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Cairnryan – Belfast

Ferries to Northern Ireland

Cairnryan – Belfast

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Ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast

Depending on the season their are usually 6 daily and 39 weekly sailings between Cairnryan and Belfast. Stena Line provides the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast. Cairnryan Belfast ferries cost between $225 and $938, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get tickets, pricing, schedules and availability.

What's the ferry schedule from Cairnryan to Belfast?

The earliest Cairnryan Belfast ferry typically departs Cairnryan at about 03:30 and the last ferry usually leaves at 23:30.

How long is the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?

Ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast sail in around 2 hours 15 minutes. The fastest ferry is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Ferry duration can vary by ferry provider and can be impacted by weather conditions.

Cairnryan Belfast Ferry Operator Schedules

There is 39 weekly sailings from Cairnryan to Belfast provided by Stena Line. Timetables can change from season to season.

How much does the ferry cost from Cairnryan to Belfast?

The price of a ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast typically range between $223* and $919*. On average the Cairnryan Belfast ferry is $733*. The cheapest Cairnryan Belfast ferry prices start from $223*. The average price for a foot passenger is $217*. The average price for a car is $745*.

Pricing will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated March 25.

What is the distance from Cairnryan to Belfast?

The distance between Cairnryan to Belfast is approximately 66 miles (107km) or 58 nautical miles.

Can I travel on the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast with a car?

Yes, Cairnryan Belfast ferries allow cars onboard with Stena Line between Cairnryan and Belfast. To view car ferry tickets and prices between Cairnryan and Belfast use our Deal Finder.

Can I travel as a foot passenger from Cairnryan to Belfast?

Stena Line allow foot passengers on Cairnryan Belfast ferries.

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?

Stena Line allow pets on ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey.

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Cairnryan - Belfast Route summary
Departure Country UK
Destination Country UK
No. of Operators 1
Operators Stena Line
Average Price A$682*
Average Daily Sailings 5
Average Weekly Sailings 37
Average Sailing Duration 2h 15m
First Ferry 03:30
Last Ferry 23:30
Distance 57 nautical miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.

Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry Most Popular Questions

Cairnryan Guide


Cairnryan is a Scottish port village located in Dumfries and Galloway, lying on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan. Important in maritime history, Cairnryan has two ferry terminals connecting Scotland to Northern Ireland. The first opened in 1973, originally operated by Townsend Thoresen and now by P&O Ferries, links Scotland with the port of Larne. The second Cairnryan ferry terminal is located at Old House Point, operated by Stena Line, linking to the Port of Belfast.



The village can trace its origins back to 1701 when it was established for workers employed on the Lochryan Estate which features a deer park and bowling green. Facilities in Cairnryan include the Lochryan Hotel, a few guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments, a caravan site built on the site of an old war campsite, a village shop and The Merchant's House Restaurant.




Belfast Guide


Belfast Harbour is an important seaport in the United Kingdom, with one of the leading ferry operators, Stena Line, connecting it with Liverpool and Cairnryan. You can also reach Belfast from the Isle of Man, with seasonal services provided by Steam Packet.



Belfast is Northern Ireland's capital city, surrounded by mountains creating a specific climate beneficial to horticulture. Moreover, it lies at the mouth of the River Lagan located in County Antrim, although parts of east and south Belfast are actually located in County Down. It is, then, quite a green space and offers visitors plenty of parkland and forest parks to explore from Cave Hill Country Park and Lagan Valley Regional Park to the Victorian Botanic Gardens in the heart of the city.



From an architectural perspective Belfast has some fine buildings including the Edwardian City Hall and the modern Waterfront Hall. Many of the city's Victorian landmarks, including the main Lanyon Building at Queen's University Belfast and the Linenhall Library, were designed by Sir Charles Lanyon.




When does the ferry between Cairnryan and Belfast operate?


The ferry route between Cairnryan and Belfast operates throughout the entire year, ensuring consistent service regardless of the season. Travellers can count on this route to be available whenever they plan their journey, making it a reliable choice for year-round travel.



Are there cabins available on the ferry between Cairnryan and Belfast?


The ferry route between Cairnryan and Belfast offers cabins on board, providing a comfortable and private space for passengers during their journey.



Fast Ferry Price

The average price for the fast ferry is 581.5 AUD. For the latest fares and available discounts, travellers should check the Direct Ferries website or contact customer service.

Cairnryan to Belfast
Ferry Timetables

Timetables between 24/3/2025 and 30/3/2025

Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Stena Line 03:30 05:45 2 hours 15 minutes Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Stena Line 07:30 09:45 2 hours 15 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Stena Line 09:00 11:15 2 hours 15 minutes Mon
Stena Line 11:30 13:45 2 hours 15 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Stena Line 15:30 17:45 2 hours 15 minutes Everyday
Stena Line 19:30 21:45 2 hours 15 minutes Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Stena Line 20:30 22:45 2 hours 15 minutes Sun
Stena Line 23:00 01:45 2 hours 45 minutes Mon
Stena Line 23:30 01:45 2 hours 15 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat

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