Holyhead ferry port guide

Holyhead port acts as a major gateway between the UK and Ireland, with around 2 million passengers passing through the port each year. There are 5 ferry terminals at Holyhead port. These terminals are located at the Inner Harbour, Outer Harbour and New Harbour. Terminal 1, located at the Inner Harbour, is the main passenger ferry terminal. 

The port connects Holyhead in Wales with Dublin in Ireland, with regular services operated by Stena Line and Irish Ferries. The journey between Holyhead to Dublin usually takes just over 3 hours. There are currently 8 daily and 50 weekly sailings on this ferry route. The port also has 2 berths for cruise ships.

Where is Holyhead ferry port located?

Holyhead ferry port is located in Anglesey in North Wales. It’s just a short walk from the town of Holyhead. Its location on the A55 makes it easily accessible by car too.

Getting to Holyhead port from the UK

Getting to Holyhead from the rest of the UK is easy thanks to the town’s great transport and road connections.

Arriving by car

If you’re coming by car, the port is conveniently located at the end of the A55.

From London/South East

• Take the M40 and head northwest towards Birmingham before joining the M6 northbound. Continue towards Chester, then take the M56 west before continuing on the A55.

From the North

• If you’re travelling to Holyhead from Manchester, take the M56 west before continuing on the A55. If you’re travelling from Liverpool, take the M53 and then the A55.

From Wales

• From Wales, you can either take the A470 north before joining the A5 and then the A55. Or, you can take the M4 east followed by the M5, M6 and A55.

From the Midlands

• Take the M6 north and then the M56 towards Chester before continuing on the A55 to Holyhead.

From the South West

• Take the M5 north and continue on the M6 before joining the M56 and then the A55 towards Holyhead.

Arriving by train

Where is the nearest train station?

Holyhead Station is the nearest train station to the port. It’s located just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal.

How to get to Holyhead port by train

Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast operate regular trains from Holyhead, connecting the port with destinations such as London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, Chester and Crewe.

Arriving by taxi

You can easily get a taxi from the centre of Holyhead or the surrounding area to the ferry port. As well as Uber, companies such as Port Taxis offer reliable services to the port.

Arriving by foot

If you’re already in Holyhead, the port is just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. You can reach the terminal via the Celtic Gateway bridge.

Reaching Holyhead port from the airport

Liverpool John Lennon Airport

• Distance: 100 miles 
• Approximate journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Manchester Airport

• Distance: 120 miles 
• Approximate journey time: 2 hours 15 minutes Arriving at Holyhead port

Disembarking the ship

Arriving at Holyhead port is a smooth stress-free experience. Ferries will usually arrive at Terminal 1, the main passenger terminal.

Arriving as a foot passenger

If you’re arriving at Holyhead port as a foot passenger, a shuttle bus service will take you from the ship to the terminal. Depending on where you are travelling from, you will need to go through border control so make sure you have your passports and any necessary travel documents ready to show.

Public transport

The centre of Holyhead is just a short walk from the ferry port via the Celtic Gateway Bridge so there’s no need to take a bus.

The nearest train station

Holyhead train station is located at the ferry port. From here you can get trains to various destinations in the UK including Manchester, Chester, Birmingham and London.

Disembarking by car

If you’re arriving in a vehicle, just follow the signs when exciting the ferry. You may be required to go through border checks so make sure you have all your travel documents including your passport handy. Afterwards, you can then exit the terminal onto the A55 and continue your journey onwards.

Distance from major cities in the UK

• Liverpool: 100 miles / 2 hours 
• Manchester: 120 miles / 2 hours 15 minutes 
• Birmingham: 170 miles / 3 hours 
• London: 297 miles / 5 hours 15 minutes

The nearest airport

The nearest major airport to Holyhead is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which you can reach in around 1 hour 45 minutes by car. Manchester Airport is also close by, with a journey time of just over 2 hours. You can also get a train to Manchester Airport from Holyhead with a change at Llandudno Junction.

Holyhead port: services, amenities and more

Amenities

You’ll find a range of amenities at Holyhead port including toilets, a passenger lounge, ATMs, vending machines, free WIFI, electric car chargers, parking and disability assistance. There is also a duty-free shop where you can enjoy exclusive deals.

Parking

Both short and long-term parking is available at Holyhead port. The short-term car park, which can be used for picking up and dropping off passengers, is located just outside the terminal building. You’re allowed to stay for up to 20 minutes. Within the short-term car park, there are also disabled parking spaces where you can stay longer than 20 minutes for a fee. There are also 2 long-term car parks located close to the terminal.

Accessibility

Disability assistance is available for passengers at the ferry port. There are also a range of accessible facilities including accessible toilets, wheelchairs and disabled parking.

Pets

Pets are allowed at Holyhead ferry port.

Luggage

Unfortunately there are no luggage lockers available at the terminal.

Useful information

Port address: 
Terminal One, 
Holyhead, 
Anglesey, 
Gwynedd, 
Wales, 
LL65 1DQ 

General contact number: 
01407 760139

Visiting Holyhead

Ferries to Holyhead may be a gateway to the rest of Wales, but the port town is worth exploring itself, especially when it’s just a short stroll from the terminal. Holyhead is a dream for outdoor adventurers with walking routes, birdwatching opportunities and incredible scenery. The Anglesey Coastal Path is a must-visit where you can hike (or stroll) along the island’s coastline, soaking up picture-perfect views as you go. You also can’t miss a trip to South Stack, where you can witness amazing wildlife and beautiful views. In the town itself you’ll also find fascinating sights such as St Cybi’s Church, a medieval church located within the Roman fort of Caer Gybi, and Holyhead Maritime Museum where you can learn all about the island’s rich maritime history. When you’re not admiring amazing scenery or exploring ancient landmarks, the town is also home to plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Exploring the surrounding area

Thanks to Holyhead’s great road and rail links, the town is the perfect starting point for your Welsh or English adventure. Within easy access of Holyhead, you’ll find some of North Wales most popular attractions such as Snowdonia National Park with its breathtaking landscapes dotted with hiking trails and the incredible Aber Falls. There are also plenty of picturesque villages near to Holyhead such as Beaumaris, where you’ll find the unfinished Beaumaris Castle, and Caernarfon, home to the famous Caernarfon Castle, an impressive medieval fortress located on the River Seiont. Holyhead’s location also makes it great for exploring popular cities in the north of England too. The charming city of Chester with its medieval architecture, is just an hour and a half away by train, whilst the buzzing cities of Manchester and Liverpool with their amazing shopping scenes and nightlife, are around 2 hours away.