for this (they say that there is no such thing). Will she be refused travel, or what does she need to provide?
Many Thanks
Julian
Hi Julian
Thank you for your question. This one has been tricky to answer, and the answer’s are not clear. With Regards to taking a PCR test, Stena Line say you do not need one. The Northern Irish Government say Lateral Flow tests are required. The UK Government is unclear whether it’s restriction count Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as one territory. It would appear The Republic of Ireland has tougher restrictions (PCR tests and quarantine). Our advice to you is to speak to Stena Line directly and see what they say on the matter. You can contact them on: 03447 707 070.
With regards to your wife wearing a mask. If she is exempt, then she is exempt. There is no proof required of this. Stena Line do recognise that not everyone can wear a mask.
I am sorry we cannot give you a clearer answer. We do not want to give you bad information which may impact your holiday.