Ferry schedules for Northern Ireland in 2026

Taking a ferry to Northern Ireland is the perfect starting point for exploring the region’s many attractions. And this is the best place to start planning your escape, as we have gathered the most up-to-date schedules for ferries to Northern Ireland. Discover all the latest information on all the available Northern Ireland ferry routes for 2026, and book your trip to Belfast or Larne.

Find all the latest schedules and ticket prices for ferries to Northern Ireland in 2026, choose your destination, and book ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees!

Note: Northern Ireland ferry schedules for 2026 are available on our search engine as soon as ferry operators release them.

• Ferries to Belfast
• Ferries to Larne

Northern Ireland ferries in 2026: how to get to Belfast or Larne

First, you need to choose your arrival port: Belfast or Larne? These are the two ports in Northern Ireland that serve direct ferry connections with ports in the UK. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and an ideal destination for an urban escape, while Larne is a coastal industrial town 20 miles north of Belfast and a gateway to the Causeway Coastal Route. To choose the best Northern Ireland itinerary for you, keep reading for all the details on ferry routes to Belfast and Larne, including departure ports, trip duration, and more.

Ferries to Belfast in 2026

Ferries to Belfast are available year-round, giving you plenty of flexibility when it comes to choosing your travel dates. There are direct ferry routes to Belfast from the ports of Cairnryan (Scotland) and Liverpool (England), which are operated by Stena Line.

Below, you can find all the active ferry routes to Belfast in 2026, along with useful info on frequency, trip durations, and ticket prices.

Ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast in 2026

The Cairnryan - Belfast route is serviced by Stena Line catamarans year-round, offering up to 4 daily ferry crossings. The ferry trip takes around 2 hr and 15 min, and passenger tickets start from €42. Ferries depart from the port of Cairnryan in Scotland (UK).

Tip: did you know that Cairnryan is the perfect starting point for exploring the treasures of the Dumfries and Galloway area in lowland Scotland? Learn more about this village port in our Cairnryan travel guide.

Pro tip: Cairnryan is also the ideal launchpad for a day trip to Belfast. With crossings taking around 2 hr, you can take an early-morning ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast, spend several hours exploring the city, and return in the evening.

Ferries from Liverpool to Belfast in 2026

The Liverpool - Belfast route is available year-round, with up to 2 daily crossings operated by conventional ferries. The journey from Liverpool to Belfast takes approximately 8 hr, and passenger fares start at €42. Ferries on the Liverpool - Belfast route are operated by Stena Line.

Tip: head to our Belfast travel guide to discover the many facets of a dynamic city that combines its rich history with an exciting contemporary art scene.

Ferries to Larne in 2026

Ferries to Larne run year-round and depart from the port of Cairnryan (Scotland) or the port of Douglas in the Isle of Man.

Ferries from Cairnryan to Larne in 2026

The Cairnryan - Larne ferry route is available with up to 6 crossings per day and is operated by P&O Ferries.

Conventional ferries connect Cairnryan to Larne, with the crossing taking around 2 hr. Passenger tickets start from €29, while the crossing’s short duration and availability of multiple daily routes make it an ideal choice for a day trip.

Tip: did you know that Cairnryan is the perfect starting point for exploring the treasures of the Dumfries and Galloway area in lowland Scotland? Learn more about this village port in our Cairnryan travel guide.

Ferries from Douglas to Larne in 2026

Larne is connected by ferry to the port of Douglas in the Isle of Man with up to 2 weekly crossings. This route is operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry company.

The crossing takes around 2 hr and 45 min, and passenger tickets start from €35.

Book ferry tickets to Northern Ireland for 2026

Hopping on a ferry to Northern Ireland is the most scenic way to start your adventure in a region where history, myths, and stunning natural landscapes have co-existed for centuries. Keep in mind that you can find up-to-date ferry schedules for Northern Ireland in 2026 on Ferryhopper. Compare routes, prices, and ferry offers, and book your ferry tickets to Northern Ireland without hidden fees!

Tip: if you are looking for all routes to the “Emerald Isle”, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on ferries to Ireland.