Cairnryan – Belfast
Ferry to Northern Ireland
Cairnryan – Belfast
Ferry to Northern Ireland
You can get a ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast. Ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast are available all year round. With around 6 daily and 39 weekly sailings, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Cairnryan to Belfast first ferry: departs Cairnryan at 03:30.
Cairnryan to Belfast last ferry: departs Cairnryan at around 23:30.
Bear in mind that Cairnryan to Belfast ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Stena Line Cairnryan to Belfast timetable before you book.
How long the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry is depends on whether you’re travelling on a Cairnryan Belfast fast ferry or conventional ferry. The Cairnryan to Belfast ferry duration is usually around 2 hours 15 minutes on average.
Average Cairnryan to Belfast ferry time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Fastest ferry: 2 hours 15 minutes
Longest ferry: 2 hours 45 minutes
The fastest ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast take 2 hours 15 minutes. Although Cairnryan Belfast ferry durations can vary.
Ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast are provided by 1 ferry company; Stena Line with 6 daily and 39 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Cairnryan Belfast ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Cairnryan ferry to Belfast runs all year round
Stena Line: 6 daily sailings and 39 weekly sailings
Cairnryan to Belfast ferry prices can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in. The average Cairnryan to Belfast ferry cost is currently £373.00.
Cairnryan to Belfast distance: approximately 66.4 miles (106.9km) or 58 nautical miles.
Yes, you can get the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast with a car. You can find current car ferry prices below, although we'd recommend using our Deal Finder for the most up-to-date pricing.
Car operators: Stena Line
Car prices: usually between £198 and £497
Cheapest car price: around £146
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry. See below for current foot passenger prices on this route. Check out our Deal Finder for the most up-to-date pricing.
Cairnryan Belfast foot passenger ferries: Stena Line
Foot passenger price: usually between £51 and £231
Cheapest foot passenger price: around £36
Yes, you can take your camper on the ferry to Belfast from UK.
Camper prices: usually between £192 and £453
Cheapest camper price: around £149
Pets are allowed on Cairnryan ferries to Belfast. 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 Cairnryan to Belfast.
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 Cairnryan to Belfast. 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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| Cairnryan - Belfast Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | Scotland | |
| Destination | Northern Ireland | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Stena Line | |
| Average Price | £373 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 6 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 39 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 2 h 15 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 2 h 15 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 Port is situated in the small village of Cairnryan, located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It lies approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of the town of Stranraer and around 75 miles (120 kilometers) southwest of Glasgow.
There are a range of facilities in the passenger terminal including ticketing offices, waiting areas, restrooms, and vending machines. There are also car parking facilities available for both short-term and long-term parking. The terminal building accommodates passengers with limited mobility, with ramps and elevators.
The port of Belfast is conveniently located near Belfast city center, with excellent transport links connecting it to the other surrounding areas.
Belfast Port has a range of modern facilities including ticketing offices, waiting areas, restrooms and cafes offering refreshments and snacks. There are parking facilities available for both short-term and long-term parking, with areas for coaches and lorries too.
We recommend booking in advance to find the cheapest ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast. Belfast to Belfast ferry prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Belfast to Cairnryan 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 Cairnryan to Belfast by boat in summer it’s always best to make your Cairnryan 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 Cairnryan to Belfast.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Cairnryan Belfast ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Cairnryan to Belfast 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 Cairnryan to Belfast ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Cairnryan to Belfast 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 Cairnryan and Belfast. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the Cairnryan 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.
Stena Line: Lounges and standard, deluxe and superior cabins are available on board
Yes, the ferries from Cairnryan 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.
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 Cairnryan 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 Cairnryan Belfast 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 Cairnryan to Belfast 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 Cairnryan ferry port.
By car: Cairnryan ferry port is located around 5 miles from Stranraer. If you're coming from the south, follow the M6/A74 to Gretna and A75 west and then join the A77 before Stranraer. If you're travelling from the north, follow the A77 from Glasgow.
By coach: You can get coaches to Cairnryan ferry port from destinations such as Dumfires, Carlisle and Birmingham.
By bus: Bus number 350 connects Stranraer with the ferry port.
By train: The closest train station is Stranraer. You can get a taxi from the station to the ferry port.
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
