Ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan with lower-cost ferry tickets. Ferry companies offer special discounts for specific passenger categories, such as:

• Children up to 15 years old
• Eurail and Interrail Pass holders
• Students (over 16 years old)

Note: infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free.

The conventional ferries serving the Belfast - Cairnryan route are equipped with a range of modern amenities and services for a relaxed journey across the Irish Sea. On board, you will generally find:

• Air-conditioned lounges and deck seating to enjoy the fresh air and sea view
• Cafés, bars and restaurants serving snacks, drinks and meals
• Onboard shops
• The Pure Nordic Spa with jacuzzi and saunas
• Pet lounges
• Entertainment, including movie lounges, play areas for children and casino games for adults
• Free Wi-Fi hotspot

Cabins and accommodation

Even though the Belfast to Cairnryan crossing is relatively short, passengers 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.

Alternatively, the ferries offer several communal areas including TV lounges with comfortable seating and large screen TVs as well as the Hygge Recline Lounge offering reclined seating, soft lighting and large but muted TVs. For those seeking a more premium experience, travelers can book access to the Stena Plus Lounge. This upgrade provides a dedicated waiter service and a specialized Stena Plus menu along with complimentary drinks and snacks to enjoy throughout the journey.

Luggage

On the ferries of Stena Line from Belfast to Cairnryan, each passenger is entitled to a single piece of luggage. Hand luggage must be no larger than 60x50x40cm. If you are traveling with luggage that is larger than this it must be checked in prior to boarding.

Good to know: any additional pieces of luggage will be charged.

Amenities for people with disabilities

Stena Line ferries on the Belfast - Cairnryan route are well-equipped to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). Accessibility features include:

• Step-free access via ramps and elevators between decks
• Wheelchair-accessible seating areas
• Adapted toilets
• Dedicated PRM assistance during boarding and disembarkation

Traveling with pets

Traveling with your pets on the Belfast to Cairnryan route is straightforward, provided they are added to your booking in advance. On Stena Line ferries, you have the flexibility to book a spot in the onboard kennels or leave your pet in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, which many travelers find to be the most practical choice for this shorter journey.

Alternatively, pets are welcome in the passenger areas if they are kept in a secure carrier case within the dedicated pet zones or the specialized Pet Lounge. Please ensure your carrier does not exceed the maximum dimensions of 91x62x56 cm to comply with onboard safety regulations. Keep in mind that prices start from around €20.

Remember to bring all required travel and health documents, including your pet’s microchip identification, valid rabies vaccination, and any tickets or pet essentials needed for the duration of the trip.

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

• In the busy months from May to September, we recommend arriving at the port of Belfast 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.
• From the port of Cairnryan, you can drive to Ayr in 1 hr, Glasgow in 2 hr and Edinburgh in 3 hr.
• We recommend bringing your car to Cainryan so you can explore the surrounding Dumfries and Galloway region and see the wildlife, museums and breathtaking scenery.
• From Northern Ireland, it is also possible to travel to England on the Belfast - Liverpool ferry. For all travel options, check out the Belfast ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan

Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan depart from the port of Belfast, which is about 3 km northwest of the city centre. The port is near the motorway network off Junction 1 of the M2 motorway (Fortwilliam roundabout).

You can reach the terminal by car, taxi, or bus.

Which gate do ferries to Cairnryan depart from?

The Stena Line ferries to Cairnryan (Birkenhead) depart from Victoria Terminal 4 (VT4) at the port of Belfast. You will find signs guiding you to the departure gate, once you enter the port area. Alternatively, ‘Translink' operates a Metro service (96) from Upper Queen Street, near Belfast City Hall, to the terminal daily.

The terminal is modern and well-equipped, with a check-in desk, café, vending machines, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. Nearby, you’ll find Titanic Belfast, the Odyssey Pavilion, and several waterfront hotels and restaurants for a meal before departure.

Where does the ferry arrive in Cairnryan?

Ferries from Belfast arrive at the Port of Cairnryan (Loch Ryan Port), located on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan in southwest Scotland.This is a dedicated ferry port with modern passenger facilities, including waiting areas, a café, parking, and car-rental services nearby.

Cairnryan is a small village, and the port is about 8 km from Stranraer, the nearest town. While the port itself is not within walking distance of major towns, it is well connected by road.