Ferries to Belfast
Ferry to Belfast
Only three routes sail into Belfast, which keeps the choice simple: from Cairnryan in Scotland, from Liverpool (Birkenhead) in England, and seasonally from Douglas on the Isle of Man. This page compares them, says who each one suits, and covers the alternatives if you do not need to land in Belfast itself.
Looking for a discount on this crossing? Before you book, check the current Stena Line discount and offer codes and P&O Ferries discount codes and offers. We check every offer against the operator’s own website.
In short: the UK to Belfast by ferry
- Ports: Cairnryan (Scotland) and Liverpool Birkenhead (England), plus seasonal sailings from Douglas (Isle of Man).
- Fastest: Cairnryan to Belfast in about 2 hours 15 minutes, the obvious route from Scotland and the north of England.
- From England: Liverpool to Belfast, around 8 hours, by day or overnight, so you can sleep on board.
- Alternatives: Cairnryan to Larne, 30 minutes’ drive from Belfast, or a ferry to Dublin and two hours up the M1.
Overview: all ferry routes to Belfast
The map shows the routes from Liverpool and Cairnryan to Belfast and the Cairnryan to Larne crossing. The two Scottish crossings take around two hours; Liverpool is an eight-hour sailing.
Which ferry to Belfast suits you
From Scotland
Cairnryan to Belfast with Stena Line is the usual choice: about 2 hours 15 minutes, roughly six departures a day, and you are in the city with your car, camper or motorbike before lunch.
Alternative: Cairnryan to Larne
P&O’s Cairnryan to Larne crossing does not land you in Belfast, but Larne is a 30-minute drive away with buses too. It is often a little shorter and a little cheaper, so compare it if the drive does not bother you.
From England
From England the route is Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast with Stena Line: twice a day, about 8 hours, one day sailing and one overnight. Take the day boat to enjoy the ship, or the night boat to sleep in a cabin and wake up in Belfast. From the North West, Yorkshire or the Midlands it beats driving to Scotland first.
Isle of Man to Belfast
The Isle of Man Steam Packet sails seasonally from Douglas to Belfast, which is how you combine the island with Northern Ireland in one trip. It does not run every day, so check the dates before you plan around it.
Arriving in Belfast
The terminals sit just outside the city. It is a short drive into the centre, and from the port you are quickly on the road north to the Antrim Coast and the Giant’s Causeway or south to Dublin.
| 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 | Three a week, all year | Combining Northern Ireland with an Isle of Man trip |
Sailing times are approximate and depend on season, ship and weather.
Alternatives: via Dublin or Rosslare
You do not have to land in Belfast. Sail to Dublin, about two hours’ drive from Belfast, or to Rosslare, roughly four. For a longer road trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland, the full range of ferries to Ireland is worth a look before you fix on Belfast.
Our take
Start with your postcode. Within easy reach of Cairnryan, take the fast crossing and do not overthink it; the Larne boat is the one to compare when Stena’s times or prices do not suit. From Liverpool, book the night sailing with a cabin: eight hours is too long to sit up and exactly long enough to sleep, and you start the Causeway Coast rested. The Isle of Man link is a bonus for bikers and road-trippers who want two islands in one go. Stena’s Belfast day trip from £20 is the cheapest way to try the Cairnryan crossing.
Ferry from Scotland to Belfast
Cairnryan to Belfast: 2 hours 15 minutes, around six departures a day, the fastest way to Northern Ireland by sea. Cairnryan to Larne with P&O is the alternative: a short crossing, often keenly priced, and a short drive or bus ride into Belfast.
From the Isle of Man to Belfast
The seasonal Douglas to Belfast sailings let you put the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland in one itinerary, popular with motorbike tours.
On board, the route and maps
Which ferry to Belfast should I pick?
- Cairnryan to Belfast (Stena Line): from Scotland or northern England, about 2 hours 15 minutes, several sailings a day.
- Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast (Stena Line): from North West England, Yorkshire or the Midlands, about 8 hours, by day or overnight.
- Cairnryan to Larne (P&O): similar crossing time, often cheaper, 30 minutes by car from Larne to Belfast.
- Douglas (Isle of Man) to Belfast: seasonal, for combining the two.
Tips
- Overnight in a cabin from Liverpool means you arrive rested and can head straight for the Causeway Coast.
- Check both Belfast and Larne; Larne sometimes has the sharper fare or the better time.
Timetable and prices
Enter your route and dates below for live sailing times and fares to and from Belfast.
FAQ: ferries to Belfast
How long does the ferry to Belfast take?
From Cairnryan about 2 hours 15 minutes, from Liverpool (Birkenhead) roughly 8 hours, from Douglas on the Isle of Man 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. Places can be limited on busy dates, so book ahead without a car too.
Is there a direct ferry from Wales to Belfast?
No. From Wales you sail to Dublin and drive or take the train up to Belfast.
What is the best ferry route to Belfast?
- From Scotland: Cairnryan to Belfast, with Cairnryan to Larne as the alternative.
- From England: Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast, by day or overnight.
- From the Isle of Man: Douglas to Belfast, seasonal.
Not fixed on Belfast? Then compare the ferries to Dublin and Rosslare and plan a loop 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,