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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Belfast to Ayr
Showing times and prices for 04 Aug
Cheapest price
£31
Average price
£36
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h
Ferries per day
11
Distance
128 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Belfast to Ayr is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Belfast to Ayr will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £31.
Fast ferries
Of the 11 ferries that leave Belfast for Ayr every day 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue 04 Aug 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.
P&O Irish Sea16:002h00Larne Port18:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£311One-way0 changes- P&O Irish Sea12:002h00Larne Port14:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£311One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea8:002h00Larne Port10:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£311One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea23:592h01Larne Port2:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£311One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea4:002h00Larne Port6:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£311One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea16:002h00Larne Port18:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£311One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea12:002h00Larne Port14:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£311One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea8:002h00Larne Port10:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£311One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea4:002h00Larne Port6:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£311One-way0 changes
- P&O Irish Sea20:002h00Larne Port22:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£311One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and ferry for Belfast to Ayr
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Belfast to Ayr among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from £27. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 2h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of £27, and a coach costs an average of £36.
Distance: 69 nautical miles (128 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Coach |
|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £38 Average Price |
3h 14m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular ferry company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Belfast to Ayr 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 Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 19:45 | Arrival Time 22:07 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 08:00 | Arrival Time 10:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 15:30 | Arrival Time 17:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 20:00 | Arrival Time 22:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 04:00 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 23:59 | Arrival Time 02:00 | Duration 2h01 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 11:15 | Arrival Time 13:37 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 11:00 | Arrival Time 13:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 07:00 | Arrival Time 09:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 23:30 | Arrival Time 01:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 08:00 | Arrival Time 10:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 14:00 | Arrival Time 16:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 16:00 | Arrival Time 18:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 17:00 | Arrival Time 19:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 03:00 | Arrival Time 05:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 04:00 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:15 | Arrival Time 09:37 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 23:59 | Arrival Time 02:00 | Duration 2h01 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 19:30 | Arrival Time 21:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 12:00 | Arrival Time 14:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed |
Operator P&O Irish Sea | Departure Time 11:00 | Arrival Time 13:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Sat, Sun |
Live departures
Belfast to Ayr ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Belfast to Ayr ferries for today, Monday 3 August. 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 | 4:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 6:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
 Stena Line | 7:15 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 9:37 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P&O Irish Sea | 8:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 10:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 11:15 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 13:37 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 15:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 17:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P&O Irish Sea | 17:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 19:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 19:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 21:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P&O Irish Sea | 20:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 22:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 23:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 1:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P&O Irish Sea | 23:59 Larne Port | 2h01 | 2:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Belfast to Ayr by coach or ferry
Compare coach and ferry 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.
Tue
04 Aug
04 Aug
Wed
05 Aug
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
08 Aug
Sun
09 Aug
09 Aug
Mon
10 Aug
10 Aug
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Belfast to Ayr
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Ferries from Belfast to Ayr run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.
There are 9 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 58 sailings per week. Ferries from Belfast to Ayr 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 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Ferries per day 9 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 58 |
Fastest ferry 2h 0m |
First ferry 0:30 |
Last ferry 23:30 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 from Belfast to AyrYou can travel by ferry between Belfast to Ayr with Stena Line, P&O Ferries for as low as £27. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
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 Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest Price
£27
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars available onboard
Toilets
USB plugs
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 Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest Price
£38
Stena Line frequency
5 a day
Complete guide to Ayr
Things to do in Ayr
Discover the best of Ayr — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ayr trip today.
- Recommended
Rozelle House Museums and Galleries
Purpose-built gallery and museum with changing exhibitions, local history displays and family-friendly interpretation in Ayr's cultural quarter.
- Recommended
Culzean Castle
Country house galleries within Culzean Country Park, showing art, furnished rooms and estate history in an impressive clifftop setting.
- Must visit
Ayr Beach
Long sandy beach and promenade popular for walks, sunsets and sea air. It is a classic Ayr outing close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Rozelle Park
Large public park with gardens, woodland paths, a café area and access to museums. It is ideal for a quieter stroll away from the seafront.
- Recommended
The Low Green
Broad riverside green space and harbour-side walking area where the River Ayr meets the sea. Good for local views, fresh air and a quieter stroll.
Mince and Tatties Pie
A rich beef mince stew topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. A long-standing Ayrshire and Scottish comfort dish found in homes and pubs.
Cullen Skink Style Smoked Haddock Breakfast
Smoked haddock poached in milk, often served with poached egg and buttery bread. A classic west coast breakfast dish tied to Scottish fishing traditions.
Haggis
Oats mixed with suet, onion and seasoning, traditionally cooked in a sheep’s stomach. Scotland’s signature savoury dish with a strong Burns Night link in Ayrshire.
The Balgarth Pines
Well-known Indian restaurant in Ayr offering classic curries, tandoori dishes and warm service in a comfortable dining room.
The Rabbit
Stylish seafront restaurant in the Marine Troon hotel, known for Scottish produce, seafood and grill dishes in a polished setting.
Scotts Bar & Restaurant
Established harbour-side venue in nearby Troon with seafood, steaks and Scottish dishes, plus marina views and a smart casual atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Ayr is moderate by UK standards, with fairly priced hotels, casual dining, and local transport. Costs are usually lower than in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £40+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Belfast to Ayr ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Belfast to Ayr 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 Ayr, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Belfast to Ayr can start from as little as £27 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Belfast to Ayr is £33; 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 Belfast to Ayr 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 Belfast to Ayr leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Belfast to Ayr leaves at 23:30.
Yes, there are 9 direct ferries a day from Belfast to Ayr with Stena Line. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Belfast to Ayr with Stena Line
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Belfast to Ayr is possible with Stena Line.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Belfast to Ayr 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 Belfast to Ayr, you can count on Stena Line, P&O Ferries for the best way to get you to Ayr. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Belfast and Ayr and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Ayr from Belfast 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 Belfast to Ayr is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Belfast and Ayr including taking a coach and ferry.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Belfast and Ayr
Most Belfast to Ayr ferries use the Larne Port to Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) port pair. Use this guide to compare Belfast and Ayr ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Belfast
Arrival ports in Ayr
Which Belfast port do ferries to Ayr leave from?
Ferries from Belfast to Ayr leave from Larne Port. The port is 1 km from Belfast city centre at Larne Harbour, Larne BT40 1AW, United Kingdom.
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 Belfast to Ayr
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Ayr and Belfast
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