Ferries to Belfast
Travel to Belfast by Ferry
If you’re looking to take a ferry to Belfast, the main city of Northern Ireland, you have a couple of options. There are two ferries that run directly to Belfast: one from the UK (Liverpool Birkenhead) and another from Scotland.
Scotland to Northern Ireland
There is a direct ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast, but there's also a good alternative route from Cairnryan to Larne. From Larne to Belfast, it’s just a 30-minute drive by car. You can also travel from Larne to Belfast by bus.
You can use the booking module and select Northern Ireland as your destination to find all the crossings to and Belfast.
Ferry Map: ferry routes to Belfast
Use the interactive map to find the right crossing and ferry company. You can zoom in and out and view the routes in the ports.
In the map above, you can see the ferry routes from Liverpool and Cairnryan to Belfast, as well as the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne. The two short crossings from Scotland take around 2 hours, while the ferry from Liverpool takes about 8 hours to reach the capital of Northern Ireland.
It is also possible to sail to Dublin and then drive to Belfast. If this is an option you’re considering, it's best to check our Ireland page for all the crossings to Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Crossings to Belfast, Northen Ireland
Guide: ferries to Belfast
Ferry from Liverpool to Belfast
This ferry sails from Liverpool to Northern Ireland twice a day. The journey takes approximately 8 hours. You can choose between a day or night crossing on this route, which is operated by Stena Line.
Ferry from Scotland to Belfast
There is a direct ferry from Scotland that takes you to Belfast in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. In total, there are 6 departures daily from Scotland to Belfast.
Alternative from Scotland
The ferry from Cairnryan to Larne is an excellent alternative when travelling from Scotland. Operated by P&O, this ferry doesn’t take you directly to Belfast but instead to Larne, located slightly to the north. The crossings are a bit shorter and often more affordable.
If the direct ferry to Belfast is fully booked or if you don't mind a 30-minute drive, then the ferry to Larne might be a great choice.
Ferry from Scotland to Belfast
There is a direct ferry from Scotland that takes you to Belfast in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. In total, there are 6 departures daily from Scotland to Belfast.
Alternative from Scotland
The ferry from Cairnryan to Larne is an excellent alternative when travelling from Scotland. Operated by P&O, this ferry doesn’t take you directly to Belfast but instead to Larne, located slightly to the north. The crossings are a bit shorter and often more affordable.
If the direct ferry to Belfast is fully booked or if you don't mind a 30-minute drive, then the ferry to Larne might be a great choice.
- Relevant Guides
- Photo Gallery
Join the Conversation
Ask questions, share answers, and discover routes and crossings. We and our visitors are here to help you find a suitable crossing.
- Relevant Blogs
All crossings to Northern Ireland
Use your mouse to slide the bar or simply swipe with your finger.
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,