Douglas – Belfast

Ferry to Northern Ireland

Douglas – Belfast

Douglas to Belfast Ferry

Ferries from Douglas to Belfast are operated by 1 ferry company; Steam Packet. The journey usually takes around 2 hours 45 minutes. There are currently 2 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £41. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Belfast today.

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Ferry Pricing, Offers & Availability

Douglas to Belfast Ferry Price

Douglas Belfast ferry prices typically range between £41* and £374*. The average price is typically £112*. The cheapest Douglas Belfast ferry prices start from £41*. The average price for a foot passenger is £73*. The average price for a car is £319*.

Pricing will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated September 25.

Cheap Ferry Tickets for the ferry from Douglas to Belfast

You can easily find cheap ferry tickets with our Deal Finder. We recommend booking in advance to get the best possible prices and availability. You can also check out our Special Offers page for the latest deals on Douglas ferries.

Are there any discounts available for senior citizens, students or residents?

Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year around. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.

Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.

Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed in our Deal Finder. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.

Douglas Belfast Ferry Times

The first Douglas Belfast ferry typically departs from Douglas at around 07:00. The last ferry usually departs at 19:30.

Can I do a day trip from Douglas to Belfast?

Due to the crossing time, ferries between Douglas and Belfast are currently not suitable for a day trip.


Vehicles & Pets

Can I bring my car on the ferry from Douglas to Belfast?

Yes, Steam Packet ferries allow cars on board ferries between Douglas and Belfast. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Douglas and Belfast.

Belfast ferry terminal is located close to the motorway network. Taxis are also available outside the terminal. There are a range of amenities at Belfast ferry port including coffee shops, toilets and parking.

If you’re travelling by car or renting a car whilst there, speed limits in Belfast are as follows:

  • Built-up areas: 50km/h or 30mph
  • Outside built-up areas: 96km/h or 60mph
  • Dual carriageways/motorways: 112km/h or 70mph

Can I bring my Caravan on the ferry from Douglas to Belfast?

Yes, it is possible to take a motorhome or caravan on the ferries between Douglas and Belfast with. For more information on travelling with caravan on ferries, use our Deal Finder or visit our blog.

Can I travel by bicycle on the ferry from Douglas to Belfast?

Yes, you can bring a bicycle on a ferry from Douglas to Belfast with Steam Packet. Most ferry companies allow bicycles on board, but it is always best to check policies regarding bringing bicycles on the ferry. View our Deal Finder for more information.

Can I travel as a foot passenger from Douglas to Belfast?

Yes, foot passengers can travel with Steam Packet ferries between Douglas and Belfast.

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Douglas to Belfast?

Unfortunately, pets are currently not allowed on board the ferries from Douglas to Belfast.


Journey Information

How to get from Douglas to Belfast

Douglas ferry port is located in the centre of Douglas. You can walk to the ferry terminal from both the bus and train station. Taxis are also available.

How long before should I arrive at the port of Douglas

It all depends on the ferry company you are travelling with. In general, we recommend arriving at Douglas 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.

The latest check-in time for your Douglas to Belfast ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.

Steam Packet: check-in closes 45 minutes prior to departure for vehicles and 25 minutes prior to departure for foot passengers.

Is there parking at the port of Douglas?

Yes, parking is available at Douglas ferry port.

Accommodation at the port of Douglas

If you are looking for accommodation near the Port of Douglas before you travel, visit our Accommodation page for the best deals and prices.

Is there reduced mobility access on the Douglas to Belfast ferry?

Yes, the ferries from Douglas to Belfast 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.

Steam Packet: facilities include accessible cabins, lifts, designated seating and disabled toilets. Assistance is also available on request.

Amenities on board the ferry

The accommodation and seating on the Douglas to Belfast 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.

There are a wide range of facilities available on board the ferry between Douglas and Belfast. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.

Steam Packet: comfortable lounges, cabins and outdoor deck seating

How much luggage can I take on the ferry Douglas to Belfast?

If you're getting the Douglas to Belfast ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Douglas to Belfast ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.

Steam Packet: foot passengers can check in any amount of luggage, with each item weighing a maximum of 23kg.

How long does it take to disembark the ferry from Douglas to Belfast?

It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.


Travel Smart: How to book a ferry

Booking your Douglas to Belfast ferry tickets

Book your ferry tickets online with Direct Ferries using our Deal Finder. Just enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.

Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as number of passengers and vehicle specifications.

Collecting your ferry tickets from Douglas port

Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.

Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.

The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and check-in.

During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.

Why are there no ferries available on the date I want to travel?

There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Douglas to Belfast for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable.

We recommend checking for alternative dates. Our Deal Finder automatically compares the desired route with alternative routes and dates, offering up-to-date real time options, all in one place.

When is the best time to book a ferry to Belfast?

We recommend booking in advance to find the cheapest ferry from Douglas to Belfast. Belfast to Belfast ferry prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Belfast to Douglas ferry prices is higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re travelling from Douglas to Belfast by boat in summer it’s always best to make your Douglas to Belfast ferry booking in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry from Douglas to Belfast.

International Travel Rules

Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when traveling from Douglas to Belfast, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel.

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Douglas - Belfast Ferry Route summary
OriginIsle of Man
DestinationNorthern Ireland
No. of Operators1
OperatorsSteam Packet
Average Price£112
Average Daily Sailings1
Average Weekly Sailings2
Average Sailing Duration2 h 45 m
Fastest Sailing Duration2 h 45 m
First Ferry07:00
Last Ferry19:30
Distance91 Nautical Miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2025.

Douglas to Belfast Ferry Most Popular Questions

Ferry reviews

Douglas Guide

Douglas on the Isle of Man is a town and the island's capital. It is located at the mouth of the River Douglas which forms part of the town's harbour and commercial port. Situated on a bay that is roughly 2 miles long, Douglas is the main commercial hub on the island for business, finance, legal services, transport, shopping, entertainment and shipping. 

There are many things to see and do in Douglas including the Tower Refuge which is a small castle like shelter built on Conister Rock in Douglas Bay as a sanctuary for shipwrecked sailors. Visitors also enjoy taking a ride on a horse drawn tram which operates along the promenade from the Sea Terminal to the Manx Electric Railway. There are also steam trains that run for 15 miles from Douglas railway station to Port Erin in the south of the island. Finally, for petrol heads, the Isle of Man TT motorcycle race, which is held annually, starts and ends in Douglas. 

Douglas Port is the primary and only ferry port on the Isle of Man, with services connecting the island with the British Isles and the Irish mainland. The ferry terminal is situated on the waterfront, on Central Promenade, right in the heart of the city.

Belfast Guide

Belfast Harbour is an important seaport in the United Kingdom, with one of the leading ferry operators, Stena Line, connecting it with Liverpool and Cairnryan. You can also reach Belfast from the Isle of Man, with seasonal services provided by Steam Packet. 

Belfast is Northern Ireland's capital city, surrounded by mountains creating a specific climate beneficial to horticulture. Moreover, it lies at the mouth of the River Lagan located in County Antrim, although parts of east and south Belfast are actually located in County Down. It is, then, quite a green space and offers visitors plenty of parkland and forest parks to explore from Cave Hill Country Park and Lagan Valley Regional Park to the Victorian Botanic Gardens in the heart of the city. 

From an architectural perspective Belfast has some fine buildings including the Edwardian City Hall and the modern Waterfront Hall. Many of the city's Victorian landmarks, including the main Lanyon Building at Queen's University Belfast and the Linenhall Library, were designed by Sir Charles Lanyon.

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