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.
to By Ferry
On-board Facilities
Traveling With Dogs
- No Dogs allowed to travel
Accessible Travel
- No Lifts Available
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I want to travel to Donegal from Liverpool there and back in 24 hours, what are the requirements regarding covid? In fact,is this allowed?
Hi Les
Currently access to The Republic of Ireland is subject to entry requirements and would require a 14 day isolation period upon arrival. Unfortunately you would not be able to complete this journey in 24 hours. For more information, please see the UK Government website. I am sorry we cannot be of more help.
Do I need to have a Covid test to get on the ferry?
Hi Andrew
What an excellent question. This ultimately depends on the route and the countries involved. As you have commented on a route between England and Northern Ireland, I am assuming this is the route you wish to travel on? If this is the case, then No, you do not need to provide proof of a negative PCR test between England and Northern Ireland. See the following excerpt from the government website:
Exemptions – people who don’t need to take a test:
You do not need to take a test if you began your journey to Northern Ireland from: the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Jersey or Guernsey, Ascension, Falkland Islands, St Helena or Myanmar.
I hope this help.
do i need pet passport for small dog to travel one way to belfast from liverpool.
Hi Suzanne
Yes you will need a pet passport to travel on this route. I hope this helps.
hi can dogs come on the ferry do they need a passport and can you visit them during the trip
Hi Jessica
Dogs are welcome on almost all of the routes available. They have have to be left in either the onboard kennels or in your vehicle. Unfortunately you will not be able to visit them without a crew member escorting you. Yes they will require a passport and all relevant vaccinations depending on which country you are heading to. I hope this helps.
If travelling in a car with a dog can we access the dog and let it out of the car during the journey?
Hi Judith
Unfortunately you will not be allowed to access your dog during the crossing to let it out. It will have to remain in the vehicle for the entire journey. I hope this helps.
DO i NEED A PET PASSPORT TO TRAVEL LIVERPOOL BELFAST FERRY
Hi William
Yes you will require a pet passport and all relevant vaccinations when travelling to Ireland. Why not check out our Travelling with Pets Guide – Passports and Vaccinations for more details. I hope this helps.
Could you please tell me the difference between Flexi and Economy prices
Hi Anne
Flexi Fares cost a little more so you can change tickets without amendment fees. Economy Fares are the lowest fare for early bookers, but it’s non-refundable and there is a charge to change tickets. Hope this helps.
How much does it cost to bring a bicycle on as a foot passenger
Hi Russell
Passengers should check-in as a foot passenger then secure their bicycles onto the bicycle rack provided and board the foot passenger shuttle bus. The bicycle rack is transported separately on to the main deck by Stena Line staff. Passengers should disembark as a foot passenger and collect their bicycle from the bicycle rack beside the baggage carousel in the terminal.
As for exact cost, you would have to provide us with dates of crossing. Sorry we can’t be of more help at this time.
hi.My daughter has invalid passport but in September we want back to Northern I reland from England.We are from Poland and lived in UK over 13 years.I possible get for her different documents for travel?we must wait long time for polish passport
Hi Katie
If your daughter is a Polish national, she will require a passport to travel to Ireland. If she is a British citizen then she will be able to travel with other forms of ID. Please see our Passport and Identification Guide for more details. I hope this helps.
What time can you board &enter your cabin, when sailing on the overnight ferry from Liverpool to Belfast, please ? thanks
Hi Julie
Boarding commences round 1 hour before departure.
Unfortunately I cannot find any information regarding the time you are able to enter your cabin. The only information I can provide is that you will be asked to vacate your cabin 30-60 minutes before arrival following an announcement. Sorry I cannot be of more help.
Can i carry a small t v on a crossing to belfast as luggage as my daughter is at uni and need thought if i could go over as a foot passager it would be cheaper than postage
Hi Diane
Yes, you can take a TV on as a foot passenger. You will need to check with Stena Line directly as to whether you can keep it with you during the crossing or whether it would have to be checked into the hold.
All ports offer luggage handling facilities for foot passengers. During check-in, place any item of luggage larger than hand luggage on the carousel. Your luggage will be safely stowed on the car deck during the sailing and can be collected from the carousel in the terminal on arrival. You will not be able to access your luggage during the sailing so please ensure you remove all necessary items before placing the items on the carousel.Sorry I cannot be of more help.
Hi, is this service still running please? Have had difficulties trying to find it through travel agents. Do you take foot passengers and I will need to travel at short notice is this likely to be a problem?
Hi Bill
Yes this service is still running. May I suggest ditching the travel agents and just booking through us instead??? Unfortunately foot passengers are not allowed on this route, you would have to travel by car. All bookings must be made in advance, so the short notice of your travel plans might be an issue. Sorry we can’t be of more help to you.
I shall be making regular trips to Belfast next year as a foot passenger, and I’m not restricted to travelling either way on a set time or day.
I live in Blackpool, so which is the handiest port, and roughly how much would a return fare be, or do I need to buy 2 singles??/
Hi Jon
So we would recommend you use Stena Lines Liverpool to Belfast route. Exact costs will depend on days of travel. Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s are usually cheapest. Also travelling outwith any school holidays will also help bring the price down. We would advise booking returns to get the best deals. I hope this helps.
I have a small quite elderly dog who will need to travel with me to Belfast later this month. The last time we made the journey she was granted permission to be on deck in a carry on bag. She suffers intense anxiety in the kennels below and at her age I am nervous to put her through it again! Can you advise wether a carry on bag which she will remain in during the crossing is acceptable?
Many thanks.
Hi Shantha
Sorry to hear your dog suffers from anxiety during ferry journeys. Unfortunately we cannot you advise whether a carry on bag which she will remain in during the crossing is acceptable. This will come down to the discretion of Stena Line. May we suggest booking a Dog Lodge on this route. Dog lodges are available on the Promenade Deck and allow access to your pet throughout the crossing. Not only can you visit your dog but you can also exercise them under controlled conditions? I am sorry we cannot be of more help.
I have a Zimbabwean passport, but l have a British citizenship indefinite leave to remain , do l need to apply for a visa to travel to Belfast ferry from Liverpool
Hi Trish
Due to the complex nature of your situation we would advise you contact Ireland’s Department of justice for clarification. I am sorry we cannot be of more help.
Hi I have a French passport do I need a visa to travel to northern Ireland by Ferri from Liverpool please
Hi Uzzy
Ireland’s passport and visa requirements vary for different nationalities so check with your local Irish embassy or consulate before you travel. But as general rule: EU citizens need a valid passport or national identity card to enter Ireland and Northern Ireland. Have a look at this website for Visa’s, Passports and Embassy Information for more details.
have expired British passport going Liverpool to renew. Have photo ID, birth cert etc. This ok?
Hi Sean
As this is not your first passport, your birth certificate is not required. You will need Digital Photos, Credit/Debit Card and your expired passport. Please see the UK Government website for more details.
Can i travel from Liverpool to Belfast i have only provional driving licence mean DVLA i haven’t passport
Hi Gulzar
This will depend on your nationality. If you are a British or Irish citizen, you can use your provisional drivers licence. If you are a national from another country, you will need a passport. I hope this helps.
I going to Belfast and the only ID I got is birth certificate it going to be OK
Hi Chris
This will depend on your nationality. If you are a British / Irish citizen travelling across the Irish Sea you do not need a valid passport. However, it is advised you bring a form of identification with you. (Your birth certificate counts as a form of ID). If you are not a British or Irish citizen then you will require a passport. I hope this helps.
Hello I live permanently in uk,Birkenhead and would like to visit my friend in Belfast Bt all my documents have expired apart from my driving license I’m not uk citizen can I still travel to Belfast for 3 days many thanks mags
Hi Magdalena
Unfortunately you must have all relevant and in date documents to travel to Ireland being a non Irish or British citizen. I am sorry for convenience.
How long does the whole journey takes? (from birkenhead to belfast)
Hi Oiac
Day sailings take 2 hours 15 minutes. Over night sailings take 8 hours. I hope this helps.
Hi there im thinking about buying a car from england is it pissible for the car to be left at the docks and loaded and unloaded by your staff and then collected from belfast by myself.
Hi Michael
Unfortunately this is not possible. You would have to collect the car from wherever you are buying it from and bring it to the ferry port. Either that or arrange with the seller to bring it on the ferry to you. Sorry we cannot be of more help.
Can you advise me what documents I will require for myself and my pet he is 3 years old. How do I apply for an on board Kenel I want to travel from Liverpool to Belfast in June for one week. It’s my first time traveling alone with my pet I am disabled so any advise would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Helena
So your dog would require a pet passport, be micro-chipped and have all the relevant vaccinations and documents which accompany it. Have a look at our travelling with a pet guide for more details.
Your dog would have to be pre-booked onboard and remain either in your car or in the onboard kennels. When booking, there is a selection for pets, which allows you to select which option you like.
All ferry companies are more than happy to help if you feel you require extra assistance. If you have a disability, reduced mobility or other impairment & require assistance please advise Stena Line of your specific requirements at least 48 hours before the start of your journey by calling them on 03447 707070 with your booking reference. Alternatively e-mail: assistance@stenaline.com (more than 7 days before departure). I hope this helps.
Hello, my european passport has expired, however I have an UK drivings license. Is the license be enough when traveling from Belfast to Liverpool? Thanks
Hi Angelica
If you are a British / Irish citizen travelling across the Irish Sea you do not need a valid passport. However, it is advised you bring a form of identification with you. If you are not a British / Irish citizen then you will require a passport. I hope this helps.
Hiya i m a pakistani national live in UK. I have recently send my visa for extension i want to travel to belfast. Do i need any form documents with me i got a british full licence.
Hi Abz
Unfortunately, we here at Ferry To Europe cannot answer this question. Here is a website that might be able to help you with your situation. I am sorry we cannot be of more helps. https://www.vfsglobalirelandvisa.com/Pakistan/
Hi. I am a British citizen. I want to bring a 8-9 week old puppy on the Belfast-Liverpool route. Could you tell me what documentation is required for the puppy please?
Hi Louise
Yes dogs are allowed to travel between the UK and Ireland. To do so they must have a pet passport, be micro-chipped and have all relevant vaccinations and travel documents. Check out our Travelling with a Pet Guide – Passports and Vaccinations for more details. I hope this helps.
Do I need a reservation for the overnight ferry from Liverpool to Belfast 1senior in a first class cabin on July 1
Thanks
Absolutely, the likely hood of a first class cabin being available at short notice is remote. Book as far in advance as possible for best rates.
Hello I am Pakistani citizen and have student visa for UK which will be expiring on sept 15,2015 I’m just wondering do I need a visa for Liverpool to Belfast Ireland or I can use my existing study visa to enter into Belfast please advise
You would best check with P&O ferries directly for clarity.
This may sound simple, but bear with me.
Myself and granddaughter will be taking the overnight ferry to Belfast and when booking a cabin I am confused if we book one cabin for the two of us, or to each get a bed we are required to book 2 cabins?
We do require 2 beds, and I would not want to be the one left without a bed.
1 cabin is all you need.
Hello, please can you advise if you can book more that one cabin per crossing?
Many thanks
Liz
Yes you can book multiple cabins.
On a night sailing over to Belfast with a cabin what time do u need to get up to get off ferry ?
You would be expected to leave once the ferry arrives in Belfast and docking is completed. The way that cars are loaded on to the ferry would mean that you could potentially be blocking other people from exiting the ship if you chose to remain on the ship longer.
have I got to book has a foot passenger and is there a safe place to park a car
Hi Paul
You can book as a foot passenger or as a car passenger. There is a car park if you want to leave your car at Liverpool Port. I hope this helps.
Could you please advise if we are allowed to bring golf equipment to travel from liverpool to belfast and how would it cost?
Thank you
Hi Aimmee
If you are travelling in your car, then yes, you can pack your golf clubs in it. If you are a foot passenger, large luggage has to be checked into the hold. Unfortunately you would have to speak to Stena Line directly to see whether they permitted golf clubs in the hold or not. You can contact their customer service line on: 03447 707 070. I am sorry we cannot be of more help.
I have not got a passport but wish to travel to Belfast and have you the prices for a car thank you I will be travelling alone
Hi Janet
If you are a British / Irish citizen travelling across the Irish Sea you do not need a valid passport. However, it is advised you bring a form of identification with you. If you are not a British / Irish citizen then you will require a passport to travel. Before proceeding with your price request can i check your nationality please?
Sailing from Belfast to Liverpool, are there convenient rail connections to London from the ferry slip in Berkenhead as there are on the Dublin crossing into the UK? Thank you.
Hi Chris
Birkenhead Hamilton Square Railway Station is a 15 minute walk from the terminal. There are around 31 trains per day going to central London. With the average journey taking approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. I hope this helps.
I live in the uk but I’m Austrian and my passport been exparied can I use my uk driving licence and utility bills plus 2 of my kids are British with my name on their passport. Do you think I’ll have a problem to travel for the new year to Belfast and come back?
Hi Hagai
Unfortunately as you are an Austrian citizen you will require a valid passport to travel to Ireland. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Hi I’m looking to take my motorbike over soon, to trade my bike in for another one. Looking to sail at night to Liverpool but come home via Scotland is this possible?
Hi Trevor
Yes this is possible. You would have to book two separate one way journeys. I hope this helps.
I am 19 UK citizen and traveling to Belfast to visit family and friends, the only ID I have is an out of date passport and a full birth certificate, would I be able to use this to board the boat?
Hi Nicola
British or Irish citizens travelling on our Irish Sea routes do not need a passport to travel to Britain or Ireland but are advised to take a form of identity. A valid passport, photographic driving license, International Student Card, government issued photo ID card, health insurance/social security photographic card, photographic bus/train pass or EU Citizen Identity Card will usually suffice. A birth certificate will provide adequate proof of identity for children (17 years and under with no photographic identification) to travel on our sailings.
Unfortunately they would not accept your birth certificate as proof of ID as you are over 17, you will need one of the mentioned forms of ID above. I am sorry for the inconvenience.
hi i wanna some information i want to go belfast for holydays i have indian passport so i need visa for ireland also i want to know can i take my car with me to ireland
thanks
Hi Angrej
Yes, you will need your passport and a visa to travel to Ireland. Have a look this Irish Government Page for information on visa requirements. http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Visit+Tourist
Yes, you can also bring your car. Just select “car” as your mode of transport when booking the ferry. I hope this helps.
If I have already made a booking for one adult and a car. Can I add a child to the booking once the booking has already been made? If so how much will it be? Would it be cheaper to buy it on the day of departure at the ferry terminal or buy it online before the departure date? The travel would be from Liverpool to Belfast.
Hi Kelly
Yes you can easily amend or cancel your booking online at any time prior to your departure by clicking on the “Login or Manage Booking” link located at the top right of the site and following the instructions.
An amendment fee may be applicable depending on the fare type you have chosen and any difference in fare which may apply to the changes being made will be charged.
Alternatively you can call them: General Reservations & Enquiries: 03447 707 070.
All tickets must be purchased prior to sailing. I hope this helps.
I have no passport or photo id but i need to get to belfast what can i use?
Hi Heather
Unfortunately you will require some form of photographic ID to travel to Ireland. Other than passport and drivers licence you could use: International Student Card, government issued photo ID card, health insurance/social security photographic card, photographic bus/train pass, EU Citizen Identity Card will usually suffice. I hope this helps.
Do you have a cash machine on board or can you get cash back on board
Hi S
Unfortunately they don’t have ATMs on this ferry, however they do accept cards at all till points. Cashback is not available on-board this ferry. I hope this helps.
My mum has indefinite leave to remain in England but she hasn’t applied for British citizenship yet. Can she also board with just a utility bill for form Of ID?
Hi Ash
Unfortunately this is not an appropriate form of ID. She would require a form of photographic ID, such as a Passport or Driving License. We would also advise she takes her biometric residence permit (BRP) as well. I hope this helps.
is there a connection from belfast to derry I am going home to Donegal Letterkenny
My brother will pick me up in derry If there is a coach/bus i can book with my ferry booking I would be very appreciative of your directions/help
many Thanks
jacqui
Hi Jacqueline
Yes, you can get the bus from Belfast to Derry (it would take approximately 2 hours). The bus would have to be booked separately I’m afraid. I’m sorry we cannot be of more help.
Hia I am wanting to travel from liverpool to Belfast and I am disabled and will be using a wheelchair. What disabled access do you have? How can you support both myself and my husband who will be pushing me?
Thank you
Avril
Hi Avril
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 Stena Line 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).
Stena Line 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 Stena Line 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.
There are disabled cabins, toilet on this route. As well as lifts between levels. I hope this helps.
Do you have single berth cabins on the Liverpool Belfast crossings?
No there are only 2/4 berth cabins on the Liverpool Belfast Ferry. Although you can still book one of these cabins if you are traveling alone. On day sailings cabins start at £25 and on the overnight sailing they start from £55.
I have a South African passport, with an ancestrial visa, ( I am currently living in london) do I need a visa to go from Liverpool to Belfast in Ireland ?
You will need to take with you all the documents you required for entry into Britain in the first place. You are not actually leaving the UK, but you will need you travel documents to travel to Northern Ireland.
im going to Belfast do I need a passport
Hi Geraldine
If you are a British / Irish citizen travelling across the Irish Sea you do not need a valid passport. However, it is advised you bring a form of identification with you. If you are not a British / Irish citizen then you will require a passport. Have a look at our Passports and Identification Guide for more details. I hope this help.
If taking a small dog across to Belfast, for a holiday, what do we need to do? Is it allowed on deck / in the cabin? Please advise.
Dogs are not allowed on deck or in your cabin. If you are travelling on foot, you must book the onboard kennel for your dog. If you are travelling in vehicle your dog can stay in the vehicle or you can book the onboard kennel for your dog.
Guide dogs are allowed to travel on the passenger decks with their owners. Please contact Stena Line a few days before you travel, so that they can alert staff onboard the ship.
Hello, I want to return home after many years. I don’t drive and I don’t have a passport. Do I need identity papers of some kind?
Please advise. Thank you.
StenaLine say – British or Irish citizens travelling on our 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 on our sailings.
Please could you confirm that from liverpool to belfast (you don’t need a passport? if i bring I.D me being British ( even if i get a birth certificate that day, can i still go to Belfast return? as im planning to meet my other half who aint gona expect me come on that day so i need to be clear that i can get there return nxtday or 2 days later? Thank you
StenaLine say – British or Irish citizens travelling on our 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.
Does the ferry have wi,fi?
Hi Mr V
Yes, the ferry has WiFi. I hope this helps.