Getting to Northern Ireland by ferry is quick and straightforward, with crossings from both Scotland and the north-west of England. Unlike the Republic of Ireland, which is reached from Wales, Northern Ireland connects directly to Great Britain across the narrow North Channel.
There are three routes — two short crossings from Cairnryan in Scotland, and a longer overnight sailing from Liverpool. This guide compares them and helps you choose.
Ferries to Northern Ireland
| Route | Operator | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cairnryan–Belfast (Scotland) | Stena Line | ~2h 15m |
| Cairnryan–Larne (Scotland) | P&O Ferries | ~2 hours |
| Liverpool–Belfast (England) | Stena Line | ~8 hours |
The Cairnryan crossings are the quickest way over from Scotland; the Liverpool route is the overnight option from north-west England.
From Scotland: the Cairnryan crossings
Cairnryan, on Scotland's south-west coast, has two operators running short crossings to Northern Ireland:
- ● Cairnryan–Belfast: Stena Line, around 2h 15m, on the large Superfast ships, arriving right by Belfast
- ● Cairnryan–Larne: P&O Ferries, around 2 hours, arriving at Larne a little further up the coast
Both are frequent, quick and popular with drivers heading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The best choice usually comes down to price, sailing times and which arrival port suits your onward journey.
From England: Liverpool to Belfast
From the north-west of England, Stena Line runs the Liverpool to Belfast route — a longer crossing of around eight hours, with a choice of a daytime or an overnight sailing.
On the overnight sailing you can book a cabin and sleep across, arriving in Belfast ready for the day. Note that the "Liverpool" ferry actually sails from the 12 Quays terminal in Birkenhead, across the Mersey.
Which route should you choose?
It mostly comes down to where you're starting from:
- ● Coming up through Scotland: one of the Cairnryan crossings — quickest and most frequent
- ● Coming from north-west England: Liverpool–Belfast, especially overnight
- ● Want to arrive at Belfast itself: Cairnryan–Belfast or Liverpool–Belfast
- ● Heading for the Antrim coast or Causeway: Cairnryan–Larne can save a little driving
Do you need a passport for Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, so travelling there from Great Britain is a domestic journey — you don't need a passport. However, ferry operators do require a valid form of photo ID, and carrying a passport is the simplest way to satisfy that. If you plan to cross the open border into the Republic of Ireland, bring a passport to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Northern Ireland by ferry?
From Cairnryan in Scotland (to Belfast with Stena Line, or Larne with P&O), or from Liverpool to Belfast with Stena Line.
What's the fastest ferry to Northern Ireland?
The Cairnryan crossings — Cairnryan to Larne takes around 2 hours and Cairnryan to Belfast around 2h 15m.
Is there a ferry from England to Northern Ireland?
Yes — Stena Line runs Liverpool to Belfast, an overnight-capable crossing of around eight hours.
Do I need a passport for Northern Ireland?
No — it's part of the UK, so travel from Great Britain is domestic. But operators require photo ID, and a passport is the simplest option.
Which is better, Cairnryan to Belfast or Larne?
Both take around two hours. Belfast (Stena Line) suits the city and south; Larne (P&O) can save time for the Antrim coast and Causeway.