Belfast – Cairnryan
Ferries to Scotland
Belfast – Cairnryan
Ferries to Scotland
Stena Line provides the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. Belfast Cairnryan ferries cost around $101 and $604, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry schedules change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get the latest ferry ticket information for Belfast Cairnryan ferries.
The Belfast to Cairnryan ferry route is provided by 1 operators and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Belfast to Cairnryan takes approximately 2 hours 22 minutes on ferries servicing this route. The ferry duration for the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry can range between 2 hours 22 minutes and 3 hours 22 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.
There are around 39 weekly sailings from Belfast to Cairnryan.
Stena Line provide 6 sailings daily, 39 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry leaves Belfast Port at approximately 03:30 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 23:59. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.
The fastest ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan is with Stena Line in 2 hours 22 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan usually cost around $476.21.
There are overnight ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan. The first overnight ferry leaves Belfast at 03:30 and arrives in Cairnryan at 05:52.
There are cabins available on ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan with Stena Line.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Belfast to Cairnryan with Stena Line.
Yes, you can bring your car on the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry with Stena Line.
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Belfast Cairnryan ferry with Stena Line.
Foot passengers sailing with Stena Line can bring up to 1 piece of hand luggage measuring no more than 60 × 50 × 40 cm. Passengers with vehicles can bring as much luggage as they like.
The price of a ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan can vary between $101.37 and $604.24 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $100.70, with prices ranging from $50 and $275. The average price with a car is $493.09. Car prices can range from $199 to $640. All ferry prices can change from season to season. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees. 1 November 2025
Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. It is highly recommended that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability on the Cairnryan ferry.
First class is available on ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan with Stena Line.
Yes, you can easily take a day trip from Belfast to Cairnryan by ferry, as the crossing takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. The route is operated by Stena Line, with multiple daily sailings between Belfast Port and Cairnryan Port in Scotland, making it ideal for a quick trip across the Irish Sea. With early morning and evening return options, a Belfast to Cairnryan ferry is a convenient and scenic way to experience both Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland in one day.
The best way to travel from Belfast to Cairnryan is by ferry. With 6 sailings per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there are alternative routes to explore if you require additional flexibility.
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| Belfast - Cairnryan Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Northern Ireland | |
| Destination Country | Scotland | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Stena Line | |
| Average Price | $476 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 6 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 39 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 2 h 22 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 2 h 22 m | |
| First Ferry | 03:30 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:59 | |
| Distance | 58 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 November 2025.
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.
Belfast Ferry Port is conveniently located just 2 miles north of Belfast city centre, with easy access by car, bus, or taxi. Drivers can reach the port via the M2 motorway, following signs for Docks or Stena Line Terminal. Regular Translink bus services and taxis operate from Belfast City Centre and Belfast Lanyon Place Station, making it simple for passengers to reach the terminal by foot. The port also connects well to Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport, both within a 30 to 40 minute drive.
Belfast Ferry Port offers short-term and long-term parking close to the Stena Line terminal, providing easy access for travelers. There’s a secure car park with designated spaces for passengers, and payment is typically made at on-site machines or online. Drop-off and pick-up zones are available near the terminal entrance, and Blue Badge parking spaces are provided for passengers with reduced mobility. It’s recommended to arrive early during peak travel seasons to ensure a parking spot close to the terminal.
Belfast is a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and modern attractions. Top sights include the award-winning Titanic Belfast Museum, the Belfast Castle, and the striking Peace Walls that tell the story of the city’s past. Explore the Cathedral Quarter for lively pubs, street art, and great dining, or stroll through the Botanic Gardens and Queen’s University area. For panoramic views, head up to Cave Hill Country Park, and don’t miss a Black Taxi Tour for a local perspective on Belfast’s unique heritage and transformation.
