Belfast – Cairnryan
Ferry to Scotland
Belfast – Cairnryan
Ferry to Scotland
You can get a ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan are available all year round. With around 6 daily and 39 weekly sailings, there are plenty of options to choose from.
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 Stena LineBelfast to Cairnryan timetable before you book.
How long the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry is depends on 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 Cairnryan ferry time: 2 hours 22 minutes
The fastest ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan take 2 hours 22 minutes. Although Belfast to Cairnryan ferry times can vary.
Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan are provided by 1 ferry company; 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 39 weekly sailings
Belfast Cairnryan ferry prices can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in. The average Belfast to Cairnryan ferry cost is currently £376.07.
Belfast to Cairnryan distance: approximately 66.4 miles (106.9km) or 58 nautical miles.
Yes, you can get the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan with a car.
Car operators: Stena Line
Car prices: usually between £192 and £491
Cheapest car price: around £146
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry.
Belfast Cairnryan foot passenger ferries: Stena Line
Foot passenger price: usually between £41 and £180
Cheapest foot passenger price: around £36
Yes, you can take your camper on the ferry to Cairnryan from Belfast.
Camper prices: usually between £188 and £472
Cheapest camper price: around £149
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:
Stena Line: pets travel for free if they remain in your vehicle. Pet-friendly cabins and kennels are an additional cost.
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.
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| Belfast - Cairnryan Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | Northern Ireland | |
| Destination | Scotland | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Stena Line | |
| Average Price | £376 | |
| 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 June 2025.
"Family day out "
"Trip to Scotland "
"Return Cairnryan/Belfast"
"Excellent service "
Cairnryan Ferry Port serves as a crucial link between Scotland and Northern Ireland, offering an intriguing blend of scenic beauty and strategic importance. This port town is an ideal starting point for travellers seeking to explore the rugged coastlines and rolling hills of southern Scotland. Nearby attractions include the enchanting Castle Kennedy Gardens and the Galloway Forest Park, perfect for nature enthusiasts. From Cairnryan, one can easily access Belfast via frequent ferry services, providing a seamless connection for further exploration. Transport from the ferry port to local destinations is facilitated by bus services, with taxis readily available for direct routes to nearby towns. Cairnryan itself, while modest in size, plays a significant role in regional transit and offers a peaceful stopover amidst bustling travel schedules.
Belfast, with its rich maritime heritage and vibrant cultural scene, presents an intriguing destination for travellers. The Titanic Belfast, an iconic museum located at the site where the RMS Titanic was built, draws visitors from around the globe. Not far from here, the historic Belfast City Hall and the bustling St. George's Market offer a glimpse into the city's past and present. For those interested in the arts, the yearly Belfast International Arts Festival, held in October, showcases a wide range of artistic expressions. The Belfast ferry port offers convenient connections to several UK and Irish destinations, enhancing its appeal as a travel hub. Travelling from the ferry port to the city centre is a breeze with frequent bus services and a short taxi ride. This ease of access, combined with the city's attractions and events, makes Belfast ferry port a compelling point of entry for exploring Northern Ireland and beyond.
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, 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.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
If you're getting the Belfast to UK ferry with luggage, 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.
Stena Line: there is no luggage limit however hand luggage must be no larger than 60cm x 50cm x 40cm
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.
Stena Line: Lounges and standard, deluxe and superior cabins are available on board
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.
Stena Line: Wheelchair-accessible cabins, disabled parking and assistance are available on board
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 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.
Stena Line: 2 hours – 45 minutes before departure for cars. 1 hour 45 minutes – 30 minutes before departure for foot passengers.
Yes, parking is available at Belfast ferry port.
By car: The Stena Line terminal is located just off Junction 1 of the M2 motorway. Just follow the signs to the port.
By train: The nearest train station is Great Victoria Street Station. From here, you can either get a taxi or bus to the ferry port.
By bus: Regular buses connect Belfast city centre with the ferry terminal.
Cairnryan ferry port is located around 5 miles from Stranraer. You can get a bus or taxi to Stranraer from outside the terminal. Coaches also connect the ferry terminal to destinations such as Dumfries, Carlisle and Birmingham.
If you’re travelling by car or renting a car whilst there, speed limits in Cairnryan 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
