Ferries Belfast

Belfast is where rich industrial heritage intersects with a dynamic cultural scene. Once a major shipbuilding hub, where the Titanic was famously constructed, Belfast now showcases its history through modern museums and waterfront developments. Lively pubs, fine dining options, and a thriving arts and music scene come together to create a welcoming atmosphere that caters to the different tastes of travellers seeking an urban experience, while the breathtaking countryside is always just a few miles away along the Causeway coastal route.

Find more information on Northern Ireland’s capital, head to our Belfast travel guide.

Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when travelling by ferry to Belfast:

• Crossing the Irish Sea can get a bit rough, so if you are prone to seasickness, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about motion sickness medication options.
• If you are travelling to Belfast with a vehicle or want to secure a cabin, book your return tickets on the Belfast - Cairnryan or the Belfast - Liverpool ferry in advance, as car deck spaces and cabin availability can be limited.
• For more travel options between the Irish Sea, check out our dedicated blog on ferries to Ireland.

Best time to book

Ferries to Belfast operate year-round, but ticket demand varies by season and route.

Summer

Crossings from June to September can fill up quickly, especially for vehicles and cabins on overnight routes from Liverpool to Belfast. It’s best to book 1 to 2 months in advance.

Spring & autumn

Availability is generally good during the shoulder seasons, and booking a few weeks in advance is usually sufficient. However, we still recommend booking your ferry tickets as early as possible, especially if you plan to travel with a vehicle or want to book a cabin.

Winter

The winter months are characterised by fewer travellers and more flexible availability to Belfast. You may also expect to find last-minute tickets, particularly on midweek sailings.

Arrival at the port

When travelling to Belfast by ferry, it’s important to arrive at the port before your scheduled departure time to allow time for check-in and boarding. The ports of Cairnryan and Liverpool can get very busy, especially during the summer, but if a smoother boarding can be achieved by keeping the following instructions in mind:

• Foot passengers: schedule your arrival at the port at least 1 hr before departure.
• Passengers with vehicles: make sure to arrive at least 1.5 hr in advance, especially during high season, as vehicles are checked in and loaded earlier than foot passengers.

When travelling by ferry to Belfast, you can take advantage of regular discounts offered to specific passenger categories. Typically, infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free, while children aged 4 to 15 are entitled to 50% off regular ticket prices.

Do I need a visa or passport to go to Belfast?

Ferry routes to Belfast connect Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so they are considered domestic UK crossings. However, travel document requirements can still apply depending on your nationality:

• Valid ID: British and Irish citizens typically do not need a passport, but a valid form of photo ID is recommended.
• Passport: required for most non-UK and non-Irish nationals.
• Visa (if applicable): travellers subject to UK visa requirements should carry valid documentation.
• Vehicle documents: if travelling with a vehicle, you must carry your registration and valid insurance documents.

Important: we recommend always checking the latest UK entry requirements before travelling, especially if you are coming from outside the UK or Ireland.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Belfast on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Belfast as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates.
2. Add passengers, pets, and vehicles.
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices.
4. Complete your booking securely online.

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper lets you manage your booking, check for updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

Check-in and boarding procedures on ferries to Belfast take place at the Stena Line terminal at the port of departure.

Boarding typically begins 30 to 60 min before departure. On longer routes (like Liverpool - Belfast), boarding may begin earlier, but once you arrive at the port, always follow staff instructions for smoother and faster boarding.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Stena Line, the company operating all ferry routes to Belfast, does not currently support electronic tickets. Therefore, you will have to collect your paper tickets before boarding your ferry to Belfast.

We recommend that you always review your confirmation email carefully for operator-specific instructions and arrive at the port on time, with your booking reference and identification documents readily available.

On board a catamaran or a conventional (open-deck) ferry to Belfast, you can expect to find a range of modern amenities and services for a smooth and relaxing journey.

Typically, these include:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and outer deck seating
• Restaurants, cafés, and bars
• Entertainment and wellness services
• Duty-free shops and kiosks
• Car decks for vehicle transportation
• Wi-Fi hotspot

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, all ferries to Belfast have cabins offering passengers greater privacy and comfort during the crossing.

Cabins on the Cairnryan - Belfast route

You can book a cabin for up to 5 passengers. Typically, you can choose between:

• Standard cabins
• Premium family cabins with a double bed, bunk beds, a tea & coffee maker, and a sea view
• Adapted cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Shared cabins

All cabins have a TV, air conditioning, a desk, a wardrobe, and an ensuite bathroom.

Cabin prices normally start at €78.

Cabins on the Liverpool - Belfast route

You can book a cabin for 2 or 4 passengers or a bed in a shared cabin. You typically have the following options:

• Standard cabins
• Superior cabins (with tea/coffee making facilities)
• Deluxe cabins (with double bed, tea/coffee making facilities and mini fridge)
• Wheelchair-accessible cabins
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins feature en suite facilities, towels, bedding and a TV with a free video-on-demand service.

Cabin prices normally start from €82.

What type of seats can you book?

On all ferries to Belfast, standard deck-lounge seating is included in the ticket price on shorter routes. You also have the option of booking a seat in the VIP lounge or a cabin ticket.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, Stena Line typically offers premium seating options on ferries to Belfast. These comfortable reclining seats have extra legroom and are in a VIP lounge with a quieter environment. Prices for VIP seats vary by route and start from €57.

Alternatively, you can book a superior or deluxe cabin on your ferry to Belfast, but availability depends on the route and vessel.

Are the ferries accessible?

Ferries to Belfast are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as adapted cabins and amenities.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary by vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Belfast?

Pets are generally allowed on all ferries to Belfast, provided you include them in your booking. Typically, pets can stay in your vehicle (especially during shorter crossings), in kennels, in a dedicated pet lounge, or in a pet-friendly cabin.

Smaller pets must remain in their carrier, while larger animals must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle when outside cabins or the kennel area. The ferries have designated walking areas, but pets are not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or dining areas.

Remember to bring the necessary travel and health documents, tickets, and any pet supplies needed for the trip. Also, keep in mind that pet-related services and amenities may also differ by vessel and route.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, while travelling on a ferry to Belfast, you can stay connected with Wi-Fi hotspots available in free and premium options.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, typically on board a ferry to Belfast, you can find a variety of entertainment options, including movie lounges, children’s play areas, video game lounges, casino games, wellness facilities such as a sauna and spa, as well as stores selling snacks, gifts, and travel essentials.

You can take your vehicle on the ferry to Belfast, as car decks are available on all Stena Line vessels.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Belfast?

The cost of vehicle transportation by ferry to Belfast depends on the route, vessel and type of vehicle. More specifically:

• On the Cairnryan - Belfast route, prices usually start at around €89.50 for a car and €33 for a motorbike.
• When travelling by ferry from Liverpool to Belfast with your vehicle, prices start at about €90 for a car and €50 for a motorcycle.

Can I take my camper van or motorhome on the ferry to Belfast?

Unfortunately, camper van or motorhome transportation is not offered on ferry routes to Belfast. You can instead travel on a ferry to Belfast with your car, moped, motorbike or bicycle.

Which is the fastest route to Belfast?

The fastest ferry to Belfast departs from the port of Cairnryan (Scotland), with a journey time of about 2 hr.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Belfast?

Both the Cairnryan - Belfast and Liverpool - Belfast routes are affordable options when considering a ferry to Belfast, with passenger ticket prices starting at around €42.

Which port of departure should I choose?

The best port of departure for Belfast depends on where you’re travelling from and also how fast you want your trip to be:

• Cairnryan (Scotland) is the best option for speed and frequency. Crossings are short and run multiple times a day, making it ideal for flexible planning or last-minute trips.
• Liverpool (Birkenhead, England) is a great choice if you’re travelling from England or further south. While it’s a longer journey, it can prove a more budget-friendly option, especially for overnight travel with a cabin ticket and when bringing a vehicle.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning a trip and booking a ferry to Belfast, keep these factors in mind:

• Seasonality and availability: ferry schedules and prices can vary by season. Booking early is always recommended to secure availability on the itinerary that best suits your travel plans.
• Travel time vs price: the Cairnryan to Belfast route is faster but can be more expensive, while the Liverpool to Belfast crossing takes longer but can be more budget-friendly and offers overnight options.
• Departure times: the Cairnryan - Belfast route offers more daily crossings, while the Liverpool - Belfast route may have just one departure on specific days.
• Luggage and pets: all ferries to Belfast are operated by Stena Line. Luggage and pet policies may differ slightly by route, so be sure to check the ones that apply to your chosen itinerary.
• Car decks and cabin availability: all Stena Line ferries to Belfast offer car decks for vehicle transportation and the option to book a cabin for a more relaxed journey. However, as car and cabin tickets may be popular, we recommend booking your trip as early as possible to secure the best fares and availability.

The ferry trip to Belfast can take from 2 to 8 hr, depending on the route and vessel. Here are indicative travel times for each route:

• Cairnryan - Belfast: approximately 2 hr
• Liverpool - Belfast: approximately 8 hr

Currently, only Stena Line operates ferry routes to Belfast with conventional vessels and catamarans.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Belfast?

The luggage that you are allowed to take on the ferry to Belfast depends on your point of departure. More specifically:

• On Stena Line ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast, each passenger is entitled to a single piece of luggage. Hand luggage must be no larger than 60x50x40cm. If you are travelling with luggage larger than this, it must be checked in before boarding, and any additional pieces will incur a charge.

• On Stena Line ferries from Liverpool to Belfast, there are no restrictions on baggage weight or number. However, hand luggage must be no larger than 60x50x40 cm, and you must be able to carry it on board yourself.

Cairnryan - Belfast

The Cairnryan - Belfast route is serviced by 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.

Liverpool - Belfast

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.

The port of Belfast, located in the Northern Ireland capital city, has 2 terminals: Stormont Dock (Belfast Harbour), located about 3 miles north of the city centre and serving Stena Line ferries, and Pollock Dock, which serves smaller vessels. Belfast Harbour is the main port, and the ferry terminal is approximately 2 miles from the city centre.

Are there traveller amenities at the port of Belfast?

You will find the usual passenger facilities, including seating areas and cafés, at Belfast port, while a wider range of hotels and shops is available in central Belfast. Car rental pickup is also conveniently available near the port.

How to get to Belfast port

The port of Belfast is conveniently located near the motorway network, just off Junction 1 of the M2, providing easy access from Belfast city centre and across Ireland. Indicatively, the drive from Dublin to Belfast takes just over 2 hours if you take the motorway.

If you do not have a car, the best way to get to Belfast port is by bus or taxi from the city centre, which takes approximately 20 minutes.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Belfast, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.