Belfast - Cairnryan
Ferries to Scotland
Belfast - Cairnryan
Ferries to Scotland
Belfast Cairnryan ferry prices usually range between €42* and €537*. The average price for ferries from Belfast Cairnryan is typically €391*. The cheapest Belfast to Cairnryan ferry prices start from €42*. The average foot passenger price is €102*. And the average price for a car is €453*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
We offer a quick way to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, making your choice smooth sailing. Visit our Special Offers page for discounts on selected routes and operators. Remember to book early to secure the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts throughout the year. When searching for ferries, any available senior discounts will be automatically applied. Simply select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with and check out our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first Belfast Cairnryan ferry typically departs from Belfast at around 03:20. The last ferry usually departs at 23:30.
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Belfast and Cairnryan are more suited to weekend trips or longer stays to really make the most of the journey.
Yes, you can take your car with you on ferries between Belfast and Cairnryan with Stena Line. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Belfast and Cairnryan.
Whether you can take your campervan on the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan depends on factors such as the ship and operator of your chosen crossing. To find out if you can bring your caravan on the ferry, simply enter your details, and we’ll compare the available operators on your chosen route for you.
Yes, you can bring a bicycle on a ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan with Stena Line. Although most ferry companies allow bicycles on board, it's always best to check the policies on bringing bicycles on the ferry to avoid any bad surprises at the departure port.
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries from Belfast and Cairnryan with Stena Line.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Belfast to Cairnryan with Stena Line. The average price for travelling with a pet on board Belfast Cairnryan ferries is €337.
Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
In general, you’ll need the following when travelling with your pet:
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the entire crossing, while others offer designated pet areas, as well as pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows you all the available options, helping you choose the ferry crossing that best suits you and your pet’s travel needs.
There are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with a guide or assistance dog. We recommend contacting our customer service team or notifying the ferry company when booking to let them know you’ll be travelling with a guide or assistance dog.
You should also make sure you have any required certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or during the crossing.
Please note that even if pets aren’t allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. You can check the specific rules on your preferred sailing with our customer service. For general information on travelling with assistance dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry is available between Belfast and Cairnryan depends on several factors. To check if an overnight ferry is available, simply enter your details and our search results will show whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. You can also find current ferry timetables and crossing times, along with alternative options for daytime sailings.
Please note that overnight ferry crossings can sometimes take slightly longer than daytime crossings.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so make sure to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when travelling from Belfast to Cairnryan, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
To book your ferry tickets, simply enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to see all available options and prices. You can also view alternative routes and sailing times, helping you find the best deal for your needs.
Keep an eye out for early booking discounts and special ticket options, such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that let you change or cancel your booking. To ensure a smooth sailing experience, make sure you enter all the required details correctly, including the number of passengers and your vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve completed your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued and collected depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some ferry operators issue your boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, while others require you to check in at the port. Some may also offer online check-in, which can be completed easily via the Direct Ferries app, where available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance, etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be several reasons why there are no departures from Belfast to Cairnryan on your chosen date. This could be due to a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal timetable variations. We recommend checking alternative dates and routes to find a suitable crossing.
The best time to book a ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance can help you secure the best available prices, as well as a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
We recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead to take advantage of the best offers. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Belfast - Cairnryan Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | €102 | |
| Average Pricewith Car | €453 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | €107 | |
| Average Campervan Price | €321 | |
| Average Cabin Price | €303 | |
| Belfast - Cairnryan Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Northern Ireland |
| Destination | Scotland |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Stena Line |
| Average Price | €391 |
| Average Pet Price | €337 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 6 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 39 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 2 h 22 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 2 h 22 m |
| First Ferry | 03:20 |
| Last Ferry | 23:30 |
| Distance | 58 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
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Belfast Harbour is a main hub in the importation and exportation of goods and for passenger ferry services. Operated by Stena Line, Belfast ferry port provides regular passenger ferry crossings to Cairnryan in Scotland and Liverpool Birkenhead in England. Run by Steam Packet, there are also seasonal services to Douglas on the Isle of Man, across the Irish Sea.
The city of Belfast, in Northern Ireland, is the capital city located in County Antrim, although parts of the city spread over to County Down. The city has a long tradition in the production of Irish linen, tobacco, rope and shipbuilding. In fact, the city's main shipbuilder, Harland and Wolf, is known for building the RMS Titanic in the early 20th Century. Today, Belfast is an important centre for commerce, the arts, higher education, law, business and of course, tourism.
Cairnryan is a small Scottish port village sitting on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan in Dumfries and Galloway. The harbour has two ferry terminals providing services to and from Larne and Belfast: the Larne terminal, opened in 1973 and now operated by P&O Ferries, and the second is run by Stena Line, taking ferries from Belfast.
The village can trace its origins back to 1701 when it was established to house the workers on the Lochryan Estate, which has a deer park and bowling green. The village has a long and important seafaring history and today is home to one of the most popular ferry routes in the United Kingdom.
There isn't a great deal of things to do and see in the village and its facilities include a hotel, some bed and breakfast guest houses, a caravan site which has been built on the site of an old war camp area, a village shop and the Merchant's House Restaurant.
