Ferry to Scotland from Belfast
Belfast to Scotland Ferry
The ferry from Belfast to Scotland takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes to sail to Cairnryan, offering a quick and convenient connection.
Alternative Option
- There is also a good alternative departing from Larne, as shown on the map below.
Both options provide efficient routes for travellers heading to Scotland.
Map: crossings from Belfast to Scotland
About these crossings
Ferry Travel from Belfast to Scotland
The Stena Line ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan is the most convenient option, with its terminal located just 3.7 miles from Belfast city centre. The crossing takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Alternatively, the P&O ferry from Larne to Cairnryan might be a better choice for those outside Belfast. The Larne terminal is easily accessible via the A8 and offers a crossing that is 15 minutes faster.
Your choice depends on your location and preference for travel time. Both routes provide efficient services to Scotland.
Belfast to Cairnryan with Stena Line
- Convenient Location: The Stena Line terminal is just 3.7 miles from Belfast city centre, making it highly accessible with minimal travel time to the port.
- Crossing Time: The ferry takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Cairnryan.
Alternative: Larne to Cairnryan with P&O Ferries
- Location: The Larne terminal is situated north of Belfast and is easily accessible via the A8, making it ideal for travellers outside Belfast or in other parts of Northern Ireland or Ireland.
- Crossing Time: This route is 15 minutes faster than the Belfast-Cairnryan crossing.
- Arrival Point: The ferry docks near the Stena Line terminal in Cairnryan, ensuring similar onward travel options.
Key Considerations
- If you are based in or near Belfast, Stena Line's terminal is more convenient due to its proximity.
- If you are travelling from other parts of Northern Ireland or Ireland, Larne may be a more practical departure point.
- The Larne-Cairnryan route saves 15 minutes, which could be an advantage depending on your schedule.
Both routes offer reliable and efficient services, so your choice will depend on your starting location and preferred travel time. We also have a guide for ferry travel to Belfast.
On board & route maps
Ferry schedule/timetable & availability
You can find availability, prices and the timetable by filling in the booking module below. Which also let's you compare the pricing of the different crossings. Select Larne or Belfast to see the crossings to Cairnryan.
Belfast vs. Larne: Ferry Options to Scotland
Sailing from Larne to Cairnryan with P&O Ferries is generally cheaper for both foot passengers and car travellers compared to Stena Line’s Belfast-Cairnryan route.
While the Belfast crossing covers approximately 44 miles as the crow flies, the route is longer due to navigational requirements. In contrast, the Larne crossing is 3,7 miles shorter and less affected by this, making it 15 minutes faster with a sailing time of 2 hours.
Larne, located just north of Belfast, offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative for travellers heading to Scotland.
Useful for travellers to Scotland
Can i get ticket for scotland to irland on the day of?
Hi Krishna,
This might be possible – depends if the ferry is fully booked or not. You can try it of course but it is a small risk. When you plan to bring a car we highly recommend to book in advance.
Best regards – Team FerryGoGo
Is there public transportation from Carinryan to other parts of Scotland?
Hi Anne,
Thanks for your question. There is public transportation from Cairnryan to the other parts of Scotland. You can travel by bus and train to for example Glasgow and Edinburgh – there are even buses leaving directly from the terminals in Cairnryan to Edinburgh (+/- 3.5 hours). Let me know if there are any remaining questions!
Best,
Will be travelling to Ireland end of April 2024. Probably rent a car. Can you transport a car from Belfast to Cairnryan, and if so what is the cost? We are planning a trip to Edinburgh.
I live closer to Belfast than larne but i am taking my vehicle with me, would it be worth a cheaper ticket and faster crossing from larne?
Hello..Contemplating visiting Belfast in September of this year..arriving from Dublin…going to Edinburgh from from there..want to fly…is that the best and fastest mode of travel..most direct..also..everyone mentions rail transport..how does the train travel to Scotland w/all of that water surrounding it…thanx and hope to hear…
Hi Steve,
Within Great Britain, there are some good train connections. However, when travelling from Dublin to Scotland, you’ll really need to take a ferry (or a plane), but the ferry is a great and comfortable way to travel. You could either go via the Dublin to Holyhead route or through Northern Ireland and then on to Scotland via Larne to Cairnryan. The Dublin to Holyhead route is probably a bit quicker, as it’s better connected to the rail network. Still a 9 hour train trip from Holyhead to Edinburgh though.
Hope this helps!
JW