Belfast Ferries

Unlock your adventure to United Kingdom at the incredible port of Belfast! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Belfast boasts an impressive 18 ferry routes operated by 3 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Belfast, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Belfast offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Cairnryan - Belfast, Liverpool Birkenhead - Belfast, Douglas - Belfast. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Belfast. You'll find companies like Stena Line, Steam Packet, P&O Ferries ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Belfast.

Belfast is well-connected by various transport options, with regular ferry services linking it to multiple ports across the UK. Travelers from England can reach the city via direct rail connections to Belfast from major cities, with the journey from London taking approximately 8 hours including a ferry crossing. The city's ferry terminal is easily accessible from the city center via regular bus services or a short taxi ride. For those arriving by car, ample secure parking is available at the ferry terminal, though booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons. Coach services also connect Belfast to major cities throughout Ireland and the UK, with convenient drop-offs near the ferry port.

Nestled at the mouth of the River Lagan, Belfast combines rich maritime heritage with contemporary urban energy. This resilient city has transformed from an industrial powerhouse to a cultural hotspot while maintaining its authentic character and warm hospitality. As a key ferry destination in the Irish Sea, Belfast serves as both a fascinating city break and a strategic launching point for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Ireland.

Belfast enjoys a mild maritime climate, with temperatures rarely reaching extremes in either summer or winter. The months between May and September offer the most pleasant weather, with long daylight hours and temperatures typically ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). August brings the vibrant Belfast Maritime Festival, celebrating the city's seafaring traditions with tall ships and harbor festivities. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide an excellent balance of fair weather and fewer tourists. Ferry services operate year-round, though winter crossings (November-February) may occasionally face disruptions due to rough seas in the Irish Sea.

Belfast serves as an excellent gateway to numerous exciting destinations via its ferry connections. Scotland's coast is within easy reach, with crossings to Cairnryan taking just 2.5 hours and opening up access to Glasgow and the stunning Scottish Highlands. The Isle of Man, with its unique heritage and breathtaking coastal scenery, can be reached in approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, offering visitors a distinctive island experience. Liverpool, with its UNESCO-listed waterfront and vibrant cultural scene, connects to Belfast via a scenic overnight crossing. The Belfast-Dublin route provides a convenient way to explore Ireland's east coast, with the journey showcasing the beautiful coastline along the way.

No visit to Belfast is complete without exploring Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic visitor experience, located on the very slipways where the famous ship was built. The revitalized Cathedral Quarter pulses with energy, housing artisan shops, traditional pubs, and innovative restaurants serving up local delicacies like Ulster fry and fresh seafood from nearby ports. History buffs will appreciate the 19th-century Crumlin Road Gaol and the impressive Belfast Castle, offering panoramic views over the city and Belfast Lough. The waterfront area itself has been transformed in recent years, with pleasant walking paths, public art installations, and the striking Beacon of Hope sculpture marking Belfast's maritime significance.

Belfast's shipbuilding heritage extends far beyond the Titanic – at its peak, Harland & Wolff was the world's largest shipyard, employing over 35,000 people. The iconic yellow Samson and Goliath cranes dominate Belfast's skyline at 106 meters tall and are now recognized as official monuments of the city. Belfast's port handles over 1.5 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest ferry ports in the UK. The city's name derives from the Irish 'Béal Feirste,' meaning 'mouth of the sandbar,' referencing its crucial position at the entrance to Belfast Lough where the River Lagan meets the sea.