The cheapest and fastest ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast
Cheapest price
£166
Average price
£170
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h
Ferries per day
6
Distance
73 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Cairnryan to Belfast is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cairnryan to Belfast will cost around £170 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £166.
Of the 6 ferries that leave Cairnryan for Belfast every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed 25 Feb 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.
European Highlander
European Highlander
MV Norbay
MV Norbay
European Highlander
European Highlander
European Highlander
MV Norbay
European Highlander
MV NorbayCairnryan to Belfast Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:30 | Arrival Time 09:45 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Tue |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 11:30 | Arrival Time 13:45 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 08:00 | Arrival Time 10:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 16:00 | Arrival Time 18:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Wed, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:00 | Arrival Time 09:15 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 20:00 | Arrival Time 22:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 15:30 | Arrival Time 17:45 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 04:00 | Arrival Time 06:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 23:59 | Arrival Time 02:00 | Duration 2h01 | Sailing Days Wed, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 19:30 | Arrival Time 21:45 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 12:00 | Arrival Time 14:00 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 23:00 | Arrival Time 01:15 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Sun |
Live departures
Cairnryan to Belfast ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Cairnryan to Belfast ferries for today, Tuesday 24 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stena Line | 07:30 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 09:45 Port of Belfast | 0 changesdirect | |
Stena Line | 11:30 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 13:45 Port of Belfast | 0 changesdirect | |
European Highlander | 12:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 14:00 Larne Port | 0 changesdirect | |
Stena Line | 15:30 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 17:45 Port of Belfast | 0 changesdirect | |
Stena Line | 19:30 Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 21:45 Port of Belfast | 0 changesdirect | |
European Highlander | 20:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 22:00 Larne Port | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 25 February | |||||
European Highlander | 04:00 Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 06:00 Larne Port | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cairnryan to Belfast 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.
25 Feb
26 Feb
27 Feb
28 Feb
01 Mar
02 Mar
03 Mar
04 Mar
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06 Mar
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How far in advance should I book ferry tickets from Cairnryan to Belfast?
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast
Ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. 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 60 sailings per week. Ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast are available to foot passengers.


Distance 39 nautical miles (73 km) |
Average sailing duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Ferries per day 9 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 60 |
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 Cairnryan to BelfastYou can travel by ferry between Cairnryan to Belfast 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: Cairnryan to Belfast ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cairnryan to Belfast 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 Belfast, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Cairnryan and Belfast
- 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 Cairnryan to Belfast
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