Rail and sail

by train and ferry

Train and ferry to Ireland

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland without a vehicle then why not rail and sail by train and ferry? A train and ferry ticket combination offers one of the most cost effective and convenient methods of travelling between the UK and Ireland. You can purchase a train and ferry ticket combination to travel from virtually any station in the UK to any station in Ireland! The rail sail to Ireland ticket covers train travel to the ferry port, the ferry crossing to Ireland and onward train travel in Ireland itself! Book a train and ferry to Ireland in the fare search to the left, or see below for more information about trip options.

If you’re travelling from Scotland then it may be quicker to travel to Ireland via Northern Ireland using the Cairnryan Belfast ferry operated by Stena Line. There is no train station at the port of Cairnryan so your train will stop at Ayr where they’ll be a coach provided by Stena Line to transfer you to Cairnryan port for the ferry trip to Belfast (see timetable within booking system). On arrival in Belfast port you’ll need to transfer to the centre and then to Belfast central train station in order to travel onwards to Ireland. The Translink Metro service 96 connects you to the city (though may not be aligned with ferry arrivals – check timetable before you travel) or alternatively there are taxis just outside the terminal building. Transfers are not included in the price of the Rail Sail ticket.

Belfast

If you’re travelling from Wales or England then the best option to rail and sail to Northern Ireland will be via Dublin using the Holyhead Dublin ferry crossing which is operated by Irish Ferries and Stena Line. On arrival in Dublin port in Ireland, for onward travel to Northern Ireland you’ll need to get a transfer to Dublin Connolly train station. Transfers are not included in the price of the Rail Sail ticket and range between €2.50 and €5 per adult depending on your destination.

Dublin

A train and ferry to Ireland combined ticket via Rosslare Europort in Southern Ireland uses the Fishguard Rosslare service operated by Stena Line. For onward travel from the port of Rosslare Europort you'll need to buy a separate onward train or bus ticket when you get there (as onward travel is not included if you travel via Rosslare). There is a train station around 600 metres from the foot passenger terminal with connections to Dublin (see www.irishrail.ie) or alternatively Bus Eireann (see www.buseireann.ie) services depart Rosslare Harbour on an hourly basis and offer access to all corners of Ireland. You can also hire a car at the Rosslare ferry terminal.

Rosslare

For more in depth info on parts that make up the rail sail to Ireland trip, take a look at our related links:

Please note:Direct Ferries are working in conjunction with thetrainline.com to offer you the facility to buy train and ferry combined tickets online. ‘Rail and sail’ or ‘train and ferry’ ticket combinations purchased via this site will be provided by thetrainline.com, and not Direct Ferries. Therefore, should you have any queries related to this product, please contact thetrainline.com. Information on these Rail and Sail by train and ferry pages is provided for guide purposes only and you are advised to do your own investigation regarding transfers and connecting services.

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