Belfast - Cairnryan
Ferry to Scotland
Belfast - Cairnryan
Ferry to Scotland
Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan are operated by Stena Line. The journey usually takes around 2 hours 22 minutes. There are currently 39 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £88.45. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Cairnryan today.
You can get a ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan are available all year round. This ferry route is operated by Stena Line. With around 6 daily and 39 weekly sailings, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Cairnryan today.
Belfast to Cairnryan first ferry: departs Belfast at 03:30.
Belfast to Cairnryan last ferry: departs Belfast at around 23:30.
Bear in mind that Belfast Cairnryan ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Belfast to Cairnryan ferry timetable before you book.
The duration of the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry depends whether you’re travelling on a Belfast Cairnryan fast ferry or conventional ferry. The Belfast to Cairnryan ferry duration is usually around 2 hours 22 minutes on average.
Average Belfast to Cairnryan ferry time: 2 hours 22 minutes
Fastest ferry: 2 hours 22 minutes
Longest ferry: 3 hours 22 minutes
The fastest ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan take 2 hours 22 minutes.
Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan are provided by Stena Line with 6 daily and 39 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Belfast Cairnryan ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Belfast ferry to Cairnryan runs all year round
Stena Line: 6 daily sailings and 40 weekly sailings
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Belfast and Cairnryan are currently not suitable for a day trip.
Belfast to Cairnryan distance: approximately 66.4 miles (106.9km) or 58 nautical miles.
Belfast to Cairnryan ferry prices can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in. The price of the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan varies between £88.45 to £482.00.
Average Belfast to Cairnryan ferry cost: £374.00
The cheapest Belfast to Cairnryan ferry costs £88.45.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Belfast Cairnryan ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Belfast to Cairnryan ferry booking.
We recommend booking in advance to find the cheapest ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. Cairnryan to Cairnryan ferry prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in.
Most Cairnryan to Belfast ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re travelling from Belfast to Cairnryan by boat in summer it’s always best to make your Belfast to Cairnryan ferry booking in advance.
Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan.
Yes, you can get the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan with a car.
Car operators:
Stena Line
Average car price: £386.00
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry.
Foot operators:
Stena Line
Average foot passenger price: £77.00
Yes, you can take your camper on the ferry to Cairnryan from Belfast.
Average camper price: £273.46
Pets are allowed on Belfast ferries to Cairnryan. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
Pet-friendly operators:
Stena Line
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on a ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan.
Stena Line:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs on the boat from Belfast to Cairnryan. However, you must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
Yes, cabins are available on the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan.
Cabin operators:Stena Line
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
If you're taking luggage on board the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the ferry between Belfast and Cairnryan. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the Belfast to Cairnryan boat differs depending on the ferry company and how long the journey is. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.
Yes, the ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate any requests.
It all depends on the ferry company you are travelling with. In general, we recommend arriving at Belfast port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
Your Belfast to Cairnryan tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.
The latest check-in time for your Belfast to Cairnryan ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.
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| Belfast - Cairnryan Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Northern Ireland | |
| Destination | Scotland | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Stena Line | |
| Average Price | £374 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 6 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 39 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 2 h 22 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 2 h 22 m | |
| First Ferry | 03:30 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:30 | |
| Distance | 58 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 December 2025.
"Family day out "
"Trip to Scotland "
"Return Cairnryan/Belfast"
"Excellent service "
The capital of Northern Ireland is an enticing mix of world-class museums, historic architecture, cool nightlife and an amazing culinary scene. With so much to see and do, Belfast is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Mingle with locals in lively pubs, sample local delights in the bustling markets, explore world-class museums and admire the city's beautiful buildings.
You can easily explore Belfast city centre by foot. The city also has a great bus network with services by Metro and Glider operating in the Belfast area. There are also plenty of places where you can hire bikes from if you fancy cycling around the city. Alternatively, taxis are available too.
There are 2 ferry terminals in Belfast; the Victoria Terminal which is used for services between Northern Ireland, England and Scotland and the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry terminal which is used for seasonal services between Belfast and the Isle of Man. Ferries between Liverpool and Belfast depart from the Victoria Terminal.
The Victoria Terminal is located on West Bank Road in Belfast.
The Victoria Terminal is conveniently located just off junction 1 of the M2. Just look for the ‘Stena Line’ signs. For those without a car, you can get the Metro Service 96 from Upper Queen Street in Belfast city centre to West Bank Road in around 20 minutes.
At the Stena Line terminal, you'll find a range of facilities including toilets, baby changing facilities, free Wi-Fi, a passenger lounge, coffee shop and vending machines. At the Steam Packet terminal, amenities include toilets and a snack bar.
Victoria Terminal 2, West Bank Road, Belfast, BT3 9JN, Northern Ireland
Ferries to Cairnryan will take you to a small village in southwest Scotland in the region of Dumfries and Galloway. Best known for its port, which acts as a gateway to Northern Ireland, Cairnryan boats a picture-perfect setting backed by lush green hills and overlooking the glistening waters of Loch Ryan. The neighbouring town of Stranraer is just a short drive away, offering a wider choice of attractions.
The village is home to 2 ferry ports, both connecting Scotland with Northern Ireland with regular daily and weekly sailings.
P&O Ferries operate out of one port, with services between Cairnryan and Larne, whilst Stena Line operate out of the Loch Ryan port, offering ferries between Cairnryan and Belfast. The ports are located around a 5-minute drive from each other.
Parking is available at both ferry ports. There is a large car park in front of the terminal building at Loch Ryan port. The first 30 minutes is free, then prices start from £1 and go up to £6 for a 24 hour stay. Parking is also available at the P&O Ferries terminal, with stays of up to 30 minutes also free of charge. You can either pay via the machines at the terminal or via the app or QR code.
You’ll find a range of amenities at both ports in Cairnryan including passenger lounges, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, a café, free WiFi and parking.
Stena Line
Loch Ryan Port,
Belfast Way,
Cairnryan,
DG9 8RG,
Scotland
P&O Ferries
The Port
Cairnryan
Stranraer
Wigtownshire
DG9 8RF
Scotland
