- Must visit
Titanic Belfast
Major interactive museum telling the story of the ship, the city’s industrial heritage and the dock where Titanic was built.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Ayr to Belfast
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£38
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£39
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
2 h
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
2 h
Ferries on 19 Sept
9
Distance
128 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Ayr to Belfast is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ayr to Belfast will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £38.
Fast ferries
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 9 ferries from Ayr to Belfast, including 9 direct services.
On Sat 19 Sept the direct ferries cover the 128 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 2 h .
The slowest ferries will take 2 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
Stena Line19:302h15Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line)21:45Port of Belfast£381One-way0 changes- Stena Line7:152h15Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line)9:30Port of Belfast£381One-way0 changes
P&O Irish Sea8:002h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)10:00Larne Port£391One-way0 changes- P&O Irish Sea4:002h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)6:00Larne Port£391One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea12:002h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)14:00Larne Port£391One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea8:002h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)10:00Larne Port£391One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea4:002h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)6:00Larne Port£391One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea12:002h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)14:00Larne Port£391One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea20:002h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)22:00Larne Port£391One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea16:002h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)18:00Larne Port£391One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare ferry and coach for Ayr to Belfast
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Ayr to Belfast among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £39 For those with little time, consider booking a ferry, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £39, while a ferry costs an average of £39.
Distance: 69 nautical miles (128 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£39 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest | £12 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular ferry company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ayr to Belfast is a coach with an average price of £39.
This is compared to other travel options from Ayr to Belfast:
A coach is £0.19 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Ayr to Belfast costing on average £39.
The fastest way to travel from Ayr to Belfast is by ferry with an average journey time of 2h 8m.
Other travel options to Belfast take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ayr and Belfast including taking a ferry and coach.
Ayr to Belfast Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 15:00 | Arrival Time 17:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Thu |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 08:00 | Arrival Time 10:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 19:00 | Arrival Time 21:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Thu |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 15:45 | Arrival Time 18:00 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 16:00 | Arrival Time 18:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Thu |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 15:30 | Arrival Time 17:45 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Wed, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 20:00 | Arrival Time 22:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 04:00 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 23:59 | Arrival Time 02:00 | Duration 2h01 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 11:15 | Arrival Time 13:30 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 12:00 | Arrival Time 14:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Thu |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:30 | Arrival Time 09:45 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 06:30 | Arrival Time 08:45 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Mon |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 16:00 | Arrival Time 18:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:00 | Arrival Time 09:15 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 20:00 | Arrival Time 22:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Thu |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 04:00 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:15 | Arrival Time 09:30 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Wed, Sat |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 19:30 | Arrival Time 21:45 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 12:00 | Arrival Time 14:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Live departures
Ayr to Belfast ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Ayr to Belfast ferries for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P&O Irish Sea | 23:59 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h01 | 2:00 Larne Port | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 19 September | |||||
| P&O Irish Sea | 4:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 6:00 Larne Port | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 7:15 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 9:30 Port of Belfast | 0 changesdirect | |
| P&O Irish Sea | 8:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 10:00 Larne Port | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 11:15 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 13:30 Port of Belfast | 0 changesdirect | |
| P&O Irish Sea | 12:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 14:00 Larne Port | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 15:30 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 17:45 Port of Belfast | 0 changesdirect | |
| P&O Irish Sea | 16:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 18:00 Larne Port | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 19:30 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 21:45 Port of Belfast | 0 changesdirect | |
| P&O Irish Sea | 20:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 22:00 Larne Port | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ayr to Belfast by ferry or coach
Compare ferry and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
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25 Sept
25 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Ayr to Belfast
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Ferries from Ayr to Belfast run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.
There are 10 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest ferry covers the 69 nautical miles (128 km) distance in 2h 0m. There are 9 sailings per week. Ferries from Ayr to Belfast are available to foot passengers.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 69 nautical miles (128 km) |
Average sailing duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Ferries per day 10 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 9 |
Fastest ferry 2h 0m |
First ferry 0:30 |
Last ferry 23:30 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Ferry operators: Stena Line, P&O Ferries, P&O Irish Sea from Ayr to BelfastYou can travel by ferry between Ayr to Belfast with Stena Line, P&O Ferries, P&O Irish Sea for as low as £28. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
P&O Irish Sea
About
P&O Irish Sea was a ferry operator in the Irish Sea from 1998 to 2010, offering passenger and freight services between Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. The company operated routes such as Cairnryan–Larne and Liverpool–Dublin, utilizing vessels like the European Causeway and European Highlander. In 2010, P&O Irish Sea was rebranded as P&O Ferries, which continues to provide ferry services across the Irish Sea and other routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average P&O Irish Sea Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest P&O Irish Sea Price
£30
Luggage included
No luggage limits when traveling by ferry; pack as much as needed without baggage fees.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be taken without extra charges.
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in the vehicle during the crossing.
Cancellation Policy
If departure is delayed and journey is no longer purposeful, a full refund may be considered upon submission of reasonable supporting evidence.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors are not permitted on board.
Amenities on board the ferry
Food sold onboard
Onboard restaurants offer a variety of meals and snacks.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations may incur additional fees; availability and costs vary.
Toilets
Accessibility
P&O Ferries provides assistance to passengers with reduced mobility both in port and on board.
Bikes
Bicycles are permitted on board; booking in advance is recommended.
Pets
Pets can travel free of charge on the Cairnryan to Larne route; up to four pets per vehicle.
Cabin reservation
Cabin reservations are available; booking in advance is recommended.
Car on board
P&O Ferries
About
P&O Ferries is a British shipping company, established in 2002 through mergers and acquisitions within P&O, and owned by Dubai-based DP World since 2019. It operates passenger and freight ferry services across the English Channel, North Sea, and Irish Sea. Key routes include Dover to Calais, Hull to Rotterdam, and Cairnryan to Larne. P&O Ferries offers a range of onboard facilities such as restaurants, bars, entertainment, and duty-free shopping. They also provide various ticket options and deals, including short breaks and offers for families.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average P&O Ferries Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest P&O Ferries Price
£28
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure
Amenities on board the ferry
Food sold onboard
Multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars available onboard
Toilets
Accessibility
Wheelchair access available on most ships. Accessible cabins available on some routes. Assistance available for boarding and disembarking.
Pets
Dogs and cats allowed in pet-friendly cabins or kennels. Must be kept on leash in designated areas.
Cabin reservation
Available on most routes, must be booked in advance
Car on board
Stena Line
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Stena Line Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest Stena Line Price
£34
Complete guide to Belfast
Things to do in Belfast
Discover the best of Belfast — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Belfast trip today.
- Must visit
Ulster Museum
National museum with art, archaeology, natural history and local history collections beside Botanic Gardens.
- Recommended
Golden Thread Gallery
Contemporary gallery in the Cathedral Quarter showing rotating exhibitions by Irish and international artists in a compact city-centre space.
- Must visit
Titanic Quarter
Revived waterfront district with dockside walks, Titanic landmarks, public art and harbour views close to major visitor sites.
- Must visit
Cathedral Quarter
Historic quarter known for cobbled lanes, street art, music venues and handsome warehouse architecture around St Anne’s Cathedral.
- Recommended
Ormeau Park
Leafy Victorian park with broad lawns, river walks and an excellent viewpoint over Belfast from the hilltop.
Ulster Fry
A Northern Irish breakfast with fried eggs, bacon, sausages, soda bread, potato bread and black pudding. A staple local start to the day.
- Vegetarian
Soda Bread
A dense quick bread made with bicarbonate of soda instead of yeast. It is a classic Belfast and Ulster bakery staple, often served at breakfast.
- Vegetarian
Potato Bread
A flat griddled bread made from mashed potato, flour and butter. It is a much-loved part of the Ulster Fry and everyday home cooking.
OX Belfast
Modern Irish restaurant known for carefully sourced local produce and polished yet relaxed dining in the Cathedral Quarter.
The Muddlers Club
Stylish brasserie and bar serving seasonal Irish dishes, seafood and steaks in a lively city-centre setting.
St George's Market
Long-standing market with trusted stalls for local breads, seafood, traybakes and hot food. Ideal for sampling Belfast flavours casually.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while public transport and pub meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest: 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included, round up for taxis, and tipping in cafés is optional.
Translink Journey Planner
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.30
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Port of Belfast -> Belfast City Hall
- Distance
- 4 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment works on Translink Metro and Glider services in Belfast. A standard adult Metro single fare is £2.30.
- For unlimited Belfast bus travel, use a Metro and Glider day ticket. Check the Translink Journey Planner app before travel for live services and route planning.
FAQs: Ayr to Belfast ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ayr to Belfast by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Belfast, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Ayr to Belfast can start from as little as £27 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Ayr to Belfast is £44; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Ayr to Belfast is 2h 0m to travel the 128 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Ayr to Belfast leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Ayr to Belfast leaves at 23:30.
Yes, there are 10 direct ferries a day from Ayr to Belfast with Stena Line, P&O Irish Sea. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Ayr to Belfast with Stena Line
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Ayr to Belfast is possible with Stena Line.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Ayr to Belfast is possible with Stena Line. We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses, and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Ayr to Belfast, you can count on Stena Line, P&O Ferries, P&O Irish Sea for the best way to get you to Belfast. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Ayr and Belfast and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Belfast from Ayr is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Ayr to Belfast is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ayr and Belfast including taking a ferry and coach.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Ayr and Belfast
Most Ayr to Belfast ferries use the Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) to Larne Port port pair. Use this guide to compare Ayr and Belfast ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Ayr
Arrival ports in Belfast
Which Belfast port do ferries from Ayr arrive at?
Ferries from Ayr to Belfast most often arrive at Larne Port. Some services arrive at Port of Belfast, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Belfast arrival port.
Port of Belfast1 Corry Place, Belfast BT3 9AG, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Port of Belfast from Belfast city centre
Port of Belfast is 6 km from Belfast city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus94A · 15m · £4
G2, 94A · 16m · £4 · every ~6 min
Port of Belfast port facilities and services
Port of Belfast has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Thyme Restaurant (0.7km), The Dock Cafe (0.8km), Cast & Crew (0.9km)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi. ATMs are available in the terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Port of Belfast.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Port of Belfast: Parking, Taxis, WC.
More options for your journey from Ayr to Belfast
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Belfast and Ayr
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