Ferries to Northern Ireland
Select departure from “Ireland” to compare ferry routes to your destination
Getting to Northern Ireland by ferry
Planning to travel to Northern Ireland without flying? Ferries are a popular and reliable way to reach the region, with regular sailings from England, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and indirect routes via Ireland. Whether you're looking for a short hop across the Irish Sea or a longer overnight crossing, there are several routes to choose from — including car ferries and foot passenger options.
From Cairnryan to Belfast, or Liverpool to Northern Ireland’s capital, there’s a ferry route that suits every kind of trip. And if you're coming from further afield — like southern England or France — you can easily sail into Ireland and drive north across the border.
Map: crossings to Northern Ireland (and Ireland)
About the crossings to Northern Ireland from the UK
Travelling to Northern Ireland by ferry is straightforward, with four main ferry routes available from Great Britain and the Isle of Man. Most sailings are fast and frequent, and there are both daytime and overnight options available depending on your departure port.
Direct ferry routes to Northern Ireland
The four main ferry crossings are:
- Cairnryan (Scotland) → Belfast – operated by Stena Line
- Cairnryan (Scotland) → Larne – operated by P&O Ferries
- Liverpool (England) → Belfast – operated by Stena Line
- Douglas (Isle of Man) → Belfast – operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
Each route connects you directly to Northern Ireland, with Belfast serving as the major port of entry.
From Scotland to Northern Ireland
If you're coming from Scotland, Cairnryan is your departure point. From there, you can sail to:
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Belfast with Stena Line – around 2 hours 15 minutes
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Larne with P&O Ferries – just under 2 hours
These are the shortest and most frequent ferry routes to Northern Ireland, making them ideal for travellers coming from Glasgow, Edinburgh, or elsewhere in Scotland.
From England to Northern Ireland
The main route from England is:
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Liverpool Birkenhead → Belfast (Stena Line)
Duration: 8 hours
Frequency: Day and overnight sailings available
The overnight option is especially convenient if you'd prefer to save on accommodation and arrive in Belfast ready to go.
Via Ireland to Northern Ireland
Another option is to sail into the Republic of Ireland and then drive into Northern Ireland. This is particularly useful if you’re:
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Travelling from Southern England
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Travelling from France
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Planning a road trip through the island
Ferry ports in Ireland include:
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Dublin
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Rosslare
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Cork
From these ports, you can reach Northern Ireland by car in a few hours — for example, Dublin to Belfast takes around 2 hours by road.
Ferries from France to Northern Ireland (Indirect)
There are no direct ferries from France to Northern Ireland, but you can still make the journey by:
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Sailing from Cherbourg, Roscoff, or Le Havre to Cork, Rosslare or Dublin
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Driving north to reach your final destination in Northern Ireland
The crossing from France to Ireland takes between 14 and 19 hours, depending on the route.
Bonus Tip: Small Ferry from the Hebrides
There is also a small passenger ferry that connects parts of the Scottish Hebrides with Northern Ireland, though these are less common and more seasonal. They are ideal for local travellers or those taking the scenic route.
On board, ferries and route maps
Prices and availability for this crossing.
What is the sailing schedule and the best alternative?
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for this crossing, and to find the best alternative, simply fill in the booking module for ferries to Northern. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.
Delighted foot passengers are welcome and you are open for travel again.
Thanks Rosemary =)
Indeed foot passengers are allowed on this route!