English
Ελληνικά
Italiano
Español
Deutsch
Français
Português
Polski
Nederlands
Български
Hrvatski
Türkçe
Svenska
Dansk
Norsk
Shqip
Ferries Ireland - Scotland in 2026
Your Scottish adventure starts on board! 🚢Planning to take a ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland in 2026? Whether you’re heading for a Glasgow city break or a road trip through the Scottish Highlands, your adventure starts across the Irish Sea. If you’re looking for ferries from Ireland to Scotland, crossings depart from Belfast and Larne in Northern Ireland and arrive in Cairnryan, with year-round sailings taking around 2 hr. There are no direct ferries from the Republic of Ireland to Scotland.
Find out everything you need to know about Northern Ireland - Scotland ferries, including routes and ticket prices, operators and details on pet travel. Compare crossings with Stena Line and P&O Ferries and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks!
Ferry from Northern Ireland arriving in Loch Ryan
Ireland - Scotland ferries
There are no direct ferries from the Republic of Ireland to Scotland, however, you can travel from Northern Ireland to Scotland. Specifically, you can travel from Belfast and Larne to Cairnryan with conventional ferries operated by Stena Line and P&O Ferries.
Belfast - Cairnryan
The Belfast - Cairnryan ferry route is served by Stena Line with up to 5 daily crossings that usually take around 2.5 hr, while ferry ticket prices start from €42.
Larne - Cairnryan
You can travel from Larne to Cairnryan by ferry with up to 6 daily crossings. The ferry trip with P&O Ferries usually takes 2 hr and tickets cost from about €30.
Tickets, offers & discounts
What is the cost of a ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland?
Ticket prices for the ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland usually start from €30 to €42, depending on your port of departure. Here are indicative prices for each route:
- Belfast - Cairnryan: from €42.
- Larne - Cairnryan: from €30.
Additionally, the exact cost also depends on the season, accommodation type, and whether you’re travelling as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.
Good to know: for your return trip, don’t forget to check out the Scotland - Ireland ferry schedules.
Offers and discounts
When planning your Ireland - Scotland ferry trip, you can take advantage of the regular discounts offered to specific passenger categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, children under 16 often enjoy 50% off regular fares, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old normally travel free of charge.
Additionally, the operators occasionally have special offers on Scotland - Ireland ferry tickets, such as early-bird discounts or lower prices for round-trip bookings. This means that planning and booking your ferry well in advance can result in securing the lowest ferry ticket prices for your trip. These discounts and special offers are applied automatically when you book through Ferryhopper, so you’ll always get the best available price.
The view from Castle Kennedy, near Stranraer, on a sunny day
On-board services & amenities
The Northern Ireland to Scotland ferry routes are served with conventional ferries, such as the Stena Superfast VII, Stena Superfast VIII, European Highlander and European Causeway. These vessels, operated by Stena Line and P&O Ferries, feature many modern amenities and services, including:
- Comfy air-conditioned lounges and seating on outer decks to enjoy the sea view
- Restaurants, cafés and bars serving a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals (including vegetarian and child-friendly options)
- Onboard entertainment, including children’s play areas, movie lounges, arcades and casino games
- Luxury shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts and travel essentials
- Wi-Fi hotspot with free and premium options available to stay connected during the trip
On the Stena Line vessels, you will also find wellness facilities, including a sauna and spa.
Accessibility
The Ireland - Scotland ferries are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as accessible seating and amenities and common areas.
Both Stena Line and P&O Ferries offer boarding assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your journey.
Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.
Cabins & accommodation
Are there cabins on the ferry?
Yes, on the Belfast - Cairnryan route operated by Stena Line, you can book a Superfast Suite for a more comfortable journey across the Irish Sea. These suites accommodate up to 5 passengers and include a double bed, a seating and desk area, an ensuite bathroom, a TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a fridge stocked with bottled water.
Cabin prices normally start around €100.
Note: cabins are not available on the Larne - Cairnryan route that is served by P&O Ferries.
Can I book business-class seats?
Yes, you can book a business-class seat on the Ireland - Scotland ferries:
- When travelling with P&O Ferries, you can usually upgrade your standard ticket to Club Lounge. Seats in the premium lounge come with free Wi-Fi and charging points, as well as complimentary snacks and drinks. Upgrades for the Club Lounge usually cost about €20.
- On Stena Line ferries, you can book a seat in the Stena Plus Lounge. These comfy seats have extra legroom, are in a VIP lounge, and come with complimentary drinks and snacks. Prices for Stena Plus Lounge tickets start at about €64.
Luggage
Each ferry operator has its own luggage policy:
- On Stena Line ferries, you can bring as many pieces of luggage as you can carry on board yourself. Hand luggage must not exceed 60×50×40 cm, while larger bags should be checked in before boarding.
- When travelling with P&O Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight.
Travelling with pets
Pets are generally allowed on Northern Ireland - Scotland ferries, provided you include it in your booking.
Where do pets stay on the ferry?
Each operator has its own pet accommodation options:
- Stena Line (Belfast - Cairnryan): you can keep your pet with you in the Pet Lounge, book a place in the onboard kennels, or your pet can stay in your vehicle.
- P&O Ferries (Larne - Cairnryan): you can only keep your pet in your vehicle. There are no kennels or pet lounges on the ferry, so you cannot travel with a pet as a foot passenger.
What pet travel documents do I need?
If you live in Northern Ireland and are travelling directly to Scotland with your dog, cat or ferret, make sure they are microchipped; you do not need a pet passport, health certificate or PTD for this journey or your direct return home.
If you live in Great Britain and plan to travel back to Northern Ireland, you will need to arrange a free PTD and carry a digital or printed copy.
Glasgow is a 2-hour drive from Cairnryan
FAQs
Which ferry companies operate from Scotland to Northern Ireland?
The Northern Ireland - Scotland ferry routes are operated by Stena Line and P&O Ferries.
Can I take a ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland with a car?
Yes, the Northern Ireland - Scotland ferries have car decks for transporting vehicles, with the exact cost depending on the route, vehicle type, travel dates and availability.
Prices start at around €130 for a car, €20 for a motorbike and €165 for a caravan or motorhome.
Make sure you bring your driving licence, as well as your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
How long does the Ireland - Scotland ferry trip last?
The duration of the Northern Ireland - Scotland ferry trip ranges from 2 hr to 2 hr 15 min, depending on the route and operator. Here are travel times for each route:
- Belfast - Cairnryan: around 2 hr 15 min
- Larne - Cairnryan: about 2 hr
Is there a high-speed ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland?
No, the Northern Ireland - Scotland routes are operated by conventional ferries, with the fastest crossing taking 2 hr.
What is the cheapest ferry to Scotland from Northern Ireland?
The cheapest ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland is the Larne - Cairnryan route, with standard ticket prices starting at around €30.
Do I need a passport on Northern Ireland - Scotland ferries?
If you’re a British or Irish citizen, you do not normally need a passport to travel by ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland. However, you should carry accepted photographic identification, such as a photocard driving licence, for check-in.
Travellers of other nationalities should carry a valid passport. Keep in mind that an ETA or visa may be required before the initial journey to the UK, depending on nationality and immigration status.
The view from Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Scotland’s southernmost point
Book Northern Ireland - Scotland ferry tickets for 2026
Ready to cross the Irish Sea? Compare sailings from Cairnryan to Belfast and Larne, find the crossing that fits your plans and book your Scotland - Ireland ferry tickets on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees. Explore our Map of ferries to visualise your route and plan your next adventure!
Ready for your Scottish adventure? Compare sailings from Belfast and Larne to Cairnryan, choose the ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland that fits your plans and book your tickets on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees. Explore our of ferries to visualise your route and plan your next adventure!