The cheapest and fastest ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan
Cheapest price
£170
Average price
£182
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h
Ferries per day
12
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 £182 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £170.
Of the 12 ferries that leave Belfast for Cairnryan every day 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri 17 Apr the direct ferries cover the 73 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 Line3:302h22Port of Belfast5:52Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line)£1701One-way0 changes
Stena Line19:302h22Port of Belfast21:52Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line)£1701One-way0 changes
Stena Line23:302h22Port of Belfast1:52Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line)£1701One-way0 changes
European Highlander4:002h00Larne Port6:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£1711One-way0 changes
European Causeway23:592h01Larne Port2:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£1741One-way0 changes
European Highlander4:002h00Larne Port6:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£1711One-way0 changes
European Highlander20:002h00Larne Port22:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£1811One-way0 changes
European Causeway8:002h00Larne Port10:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£1881One-way0 changes
European Causeway16:002h00Larne Port18:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£1921One-way0 changes
European Highlander12:002h00Larne Port14:00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)£1971One-way0 changes
Belfast 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 Thu, Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:30 | Arrival Time 09:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 11:30 | Arrival Time 13:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 08:00 | Arrival Time 10:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Fri, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 16:00 | Arrival Time 18:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Fri, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 03:30 | Arrival Time 05:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 15:30 | Arrival Time 17:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 20:00 | Arrival Time 22:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Fri, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 04:00 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Fri |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 23:59 | Arrival Time 02:00 | Duration 2h01 | Sailing Days Mon, Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 19:30 | Arrival Time 21:52 | Duration 2h22 | Sailing Days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 12:00 | Arrival Time 14:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Fri, Sun |
Live departures
Belfast to Cairnryan ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Belfast to Cairnryan ferries for tomorrow, Thursday 16 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stena Line | 2:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 4:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
European Highlander | 3:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 5:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
Stena Line | 6:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 8:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
European Causeway | 7:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 9:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
Stena Line | 10:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 12:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
European Highlander | 11:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 13:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
Stena Line | 14:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 16:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
European Causeway | 15:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 17:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
Stena Line | 18:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 20:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
European Highlander | 19:00 Larne Port | 2h00 | 21:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
Stena Line | 22:30 Port of Belfast | 2h22 | 0:52 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 0 changesdirect | |
European Causeway | 22:59 Larne Port | 2h01 | 1:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
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 Apr
18 Apr
19 Apr
20 Apr
21 Apr
22 Apr
23 Apr
24 Apr
25 Apr
26 Apr
27 Apr
28 Apr
29 Apr
30 Apr
01 May
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06 May
07 May
How far in advance should I book ferry tickets from Belfast to Cairnryan?
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan
Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £28 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 39 nautical miles (73 km) distance in 2h 0m. There are 62 sailings per week. Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan are available to foot passengers.


Distance 39 nautical miles (73 km) |
Average sailing duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Ferries per day 9 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 62 |
Fastest ferry 2h 0m |
First ferry 0:30 |
Last ferry 23:30 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £28. 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.

popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Belfast and Cairnryan
- 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
More options for your journey from Belfast to Cairnryan
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