Ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast

When travelling from Cairnryan to Belfast by ferry, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific passenger categories. Typically, infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free, while children up to 15 years old and students over 16 years also are entitled to reduced ticket prices.

The conventional ferries serving the Cairnryan - Belfast ferry routes are equipped with modern amenities and services, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey across the Irish Sea.

On board, you will typically find:

• 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)
• Entertainment including movie lounges, children’s play areas, video game lounges and casino games
• Wellness facilities including sauna and spa
• Duty-free shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts and travel essentials
• Car decks for the transportation of vehicles
• Wi-Fi hotspot with free and premium options available to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The Cairnryan - Belfast ferries are generally accessible to travelers 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 from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, while the ferry Cairnryan - Belfast trip is short, you can book Superfast Suites for added comfort and privacy. These suites can accommodate up to 5 passengers and include a double bed, a comfortable seating and desk area, and an ensuite bathroom equipped with a shower, toilet, towels, and shower gel. Guests can also enjoy in-room entertainment with a TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a fridge stocked with bottled water. Cabin prices for these spaces normally start around €97.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, Stena Line offers premium seating options on some ferries, such as the Stena Superfast VII. These comfortable reclining seats typically have extra legroom and are in a VIP lounge with a quieter environment.

Prices for VIP seats start from €57.

Luggage

When travelling with Stena Line, 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.

Pet travel

Pets are generally allowed on ferries to Belfast from Cairnryan, provided you include them in your booking. Typically, pets can either stay in your vehicle, in board kennels, with you in a dedicated pet lounge, or you can book a pet-friendly cabin.

Smaller pets must remain in their carrier (up to 91x62x56 cm and around €20), 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, however pets are generally 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.

Here are some useful tips for your  ferry Cairnryan - Belfast trip:

• The port of Cairnryan can get a bit busy, especially during the summer, so it’s recommended to be there at least 45 min before your trip. If you are travelling with a vehicle, plan your arrival at least 1.5 hr ahead of departure.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are prone to seasickness, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about motion sickness medication options.
• For greater privacy and comfort during the ferry trip, especially for overnight crossings, we recommend you book a cabin. Alternatively, there are reclining seats available in the VIP lounge, with extra legroom.
• If you are travelling to Northern Ireland with a vehicle, book your return tickets on the Belfast - Cairnryan ferry in advance, as car deck spaces are limited.
• For more travel options between the Irish Sea, check out our dedicated blog on ferries to Ireland.

Where to take the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast

Ferries to Belfast normally depart from Loch Ryan Port, also referred to as the Stena Line Cairnryan terminal, on Belfast Way in Cairnryan. This is the dedicated terminal for ferries to Northern Ireland and is on the shore of Loch Ryan, about 13 km north of Stranraer.

At the ferry terminal, you will find ticket offices, waiting rooms, a coffee shop, vending machines, and a large car park (including blue badge spaces). Cairnryan has a few shops and B&Bs, however you will find a wider choice of hotels, cafés, shops and petrol stations within easy reach of the village.

How to get to the port of Cairnryan

• By car: Loch Ryan Port is on the A77, with the drive taking around 1 hr from Ayr, 2 hr from Glasgow and 3 hr from Edinburgh.
• By bus: the terminal is served by Stagecoach West Scotland bus routes 358 and 360, which connect the port area with Stranraer and points further north. From Stranraer, the ride to the terminal is usually around 15-20 min.
• By train: the nearest railway station is Stranraer and from there, you continue by local bus or taxi.
• By taxi: taxis are available to and from the port from many nearby towns, including Stranraer.

Where does the ferry arrive in Belfast?

Ferries from Cairnryan normally dock at Victoria Terminal 4 at the port of Belfast. This terminal is on West Bank Road, in the harbour area north of the city centre, close to the motorway network near Junction 1 of the M2. From the port, you can reach the city center in around 10 min by car or taxi and roughly 15-20 min by bus.

You will find the usual passenger facilities at the terminal, while a wider range of hotels and shops is available in central Belfast. Car-rental pick-up is also available near the port, which is useful if you want to continue your trip by road.