Ferries to Belfast
Ferry to Belfast (Northern Ireland)
Travel to Belfast by ferry from the UK
If you’re planning to take a ferry to Belfast, the main city of Northern Ireland, there are only a few direct routes to choose from. That’s good news: it keeps things simple.
You currently have three direct ferry options to Belfast:
- From Liverpool (Birkenhead) in England
- From Cairnryan in Scotland
- From the Isle of Man (Douglas) to Belfast (seasonal)
On this page we’ll walk you through the different routes, who they’re best for, and a few useful alternatives if you’re not fixed on arriving in Belfast itself.
In short: 🇬🇧 UK to Belfast by ferry
- Main departure ports: Cairnryan (Scotland) and Liverpool (Birkenhead, England), plus seasonal sailings from Douglas (Isle of Man).
- Fastest route: Cairnryan ⇄ Belfast in about 2 hours 15 minutes – ideal from Scotland and the north of England.
- Best from England: Liverpool (Birkenhead) ⇄ Belfast, around 8 hours with day and night sailings, so you can sleep on board and arrive rested.
- Alternative: You can also sail from Cairnryan to Larne (about 30 minutes’ drive from Belfast) or via Dublin, then drive up in roughly 2 hours.
Overview: all ferry routes to Belfast
The map above shows the main ferry routes from Liverpool and Cairnryan to Belfast, as well as the Cairnryan to Larne crossing. The two short crossings from Scotland take around 2 hours, while the ferry from Liverpool is a longer journey of about 8 hours to reach the capital of Northern Ireland.
About the crossings: Which ferry to Belfast is best for you?
Travelling from Scotland
If you’re travelling from Scotland, the direct ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast is usually the most popular choice. This crossing takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, with roughly six daily departures to choose from. It’s ideal if you want to get to Belfast quickly with your car, camper or motorbike.
Alternative: Cairnryan to Larne (then drive to Belfast)
An excellent alternative from Scotland is the Cairnryan to Larne route, operated by P&O Ferries. While it doesn’t take you directly into Belfast, Larne is only a 30-minute drive away by car, and there are also bus connections.
This crossing is often a bit shorter and can be more affordable, so it’s worth comparing if you don’t mind a short drive after you arrive.
Travelling from England
From England, the main option is the ferry from Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast. This route:
- Operates twice daily (day and night sailings)
- Takes approximately 8 hours
- Is operated by Stena Line
You can choose between a day crossing, where you enjoy the time on board, or a night crossing, where you sleep in a cabin and wake up in Belfast. It’s a great option if you’re coming from the North West, Yorkshire or the Midlands and don’t feel like driving all the way up to Scotland.
Isle of Man to Belfast
There are also seasonal ferries from the Isle of Man (Douglas) to Belfast, operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet. This is perfect if you want to combine the Isle of Man with Northern Ireland in one trip. Sailings don’t run every day, so it’s important to check dates and availability in advance.
Arriving in Belfast by ferry
The ferry terminals serving Belfast are located just outside the city. Once you arrive, it’s a relatively short drive into Belfast city centre, and you’re quickly on the roads heading:
- North towards the Antrim Coast and the Giant’s Causeway
- South towards Dublin and the rest of Ireland
| Route | Operator | Crossing time | Typical sailings | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairnryan – Belfast | Stena Line | 2 hours 15 minutes | Up to 6 departures per day | Fastest link from Scotland & northern England |
| Liverpool (Birkenhead) – Belfast | Stena Line | 8 hours | Day & night crossings (twice daily) | Relaxed day or overnight crossing from England |
| Douglas (Isle of Man) – Belfast (seasonal) | Isle of Man Steam Packet | 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours | Seasonal, selected days | Combining Belfast with an Isle of Man trip |
*Sailing times are approximate and depend on season, ship and weather conditions.
Alternative routes: via Dublin or Rosslare
You don’t necessarily have to arrive directly in Belfast. It’s also possible to sail to Dublin or to Rosslare and continue your journey by road.
- From Dublin it’s about a 2-hour drive to Belfast.
- From Rosslare it’s roughly a 4-hour drive.
If you’re planning a longer road trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland, it can be smart to look at the wider range of ferries to Ireland as well and then drive up to Belfast.
Summary of the main routes to Belfast
Ferry from Liverpool to Belfast
The Liverpool to Belfast ferry operates twice daily and takes approximately 8 hours. You can choose between a day or night crossing, both operated by Stena Line. This is a comfortable option if you’re starting from England and prefer to let the ship do the work while you relax on board.
Ferry from Scotland to Belfast
The direct ferry from Scotland to Belfast (Cairnryan – Belfast) gets you across in just 2 hours and 15 minutes, with around six daily departures. It’s the fastest way to reach Northern Ireland by ferry.
Alternative from Scotland: Cairnryan to Larne
As mentioned above, the Cairnryan to Larne ferry with P&O is a strong alternative. The crossing is short, often very competitively priced, and with only a short onward drive or bus ride you’ll be in Belfast.
From Isle of Man to Belfast
The seasonal ferries from the Isle of Man (Douglas) to Belfast are a nice extra option. They allow you to include both the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland in one itinerary, which is especially attractive for road trips and motorbike tours.
On board, the route and maps
Which ferry to Belfast should I pick?
If you’re sailing to Belfast from the UK, the choice is actually quite straightforward. It mainly comes down to where you’re starting from and whether you want the fast hop or the more relaxed crossing.
- Cairnryan ⇄ Belfast (Stena Line)
Best choice if you’re coming from Scotland or northern England and want to be in Belfast as quickly as possible. Around 2 hours 15 minutes, with several sailings a day. - Liverpool (Birkenhead) ⇄ Belfast (Stena Line)
Ideal from North West England, Yorkshire or the Midlands. About 8 hours, with day and night crossings – sleep in a cabin and wake up in Northern Ireland. - Cairnryan ⇄ Larne (P&O)
Good value alternative if you don’t mind a short drive. The crossing is similar in length to Cairnryan–Belfast and it’s only about 30 minutes by car from Larne to Belfast. - Douglas (Isle of Man) ⇄ Belfast
Perfect if you’re combining the Isle of Man with a Northern Ireland road trip. Seasonal, but a great add-on to your itinerary.
Ferrygogo tips for Belfast
- Start with your hometown: if you’re within easy reach of Cairnryan, go for the fast crossing; if Liverpool is closer, the overnight ferry is often the most relaxed option.
- Think about your first day: travelling overnight in a cabin means you arrive rested and can head straight for Belfast or the Causeway Coast.
- Check both Belfast and Larne: sometimes Larne offers sharper prices or better sailing times – and it’s a very short hop to Belfast anyway.
Ferry schedule/timetable
To explore and compare ferry crossings to and from Belfast, including schedules and prices, you can use the booking module below. This tool allows you to plan your journey and secure your tickets efficiently.
FAQ: ferries to Belfast
How long does the ferry to Belfast take?
From Cairnryan in Scotland the crossing takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Liverpool (Birkenhead) you’ll be at sea for roughly 8 hours. From the Isle of Man (Douglas) to Belfast it’s about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the sailing.
Can I travel as a foot passenger to Belfast?
Yes, on most sailings you can travel as a foot passenger to Belfast. Availability can be limited on busy dates, so it’s wise to book in advance if you’re not bringing a car.
Is there a direct ferry from Wales to Belfast?
No, there’s currently no direct ferry from Wales to Belfast. The usual option from Wales is to sail to Dublin and then drive or take public transport on to Belfast.
What is the best ferry route to Belfast?
That depends on where you’re coming from:
- From Scotland: Cairnryan – Belfast is the fastest, with Cairnryan – Larne as a good alternative.
- From England: Liverpool (Birkenhead) – Belfast offers comfortable day and night crossings.
- From the Isle of Man: Douglas – Belfast is ideal if you’re combining both destinations.
Not fixed on Belfast? Then also consider the ferries to Dublin or Rosslare and plan a road trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Useful for travellers to Northern Ireland
Tips for ferry travellers
I wanted a trip with my children in a cabin where they could sleep, why don’t you do that, it’s supposed to be fun. I can’t sleep in a seat with 2 children (both autistic) there was another sight where we could pick an am travel out so seats were fine and a return in a cabin? Why can’t I do that on here?????
Hi Emi,
For which particular crossing are you looking? The ferry from Liverpool to Belfast for example is possible with cabins. But in general on the shorter routes there aren't always cabins on board of the ferries. Let me know if we can help you further.
Best regards,