- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Belfast to Preston
Showing times and prices for 05 Aug
Cheapest price
£26
Average price
£36
Fastest journey
8 h
Average duration
8 h 8 m
Ferries per day
2
Distance
228 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Belfast to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Belfast to Preston will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £26.
Fast ferries
Of the 2 ferries that leave Belfast for Preston every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed 05 Aug the direct ferries cover the 228 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.
10:308h00Belfast18:30Preston£261One-way0 changes- 21:458h15Belfast6:00Preston£461One-way0 changes
- 10:308h00Belfast18:30Preston£261One-way0 changes
- 21:458h15Belfast6:00Preston£461One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare flight, ferry and coach for Belfast to Preston
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Belfast to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £18, and a coach costs an average of £53.
Distance: 123 nautical miles (228 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£45 Average Price | £35 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price |
9h 0m Average total duration 8h 0m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 29m Average total duration 12h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Belfast to Preston Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 22:30 | Arrival Time 06:30 | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 21:45 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 8h15 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 22:45 | Arrival Time 07:00 | Duration 8h15 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 10:30 | Arrival Time 18:30 | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 09:30 | Arrival Time 17:30 | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Live departures
Belfast to Preston ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Belfast to Preston ferries for today, Tuesday 4 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30 Belfast | 8h00 | 17:30 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:30 Belfast | 8h00 | 18:30 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 22:30 Belfast | 8h00 | 6:30 Preston | 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 Preston by flight, ferry or coach
Compare flight, 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.
Wed
05 Aug
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
08 Aug
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09 Aug
09 Aug
Mon
10 Aug
10 Aug
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11 Aug
11 Aug
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Belfast to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Ferries from Belfast to Preston run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 0m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £18 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 123 nautical miles (228 km) distance in 8h 0m. There are 5 sailings per week. Ferries from Belfast to Preston 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 £18
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 123 nautical miles (228 km) |
Average sailing duration 8h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Ferries per day 2 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 5 |
Fastest ferry 8h 0m |
First ferry 1:45 |
Last ferry 22:45 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Ferry operators: Stena Line from Belfast to PrestonYou can travel by ferry between Belfast to Preston with Stena Line for as low as £18. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Stena Line
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
£49
Stena Line frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Preston
Things to do in Preston
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
- Recommended
The Egypt Centre
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
- Recommended
Ribble Steam Railway and Museum
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
- Must visit
Avenham Park
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
- Recommended
Miller Park
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
- Recommended
Preston Docklands
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
A buttery shortcrust pie filled with potatoes and onions. It is Preston and Lancashire’s best-known savoury bake, tied to local mill and farming traditions.
- Vegetarian
Simnel Cake
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
263 Restaurant
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Angelo's
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
The Continental
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Preston is moderate by UK standards, with cheaper stays and dining than Manchester or London, while local buses, rail and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Belfast to Preston ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Belfast to Preston 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 Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Belfast to Preston can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Belfast to Preston is £45; 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 Preston is 8h 0m to travel the 228 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 Preston leaves at 1:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Belfast to Preston leaves at 22:45.
Yes, there are 2 direct ferries a day from Belfast to Preston 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 Preston with Stena Line
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Belfast to Preston is possible with Stena Line.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Belfast to Preston 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 Preston, you can count on Stena Line for the best way to get you to Preston. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Belfast and Preston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Preston 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 Preston is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Belfast and Preston including taking a flight, ferry and coach.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Belfast and Preston
Most Belfast to Preston ferries use the Port of Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) port pair. Use this guide to compare Belfast and Preston ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Belfast
Arrival ports in Preston
Which Belfast port do ferries to Preston leave from?
Ferries from Belfast to Preston 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 Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Preston and Belfast
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