Rail and sail
by train and ferry
Rail and sail
by train and ferry
If you’re planning a trip to Northern Ireland without a vehicle then why not choose the train and ferry combined ticket option? A rail and sail ticket offers one of the most cost effective and convenient methods of travelling to Northern Ireland allowing you to travel from your local train station. A train and ferry ticket combination allows you to travel from virtually any train station in the UK to any train station in Northern Ireland! The rail sail to Northern Ireland ticket covers train travel to the ferry port, the ferry crossing and onward train travel in Northern Ireland itself! Book a train and ferry to Northern Ireland ticket in the fare search to the left, or see below for more information about the various trip options.
If you’re travelling from Scotland then a combined train and ferry ticket to Northern Ireland will use the Cairnryan Belfast ferry operated by Stena Line. As there is no train station at the port of Cairnryan, your train will stop at Ayr station where they’ll be a coach provided by Stena Line to transfer you to Cairnryan ferry port for the crossing to Belfast. When you arrive at Belfast port you’ll need to transfer to the city centre or to Belfast central train station in order to travel to another destination in Northern 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.
Cairnryan Belfast Ferry
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.
Holyhead Dublin Ferry
Holyhead Dublin Ferry
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.