Belfast to Cairnryan Ferry
Belfast-Cairnryan is the fastest ferry between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain — 2h 15m across the Irish Sea to southwest Scotland. Stena Line + P&O both run the route with multiple daily crossings. Popular with pax heading to Scotland + northern England (Glasgow is 90 min from Cairnryan).
Crossing time
2h 15m
Price range
GBP 30-60 foot passenger · GBP 90-220 car with driver
Cars
Allowed
Frequency
5-8 daily crossings between operators
Ferry operators on this route
Stena LineP&O Ferries
Year-round · peak summer + Christmas
Best for
- 1Belfast → Glasgow / Edinburgh / Highlands road-trippers
- 2Northern Ireland car ferry to mainland UK
- 3Fastest UK-NI crossing option
Booking + prices
Prices
GBP 30-60 foot passenger · GBP 90-220 car with driver
Vehicle allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
How to book
Direct Ferries covers both Stena Line + P&O.
Hotels either side of the crossing
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Find hotels in Cairnryan
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FAQs — Belfast to Cairnryan
Belfast-Cairnryan vs Larne-Cairnryan?
Both routes exist. Belfast: Stena Line (2h 15m from Belfast). Larne: P&O (2h from Larne, closer to eastern NI). Both end at Cairnryan.
From Cairnryan how far to Glasgow?
90 min drive north on A77. Edinburgh is 2h 30m. Manchester is 4h south.