Cairnryan
Belfast
Ferries to Northern Ireland
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Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Open Ticket?

Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

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Latest offers for Cairnryan - Belfast

Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry

The Cairnryan to Belfast ferry route is provided by 1 operator and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Cairnryan to Belfast takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes on ferries servicing this route. Cairnryan to Belfast ferry duration can range between 2 hours 15 minutes and 3 hours 15 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.

Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry Schedules

There are around 38 weekly sailings from Cairnryan to Belfast. Stena Line provide up to 5 sailings per day. Please note that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.

Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry Times

The first ferry leaves at approximately 03:30 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 23:30. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.

High Speed Ferry Cairnryan to Belfast

The fastest ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast is with Stena Line in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Can I take an overnight ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?

There are ferries that sail overnight from Cairnryan to Belfast. The first overnight sailing from Cairnryan usually departs at 03:30.

Can I reserve a cabin on the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?

Cabins are available on ferry trips from Cairnryan to Belfast with Stena Line.

Can I bring pets on the Cairnryan Belfast ferry?

Pets are allowed on ferries travelling fromCairnryan to Belfast with Stena Line.

Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry Price

The price of a ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast can vary between €19 and €532 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is €363, prices can range from €19 and €261. The average price with a car is €413. Car prices can range from €167 and €550. Prices may vary for other vehicle types. All ferry prices can change from season to season.

Prices subject to change, pricing representative of searches over last 30 days. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees.

Cheap Cairnryan Belfast Ferries

Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. It is highly recommended that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability on the ferry to Belfast.

How to get from Cairnryan to Belfast

With 5 sailings per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there are alternative routes to explore if you require additional flexibility.


Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry Alternatives

For more information, please visit our Ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland page.
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Cairnryan - Belfast Ferry Route Summary
Departure DestinationScotland
DestinationNorthern Ireland
No. of Operators1
OperatorsStena Line
Average Price€447
Average Daily Sailings6
Average Weekly Sailings39
Average Sailing Duration2 h 15 m
Fastest Sailing Duration2 h 15 m
First Ferry03:30
Last Ferry23:30
Distance58 Nautical Miles

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

Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry Most Popular Questions

  • How long is the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?

    The ferry crossing time from Cairnryan to Belfast is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Sailing duration may vary from season to season and by operator, so we would advise doing a live check using our Deal Finder.

  • How much is the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?

    Cairnryan to Belfast ferry price can differ depending on the season. The average price of a ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast is 447€. Price exclusive of booking fees.

  • Which ferry companies operate between Cairnryan to Belfast?

    Stena Line provide the ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast.

  • How can I book ferry tickets from Cairnryan to Belfast?

    Book ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast through our deal finder and check our offers page to view the latest ferry offers. 

  • Can you travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?

    Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger from Cairnryan to Belfast with

  • Can you take your car on the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?

    Yes, you can travel on the ferry with a car from Cairnryan to Belfast with

  • Can you bring pets on the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?

    Yes, pets are permitted onboard the ferry. You may need a pet passport. Please read the ferry operators pet guidelines. Currently you can bring pets on ferries with:

  • How far is Cairnryan to Belfast?

    The distance from Cairnryan to Belfast is 58 nautical miles.

Cairnryan Belfast Ferry reviews

  • "Hassle free travelling "

    We recently travelled from Belfast to Cairnryan and it was a very pleasant experience. We had booked the Hygge lounge which was wonderful as our sailing times had meant very early morning starts, so it was ideal to relax on board before driving again. We will definitely travel this way again. The only thing I would say is that while the quality of the on board catering was good, it was very expensive for what you got.

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  • "Excellent"

    Lovely trip and lovely staff

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  • "Great Service"

    Smooth trip from booking through to arrival in Scotland. Well trained polite staff. Everywhere spotlessly clean. Great experience. 

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  • "Moter bikes "

    Great ferry, good people and fast. Thanks for the trip,

    Read More Read Less

Cairnryan Guide

Cairnryan is a Scottish port village located in Dumfries and Galloway, lying on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan. Important in maritime history, Cairnryan has two ferry terminals connecting Scotland to Northern Ireland. The first opened in 1973, originally operated by Townsend Thoresen and now by P&O Ferries, links Scotland with the port of Larne. The second Cairnryan ferry terminal is located at Old House Point, operated by Stena Line, linking to the Port of Belfast.

The village can trace its origins back to 1701 when it was established for workers employed on the Lochryan Estate which features a deer park and bowling green. Facilities in Cairnryan include the Lochryan Hotel, a few guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments, a caravan site built on the site of an old war campsite, a village shop and The Merchant's House Restaurant.


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.

Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry Timetables

Timetables between 24/03/2025 and 30/03/2025


Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Stena Line 03:30 05:45 2 hours 15 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Stena Line 07:30 09:45 2 hours 15 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Stena Line 09:00 11:15 2 hours 15 minutes Mon
Stena Line 11:30 13:45 2 hours 15 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Stena Line 15:30 17:45 2 hours 15 minutes Everyday
Stena Line 19:30 21:45 2 hours 15 minutes Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Stena Line 20:30 22:45 2 hours 15 minutes Sun
Stena Line 23:00 01:45 2 hours 45 minutes Mon
Stena Line 23:30 01:45 2 hours 15 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
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