Belfast Ferry

About Belfast ferry port

There are 2 ferry terminals in Belfast, offering a total of 9 daily and 54 weekly sailings. The Victoria Terminal is used for services between Northern Ireland, England and Scotland. The Victoria Terminal is also divided up into different terminals with Victoria Terminal 2 (VT2) serving routes to and from Liverpool and Victoria Terminal 4 (VT4) serving routes to and from Cairnryan. Both of these popular services are operated by Stena Line. 

The other main ferry terminal in Belfast is the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry terminal which operates seasonal services between Belfast and Douglas in the Isle of Man.

Belfast port location

Both terminals are located in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. The Victoria Terminal is located on West Bank Road whilst the Isle of Man Steam Packet terminal is located at Albert Quay.

Getting to Belfast ferry port

Stena Line terminal: 

• By car: Victoria Terminal is conveniently located just off junction 1 of the M2. Just look for the ‘Stena Line’ signs.
• By Metro: You can get the Metro Service 96 from Upper Queen Street in Belfast city centre to West Bank Road. The journey takes around 20 minutes.

Steam Packet terminal: 

• By car: You can reach the terminal via the M1. Take the 3rd exit at the Broadway roundabout onto the A12 and continue for around 2 miles. Take the A2 until you see signs for the Steam Packet terminal.
• By train: York Street Train Station is also located around a 15-20 minute walk from the terminal.

Alternatively, you can get a taxi from Belfast city centre to either terminal.

Arriving at Belfast ferry port

Arriving as a foot passenger

Just follow the directions from staff on where to go. You will usually walk from the ferry to the passenger terminal. Once you've exited the terminal, you can easily access the centre of Belfast. If you're arriving at the Stena Line terminal, you can get Metro 96 to Belfast city centre. If you're arriving at the Steam Packet terminal, you can walk to York Street Train Station and take a short train to the centre of Belfast. Taxis will also be available at both ferry terminals if you need them.

Disembarking by car

Once you've arrived at Belfast ferry port, follow the signs and disembark the ship. If you're arriving at the Victoria Terminal, the port is located off Junction 1 of the M2. To get to Belfast city centre from the Victoria Terminal, just follow the signs for 'City Centre'. The journey takes around 10 minutes. If you're arriving at the Steam Packet terminal, follow the A2 towards the city centre.

Belfast port: services, amenities and more

Amenities

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.

Parking at Belfast port

At the Victoria Terminal, there is a large car park located in front of the terminal building. It is free for the first 30 minutes. After this, prices start from £1.50. At the Steam Packet terminal there is limited parking available which is reserved for Blue Badge Holders. The nearest car parks to the terminal are NCP or Donegall Quay Car Park, both of which are located around a 25-30 minute walk from the terminal.

Accessibility

Assistance at the port can be provided upon request. Just contact the ferry operator before you travel. 

Pets

Yes, pets are allowed at Belfast ferry port.

Luggage

There are no general luggage storage facilities located at Belfast ferry port.

Useful information

Belfast port address

Steam Packet:
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Terminal, 
Albert Quay, 
Belfast, 
BT3 9HY, 
Northern Ireland 

Stena Lines (Belfast to Liverpool)
Victoria Terminal 2, 
West Bank Road, 
Belfast, 
BT3 9JN, 
Northern Ireland 

Stena Lines (Belfast to Cairnryan)
Victoria Terminal 4, 
West Bank Road, 
Belfast, 
BT3 9JL, 
Northern Ireland

Visiting Belfast

A thriving foodie scene, cool nightlife, world-class museums, historic architecture and beautiful gardens – there’s not much Belfast doesn’t have. It’s the sort of place you come for a weekend and wish you could stay longer. Whether you want to dance to Irish music with the friendly locals, sample local bites in buzzing markets, wander through colourful mural-lined streets or let the city’s iconic buildings and museums give you a glimpse into times gone by, it’s the sort of place that has something for everyone. You can’t miss a trip to the Titanic Museum to learn all about the city’s maritime heritage and the iconic Titanic ship. Another must-visit museum is the Ulster, where you can delve into Belfast’s past. St George’s Market or Common Market make a great stop for lunch, with countless stalls serving up fresh local delights. The Cathedral Quarter should also be on your list. The city’s oldest neighbourhood is the place to be with cobblestone streets packed with traditional pubs and cool bars where live music draws you in.

The surrounding area

One of the great things about Belfast is the beautiful landscapes that lie just a stone’s throw from the vibrant city - most notably the Causeway Coast with its dramatic cliffs and rugged beaches. It’s here you’ll find the famous Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of thousands of basalt columns formed by a volcanic eruption. Many visitors also head to Carrick-a-Rede, a rope bridge in between the cliffs with a beautiful backdrop. The Causeway Coastal Route is also popular, a 185km road trip that lets you experience the area’s incredible landscapes, uncovering hidden coves and historical landmarks as you drive.