Ferries from

Scotland to Northern Ireland

Ferries from

Ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland

Scotland

Ferries to Northern Ireland from Scotland sail approximately 76 times per week. 2 ferry companies operate the ferry to Northern Ireland; P&O Irish Sea & Stena Line. Cairnryan to Belfast is the most popular route.

Timetables can differ depending on the ferry company, ship type and season. Check the latest Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry timetable using our deal finder. Bear in mind, there are usually more ferries during the summer months.

Scotland to Northern Ireland Ferry

Is there a ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

Yes, you can get from Scotland to Northern Ireland by ferry. Ferries to Northern Ireland from Scotland sail approximately 76 times per week and are provided by P&O Irish Sea & Stena Line.

How long is the ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

The ferry crossing from Scotland to Northern Ireland depends on a number of factors including the ferry company you're travelling with and the weather conditions at the time of sail. The duration of the Scotland Northern Ireland ferry also varies between routes, with the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry taking approximately 2 hours 15 minutes on average.

Fastest Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry: 2 hours
Longest Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry: 4 hours

What is the shortest ferry crossing to Northern Ireland?

The fastest ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland is the Cairnryan - Larne route. This ferry is provided by P&O Irish Sea and takes approximately 2 hours.

Northern Ireland to Scotland ferry timetable

Scotland Northern Ireland ferry times can differ depending on the route you choose and which ferry company you're travelling with. The season you travel in can also affect the times, with more options available in the peak summer months. It's best to check the latest Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry timetable for your route before you book.

Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry operators

Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry operators:
P&O Irish Sea & Stena Line

Scotland to Belfast ferry

You can get a ferry from Scotland to Belfast. Scotland to Belfast ferries depart from Cairnryan. 

Popular Scotland Northern Ireland ferry routes

Popular Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry routes include:

Cairnryan to Belfast
Cairnryan to Larne
Troon to Larne

Cairnryan to Belfast ferry

The most popular ferry is Cairnryan – Belfast with up to 6 daily and 40 weekly sailings. The journey usually takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. 

Cairnryan to Larne ferry

Another popular route is the Cairnryan – Larne ferry with up to 6 daily and 40 weekly sailings. The Cairnryan – Larne ferry takes about 2 hours.

Can I take my car on the Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry?

Yes, you can get on the ferry to Northern Ireland from Scotland with a car.

Car Operators: P&O Irish Sea & Stena Line

Check out our deal finder for more information on routes and Scotland to Northern Ireland car ferry prices.

Scotland Northern Ireland ferry prices

Scotland Northern Ireland ferry cost can vary depending on a number of factors including the route, ferry company, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle or not. 

Scotland to Northern Ireland Ferry Offers and Discounts

We recommend booking your Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry tickets in advance to get them at the best price. The cheapest ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland are usually out of season and at off-peak times. Visit our special offers page to take advantage of all the latest Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry to Northern Ireland.

How far is Northern Ireland from Scotland?

The distance between Scotland and Northern Ireland is 55 miles (88km) and 47 nautical miles.

How to book Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry tickets

You can book Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry tickets online at Direct Ferries. Compare Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry timetables, ferry companies and prices using our Deal Finder.

Ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland

How much are ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

From   To Average price
From
CairnryanScotland
To
BelfastNorthern Ireland
Average price£373.00
From
CairnryanScotland
To
LarneNorthern Ireland
Average price£352.00

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Can I take my pet on the ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

Yes, pets are allowed on certain routes, including Cairnryan - Belfast and Cairnryan - Larne. Operators that allow pets include P&O Irish Sea, Stena Line.

What will I need when travelling with my pet from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

Pets are generally allowed, but will be kept in a designated pet-friendly area. Requirements may vary depending on the ferry operator. For travel from Scotland to Northern Ireland, you may need vaccinations, pet passports, and a carrier. Please contact us for more details.

How much luggage can I take on ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

Foot passengers generally have no strict luggage limit but need to handle their bags. Vehicle passengers can usually bring belongings in their cars reasonably. Contact us for more details.

How to get from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

Passengers can travel by direct ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland from Cairnryan in Scotland. These ferries arrive at popular ports in Northern Ireland such as Belfast and Larne. View our Deal Finder for more information on available routes.

Scotland Guide

  • Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
  • Visit the picturesque Isle of Skye for stunning landscapes and charming villages.
  • Discover the mysterious beauty of Loch Ness and keep an eye out for the legendary monster.
  • Experience traditional Scottish culture at the Highland Games featuring caber tossing and bagpipe music.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands for breathtaking views of mountains, lochs, and glens.

Northern Ireland Guide

  • Explore the Giant's Causeway and marvel at its unique basalt columns.
  • Visit the historic city of Derry/Londonderry and walk along its 17th-century walls.
  • Take a Black Taxi tour in Belfast to learn about the city's troubled past.
  • Drive along the Causeway Coastal Route for stunning views of the coastline.
  • Discover the enchanting Dark Hedges made famous by Game of Thrones.

About Scotland

Scotland is the northernmost country in the United Kingdom, occupying the Northern third of the land, sharing a border with England to the South. Scotland is a beautiful country well-known for its dramatic scenery of mountains and rugged coastlines, with the natural scenes of the Highlands as a top winner. The Scottish climate tends to be very changeable, but even though the sun might not always shine, the warm welcome from the wonderful diversity of landscapes attracts many visitors. If you’re heading away from Scotland by ferry then Northern Ireland is easily accessible with a choice of routes and ferry companies. Travelling from the Scottish mainland to the Orkney, Shetland or any of the destinations off Scotland’s west coast is more convenient than ever before and you’ll get to take in some of the most spectacular coastlines and landscapes in the UK while you sail too. The direct route to the continent is no longer available, but there are numerous routes from Northern England to use instead.

About Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is one of the four parts of the United Kingdom, located in the island of Ireland, bordering the Republic of Ireland to the South and West. Whether the thriving and vibrant city of Belfast and the story of the Titanic, the Giant’s Causeway coast with enchanting land and seascapes, or the ancient city of Derry with its rich cultural and architectural heritage, Northern Ireland offers so much for everyone to enjoy. Getting in by ferry is simple with crossings on offer from England, Isle of Man and Scotland. The short hop from Scotland is regular, year round and offered by a number of ferry operators. The direct connection from England is less regular, but also year round and a popular service. As there are numerous crossings to Ireland, including a service from the continent via France, you could also choose to sail to Ireland and drive across the border to Northern Ireland.

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