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Ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland
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Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Open Ticket?

Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

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Ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland

Ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland sail approximately 74 times per week. 2 ferry companies operate these ferries and there are 2 ferry routes to choose from. Ferries from Scotland sail from Belfast and Larne to Northern Ireland and arrive at Cairnryan. 

How long is the ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

Ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland range between 2 hours and 14 hours, depending on the ferry route, operator and ship. The Cairnryan - Larne route is the fastest.

What is the fastest ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

The fastest ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland is with P&O Irish Sea on the Cairnryan - Larne route, taking approximately 2 hours.

Scotland to Ireland ferry schedules

There are on average 10 daily sailings from Scotland to Northern Ireland, with around 74 weekly sailings. These Scotland to Ireland ferry sailings are provided by P&O Irish Sea & Stena Line. Scotland to Ireland ferry schedules will vary by route, operator and season.

Popular ferry routes from Scotland to Northern Ireland

The Cairnryan – Larne ferry sails approximately 6 times daily and up to 39 times weekly with a crossing time of 2 hours 1 minute. Ferries from Cairnryan – Belfast sail around 6 times daily and up to 40 times weekly with a sailing time of 2 hours 16 minutes.

Is there a car ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

Yes, there are car ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland, operated by P&O Irish Sea & Stena Line. For more information on routes and car ferry prices, you can check out our Deal Finder.

How much does a ferry cost from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

Prices from Scotland to Northern Ireland can vary by route, operator, vehicle type, season and whether you are travelling on a high-speed or conventional ferry. You can view our special offers page to see if there are any discounts on this route.

Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry offers and discounts

We recommend booking in advance to get the cheapest Scotland to Ireland ferry prices. Visit our special offers page to take advantage of all the latest ferry discounts.

How far is Northern Ireland from Scotland?

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

How to get from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer stay, ferry travel is the ideal choice for a stress-free and scenic journey to Northern Ireland from Scotland. The popular route from Cairnryan to Larne offers regular and direct sailings, providing a convenient and flexible way to cross the Irish Sea. You can also enjoy the freedom to travel with your vehicle too.

How to book ferry tickets from Scotland to Northern Ireland

You can book and compare Scotland to Ireland ferry tickets, operators, timetables and prices using our Deal Finder.

How much are ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland?

From   To Average price
Cairnryan, Scotland
Belfast, Northern Ireland 		£344.00Average price
Cairnryan, Scotland
Larne, Northern Ireland 		£303.00Average price

Prices subject to change, pricing representative of searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees.

Ferries from Scotland to Northern Ireland

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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