The Liverpool to Belfast ferry is the direct sea link between north-west England and Northern Ireland, run by Stena Line. At around eight hours it's a longer crossing than the Welsh routes, but a choice of day and overnight sailings makes it easy to fit around your plans.
It's especially handy for anyone in the north of England, avoiding the long drive to Wales or Scotland. Take the overnight sailing with a cabin and you can sleep across and arrive in Belfast ready to go. This guide covers the ships, ports, sailings and how to book.
Liverpool to Belfast at a glance
- OperatorStena Line
- ShipsStena Edda, Stena Embla
- Crossing time~8 hours
- SailingsTwo daily
- Foot passengersYes
| Operator | Ships | Crossing time | Sailings | Foot passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stena Line | Stena Edda, Stena Embla | ~8 hours | Two daily — one day, one overnight | Yes |
Stena Line is the only operator on this route, with a daytime and an overnight sailing every day.
Day or overnight?
There are two sailings a day, and which you pick shapes the trip:
- •
Day sailing: departs late morning, arrives early evening — good if you'd rather travel in daylight and watch the crossing (you pass the Isle of Man around halfway)
- •
Overnight sailing: departs late evening, arrives early morning — book a cabin and sleep across, arriving in Belfast fresh for the day ahead
The ships: Stena Edda and Stena Embla
The route is served by two modern ships introduced in 2020, the Stena Edda and Stena Embla — among the largest and most comfortable ever to sail between Liverpool and Belfast, with a Scandinavian design.
Onboard you'll find en-suite cabins, the Sky Bar, a restaurant and café, a cinema, children's play areas and the option to upgrade to the Stena Plus or Hygge lounges for a quieter space with complimentary refreshments.
Ports: Birkenhead and Belfast
One important thing to know: the "Liverpool" ferry actually sails from the 12 Quays terminal in Birkenhead, on the Wirral side of the River Mersey — not from Liverpool city centre. Drivers reach it via the Kingsway (Mersey) Tunnel; foot passengers can take the Merseyrail train to Hamilton Square, then a short taxi.
At the other end, ferries arrive at Victoria Terminal 2 in the Port of Belfast, just north of the city — about ten minutes from Belfast city centre by car, with a bus service into town.
Booking and travel tips
A few practical things to know:
- •
No day trips: at eight hours each way, this route isn't suitable for a day return — plan to stay over
- •
Cabins: worth booking on the overnight sailing; you can sometimes upgrade onboard if space allows
- •
Vehicles: car deck space is limited — book ahead, especially in summer
- •
No baggage charges: travelling with a car means you can pack freely
- •
Pets: carried, with kennels, pet-friendly cabins or in-vehicle options
- •
Rail & Sail: combined train-and-ferry tickets are available
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Liverpool to Belfast ferry?
Around eight hours, with a choice of a daytime or an overnight sailing each day.
Who runs the Liverpool to Belfast ferry?
Stena Line is the only operator, sailing on the Stena Edda and Stena Embla.
Does the Liverpool to Belfast ferry leave from Liverpool?
It sails from the 12 Quays terminal in Birkenhead, on the Wirral side of the Mersey, rather than from Liverpool city centre.
Is there an overnight ferry from Liverpool to Belfast?
Yes — an overnight sailing departs late evening and arrives early morning, with cabins available so you can sleep across.
Can I take a car and pet on the Liverpool to Belfast ferry?
Yes — both are carried, with no baggage charges for vehicles. Book car deck space ahead in summer.