Ferry to Northern Ireland

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Ferry to Northern Ireland

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Ferry to Northern Ireland

You can get ferries to Northern Ireland from a range of destinations including Cairnryan, Liverpool Birkenhead & Douglas. There are up to 184 ferries running per week. Ferries to Northern Ireland are provided by 3 ferry companies including P&O Irish Sea, Steam Packet & Stena Line. Book now with Direct Ferries and find a ferry to Northern Ireland to suit you.


Sailing information: operators, timetables and routes

Northern Ireland Ferry Timetable

The Northern Ireland ferry timetable varies depending on the route you choose. 

The Cairnryan to Belfast ferry sails approximately 39 times per week, with an average duration of about 2 hours 15 minutes. The first ferry departs at 00:30 and the last ferry leaves at 23:30.

Meanwhile, the Cairnryan to Larne ferry sails 39 times per week, with an average duration of about 2 hours. The first ferry departs at 04:00 and the last ferry departs at 23:59.

Northern Ireland ferry operators

Ferries to Northern Ireland are provided by 3 operators including P&O Irish Sea, Steam Packet & Stena Line. P&O Irish Sea and Steam Packet are two of the most popular Northern Ireland ferry operators.

Northern Ireland ferry ports

There are 2 ferry ports in Northern Ireland. Larne is the most popular port with 6 daily and 40 weekly sailings.

How long is the ferry to Northern Ireland?

The duration of the ferry to Northern Ireland depends on the route. The longest route is Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast with an average duration of 8 hours, whilst the fastest route is Cairnryan to Larne with a journey time of 2 hours.

Which is the fastest ferry to Northern Ireland?

The fastest ferry to Northern Ireland is Cairnryan to Larne. This journey usually takes 2 hours and costs around £349.00 on average.

Popular Northern Ireland ferry routes

The most popular ferry route to Northern Ireland is the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry with 39 weekly sailings and an average price of £369.00. The second most popular ferry to Northern Ireland is the Cairnryan to Larne ferry with 39 weekly sailings and an average price of £349.00.

Where do ferries from Northern Ireland go to?

Ferries from Northern Ireland go to 3 ports. These include Cairnryan, Liverpool Birkenhead & Douglas.


Northern Ireland ferry prices

How much does the ferry to Northern Ireland cost?

The price of the ferry to Northern Ireland varies depending on the route you choose. The Cairnryan to Belfast ferry costs £369.00 on average whereas the Cairnryan to Larne ferry usually costs £349.00.

What is the cheapest way to get to Northern Ireland?

The cheapest ferry to Northern Ireland depends on the route, season, ferry company and whether you are travelling with a vehicle or not. Prices are generally cheaper for foot passengers. We recommend booking your ferry tickets to Northern Ireland in advance to get them at the cheapest price.

The cheapest Northern Ireland ferry is Douglas to Belfast with an average price of £165.07. The journey takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.


Northern Ireland ferry travel with vehicles and pets

Can I travel as a foot passenger on the ferry to Northern Ireland?

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on Northern Ireland ferries. Northern Ireland foot operators include P&O Irish Sea, Steam Packet & Stena Line.

Can I take a car on the ferry to Northern Ireland?

Yes, you can take your car on ferries to Northern Ireland. Simply follow the signs at the port and staff will be on hand to guide you into the correct lane. Northern Ireland car operators include P&O Irish Sea, Steam Packet & Stena Line.

Can I take my bike on the ferry to Northern Ireland?

Yes, you can take your bike on ferries to Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland bicycle operators include Steam Packet.

Can I take my pet on the ferry to Northern Ireland?

Yes, you can take your pet on ferries to Northern Ireland. We recommend checking the ferry operator's pet policy before you travel. Northern Ireland pet operators include P&O Irish Sea & Stena Line.


Booking your Northern Ireland ferry tickets

How to book ferry tickets to Northern Ireland

It's easy to book ferry tickets to Northern Ireland online at Direct Ferries using our Deal Finder. Enter your departure and arrival ports along the date you'd like to travel to see all available options. You can also compare alternative routes to find the best ferry to suit you. 

We'd recommend booking in advance to get your tickets at the best possible price. You can also check out our Special Offers page and sign up to our email for exclusive offers.

Most Popular Questions for Ferries to Northern Ireland

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Northern Ireland Ferry Routes

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Northern Ireland Guide

Located in the northeast corner of Ireland, Northern Ireland is the smallest of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom. Despite its size though, it's got plenty to offer, from breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cities bursting with history and culture. 

Belfast makes a great starting point for your Northern Ireland adventure. The city is packed with amazing sights, from the world-famous Titanic Museum to the Ulster Museum and historic Crumlin Road Gaol. The Cathedral Quarter is also a must-visit. Its quaint cobblestone streets come alive when the sun sets, with cool bars, great restaurants and lively pubs.

Other highlights in Northern Ireland include the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO-listed site famous for its incredible basalt columns, and Carrick-a-Rede, an iconic rope bridge in between the cliffs in County Antrim.

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