Ferry from Liverpool to Belfast

When planning your trip on the ferry from Liverpool to Belfast, 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 under 16 are entitled to 50% off regular ticket prices.

The Liverpool - Belfast ferry route is served by conventional ferries, such as the Stena Edda and Stena Embla, which are equipped with modern amenities and services. 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
• 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 Liverpool - 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, on the ferry from Liverpool to Belfast, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers. Typically, you can choose between:

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

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

Cabin prices normally start at €82.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, Stena Line offers premium seating options on ferries erving the Liverpool - Belfast route. These comfortable reclining seats typically have extra legroom and are in a VIP lounge with a quieter environment.

Prices for VIP seats start from €66.

Luggage / How much luggage is allowed on the ferries

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

You can bring your pet on the boat from Liverpool to Belfast, provided you include it in your booking. You may keep your pet in your vehicle, but as the crossing takes several hours, it’s recommended to book a space in the on board kennel or a pet-friendly cabin for their comfort.

Smaller pets must remain in a secure carrier, while larger animals must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle at all times outside the cabin or kennel area.

Remember to bring all required travel and health documents, as well as tickets and pet supplies needed for the duration of the trip.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Liverpool to Belfast:

• The port of Liverpool gets busy, especially during the summer, so it’e best to be there at least 1 hr ahead of departure. If you are travelling with a vehicle, plan your arrival at least 1.5-2 hr in advance.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the wave, consider seasickness medication. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• 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 - Liverpool ferry in advance, as car deck spaces are limited.
• You can also travel to Northern Ireland from Scotland on the Cairnryan - Belfast ferry. For more travel options between the Irish Sea, check out our dedicated blog on ferries to Ireland.

Where to take the ferry from Liverpool to Belfast

Ferries to Belfast usually depart from 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead, on the Wirral side of the River Mersey in Liverpool. This is the passenger terminal used by Stena Line for sailings to Northern Ireland.

The terminal is just outside central Liverpool, and on-site amenities include as a passenger lounge, coffee shop, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, toilets, baby changing facilities, ticket and reservation services, as well as short and long-term parking facilities.

How to get to the port of Liverpool

• By car: follow signs for 12 Quays / Stena Line / Birkenhead. the terminal is within easy reach of the M53 motorway and about 7 min from the Mersey tunnel.
• By train: the nearest rail stop is Hamilton Square in Birkenhead and from there, you can continue to the terminal by bus or taxi.
• From Liverpool John Lennon Airport: the Arriva 500 bus links the airport with Liverpool ONE bus station up to every 15 min. From there, you can continue towards Birkenhead by train or taxi to the terminal.
• By taxi: taxis are available from Liverpool city centre, the airport and Hamilton Square station.

Where does the ferry arrive in Belfast?

Ferries from Liverpool typically arrive at Victoria Terminal 2 (VT2) in the port of Belfast, on West Bank Road. The port is located north of the city centre and near the motorway.

From the port, you can reach central Belfast in about 10 min by car and around 20 min with Metro service 96. The drive from the port to George Best Belfast City Airport takes around 10-15 min.

At the terminal, you will find many passenger facilities such as toilets, a waiting lounge, coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi, and ticket services.