- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Belfast to Manchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 06 Sept
Cheapest price on 06 Sept
£48
Average ticket price on 06 Sept
£50
Fastest journey on 06 Sept
8 h
Average journey duration on 06 Sept
8 h 8 m
Ferries on 06 Sept
2
Distance
271 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Belfast to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Belfast to Manchester will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £48.
Fast ferries
On Sun 06 Sept, we found 2 ferries from Belfast to Manchester, including 2 direct services.
On Sun 06 Sept the direct ferries cover the 271 km distance in an average of 8 h 8 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 8 h .
The slowest ferries will take 8 h 15 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 Line10:308h00Port of Belfast18:30Liverpool (Port of Birkenhead)£481One-way0 changes- Stena Line22:458h15Port of Belfast7:00Liverpool (Port of Birkenhead)£531One-way0 changes
- Stena Line10:308h00Port of Belfast18:30Liverpool (Port of Birkenhead)£481One-way0 changes
- Stena Line22:458h15Port of Belfast7:00Liverpool (Port of Birkenhead)£531One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, flight and ferry for Belfast to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Belfast to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £34 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £34, while a coach costs an average of £55.
Distance: 146 nautical miles (271 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£44 Average Price | £34 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price | £2 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 1m Average total duration 8h 1m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 37m Average total duration 11h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular ferry company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Belfast to Manchester is a flight with an average price of £34.
This is compared to other travel options from Belfast to Manchester:
A flight is £10 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Belfast to Manchester costing on average £44.
A flight is £21 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Belfast to Manchester costing on average £55.
The fastest way to travel from Belfast to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 27m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Ferry takes on average 8h 1m.
Coach takes on average 11h 7m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Belfast and Manchester including taking a coach, flight and ferry.
Belfast to Manchester Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 22:45 | Arrival Time 07:00 | Duration 8h15 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 10:30 | Arrival Time 18:30 | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Live departures
Belfast to Manchester ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Belfast to Manchester ferries for today, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stena Line | 10:30 Port of Belfast | 8h00 | 18:30 Liverpool (Port of Birkenhead) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Stena Line | 22:45 Port of Belfast | 8h15 | 7:00 Liverpool (Port of Birkenhead) | 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 Manchester by coach, flight or ferry
Compare coach, flight 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.
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06 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Belfast to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Ferries from Belfast to Manchester run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 1m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £17 by flight.
There are 2 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 01:45, the last at 22:45. The fastest ferry covers the 146 nautical miles (271 km) distance in 8h 0m. There are 14 sailings per week. Ferries from Belfast to Manchester 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £17
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 146 nautical miles (271 km) |
Average sailing duration 8h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Ferries per day 2 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 14 |
Fastest ferry 8h 0m |
First ferry 1:45 |
Last ferry 22:45 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £17
Ferry operators: Stena Line from Belfast to ManchesterYou can travel by ferry between Belfast to Manchester with Stena Line for as low as £17. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Stena Line
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Stena Line Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Stena Line Price
£36
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
- Recommended
Oldham Street
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
Rag Pudding
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
- Gluten-free
Manchester Tripe
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
mana
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
The Winston Churchill
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
The Black Friar
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
FAQs: Belfast to Manchester ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Belfast to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Belfast to Manchester can start from as little as £36 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Belfast to Manchester 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 Belfast to Manchester is 8h 0m to travel the 271 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 Manchester leaves at 1:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Belfast to Manchester leaves at 22:45.
Yes, there are 2 direct ferries a day from Belfast to Manchester 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 Manchester with Stena Line
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Belfast to Manchester is possible with Stena Line.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Belfast to Manchester 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 Manchester, you can count on Stena Line for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Belfast and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Belfast is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Belfast to Manchester is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Belfast and Manchester including taking a coach, flight and ferry.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Belfast and Manchester
Most Belfast to Manchester ferries use the Port of Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) port pair. Use this guide to compare Belfast and Manchester ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Belfast
Arrival ports in Manchester
Which Belfast port do ferries to Manchester leave from?
Ferries from Belfast to Manchester leave from Port of Belfast. The port is 7 km from Belfast city centre at 1 Corry Place, Belfast BT3 9AG, 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 Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Manchester and Belfast
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