4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan
Cheapest price
£174
Average price
£179
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h 13 m
Ferries per day
8
Distance
73 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Belfast to Cairnryan is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Belfast to Cairnryan will cost around £179 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £174.
Of the 8 ferries that leave Belfast for Cairnryan every day 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat 17 Jan the direct ferries cover the 73 km distance in an average of 2 h 13 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 2 h .
The slowest ferries will take 2 h 22 m 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 LineStena LineStena LineStena LineStena Line
European HighlanderEuropean HighlanderStena LineStena LineStena LineBelfast to Cairnryan Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 23:30 | Arrival Time 01:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:30 | Arrival Time 09:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 11:30 | Arrival Time 13:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sat |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 08:00 | Arrival Time 10:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 16:00 | Arrival Time 18:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 03:30 | Arrival Time 05:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 15:30 | Arrival Time 17:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sat |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 20:00 | Arrival Time 22:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 04:00 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri |
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 Thu, Fri, Sat |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 12:00 | Arrival Time 14:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sun |
Live departures
Belfast to Cairnryan ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Belfast to Cairnryan ferries for today, Friday 16 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stena Line | 15:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 17:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
| European Highlander | 16:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 18:00 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 | |
| European Causeway | 20:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 22:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 23:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 01:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
| European Highlander | 23:59 Larne Port | 2h01 | 02:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 17 January | |||||
| Stena Line | 03:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 05:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 07:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 09:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
| European Highlander | 08:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 10:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 11:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 13:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Belfast to Cairnryan by ferry
Compare 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.
17 Jan
18 Jan
19 Jan
20 Jan
21 Jan
22 Jan
23 Jan
How far in advance should I book ferry tickets from Belfast to Cairnryan?
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 11m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.
There are 8 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest ferry covers the 39 nautical miles (73 km) distance in 2h 0m. There are 54 sailings per week. Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan are available to foot passengers.
Distance 39 nautical miles (73 km) |
Average sailing duration 2h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Ferries per day 8 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 54 |
Fastest ferry 2h 0m |
First ferry 00:30 |
Last ferry 23:30 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Ferry operators: Stena Line, P&O Ferries from Belfast to CairnryanYou can travel by ferry between Belfast to Cairnryan 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
Stena Line
FAQs: Belfast to Cairnryan ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Belfast to Cairnryan 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 Cairnryan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Passengers board the ferry most frequently from Port of Belfast, which is located around 6.1 miles (9.9 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the ferry at Port of Cairnryan (P&O), located 1.2 miles (1.9 km) away from the city centre.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Belfast and Cairnryan
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisWCTicket Office
- 08:00 - 18:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 14:00
- Sunday: Closed
- Free WiFi
- Thyme Restaurant (0.7km)
- The Dock Cafe (0.8km)
- Cast & Crew (0.9km)
- Main companies are Value Cabs and Fonacab.
- Free
- Metro service 96, Stop: Donegall Quay
DiningAccessibilityWCCar RentalMore options for your journey from Belfast to Cairnryan
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Cairnryan and Belfast
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