Ferries from
Scotland to Northern Ireland
Ferries from
Scotland to Northern Ireland
Ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland are available with 2 operators. There are 2 ferry routes. Ferries from Cairnryan to Belfast and Cairnryan to Larne are popular ferry trips from Scotland to Northern Ireland. Sailing frequency can change throughout the year and often sailings increase during peak season.
Ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland sail approximately 75 times per week and are available with P&O Irish Sea & Stena Line.
The ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland takes between 2 hours and 3 hours 15 minutes depending on the ferry route, operator, and ship that you choose.
The fastest ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland is on the Cairnryan to Larne ferry with P&O Irish Sea in 2 hours.
Yes, you can bring your car on the ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland with P&O Irish Sea & Stena Line.
There are approximately 55 miles (88km) and 47 nautical miles between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The price of a ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland can differ by route, operator, season, vehicle type and whether you are sailing on a high-speed ferry or conventional ferry.
The Cairnryan to Belfast ferry ferry sails approximately 39 times weekly with a crossing time of 2 hours 15 minutes.
The Cairnryan to Larne ferry sails around 38 times per week with an average crossing time of 2 hours.
We suggest that you book in advance to ensure that you get the cheapest ferry prices and availability. Please check out our special offers page to take advantage of all the latest ferry discounts available.
Yes, there is 1 ferry route from Scotland to Northern Ireland that provide cabins. These include Cairnryan to Belfast.
The price of a cabin on the Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry ranges from $64.71 and $1,181.61, with an average price of $406.86. Please note that prices may vary depending on the type of cabin you book.
Yes, you can take your pet on the ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland with P&O Irish Sea & Stena Line. Pets are welcome on these routes: Cairnryan to Belfast & Cairnryan to Larne.
Yes, you can take a day trip from Scotland to Northern Ireland but only on certain routes. Day trips from Scotland to Northern Ireland are possible on the Cairnryan to Larne ferry and the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry. Please check exact schedules to work out your Northern Ireland day trip itinerary.
Whether it’s better to fly or take a ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland depends on your priorities. Flying is faster, with flights from Edinburgh to Belfast or Glasgow taking around 45 minutes, but you’ll need to factor in airport transfers and security time. Ferries, like those from Cairnryan to Belfast and Larne, take around 2 hours, but offer a more relaxed journey, especially if you're bringing a vehicle. Ferries are generally more scenic and flexible for those with luggage or cars, while flights are better for speed and traveling light.
The best way to travel from Scotland to Northern Ireland is by ferry, which provides a scenic and convenient option. The most popular route is the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry operated by Stena Line, which takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. There is also a Larne to Cairnryan ferry route operated by P&O Ferries, with a similar crossing time of around 2 hours.
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Leaving Scotland's southwest coast behind, the short crossing to Northern Ireland puts you on deck for views of the Irish Sea before Belfast Lough or the Antrim coastline comes into view. Once ashore, the Giant's Causeway's basalt columns and the Antrim Coast Road's clifftop views are a scenic drive north, while Belfast's Titanic Quarter and its shipyard history are an easy stop closer to the port. The Glens of Antrim offer quieter hiking country inland, and Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland, makes an easy detour on the way into the city. The Dark Hedges, an atmospheric avenue of beech trees made famous by Game of Thrones, is a popular photo stop en route to the coast.
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