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A Local’s Guide – OUR CROSSINGS
Where can you walk out on a deck, plop yourself down on a bench, soak in the passing scenery and keep an eye out for birds and wildlife, all while travelling between two countries?
I find that one of the best ways to savour the journey as much as the destination is to embark on a no-fly vacation.
Whilst living in the northwest of Ireland provides many benefits, including an abundance of stunning beaches and coastline, hearty cuisine, and good craic with the locals, it is not the most convenient location to be based when it comes to travelling to Europe or internationally.
If we want to go on a vacation without boarding a plane, it can be, let’s say, a logistical challenge. But it doesn’t mean we have to limit ourselves to a staycation.
Luckily for us, one of the easiest ways to take a no-fly holiday is to book an escape with Stenaline, which provides easy ferry crossings to Scotland, Wales and England.
If you are ready to think and travel a little differently, here’s everything you need to know about a ferry crossing for your next trip.
Read More: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary For A Spellbinding 5 Days In Scotland
Why We Prefer the Ferry to Flying
As frequent visitors to Scotland, we’ve travelled by the ferry many times.
We often use the ferry as I find it offers a very comfortable and relaxed way to cross the Irish Sea, flexibility with extra luggage, as well as the option of freedom of movement and the ability to be outdoors.
I also love the opportunity to relax in comfortable lounges, enjoy a warm meal, and take in the sea views from panoramic windows.
You know how sometimes people travel by train to save money or if they have a fear of flying, and how some romanticise it because you get to see more of the land you’re passing by?
I feel the same way about being on a ferry, as there’s just something magical about being on a boat while seeing the world around you.
Once we arrive in Cairnryan, we have easy access to road networks connecting us to various destinations in Scotland and beyond, making this ferry route an enjoyable as well as a practical choice.
The Ferry Crossing
A ferry crossing is something you might want to put on your list if you are planning to visit both Northern Ireland and Scotland, as it is a rewarding way to arrive in the country and see the incredible coastal views, especially for the last leg of the journey, where the ferry sails through Loch Ryan.
The journey between Belfast Port and Loch Ryan Port, a small village in Dumfries and Galloway in western Scotland, is provided by the Swedish shipping company Stena Line, which is one of the largest ferry operators in the world.
Two ferries that sail on the Belfast Cairnryan route are the Stena Superfast VII and the Stena Superfast VIII, which were built in 2001.
Each of their ferries can accommodate up to 1200 passengers and 660 cars.
The ferries depart from Belfast seven days and make the crossing 40 times every week, and you can travel as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.
- How long does it take to cross the sea? | 2 hours 15 minutes one way. You’ll have to include some additional time for check-ins and ticketing
Read More: Your Essential Guide To Planning The Best Edinburgh Holiday In Scotland
How Much is a Belfast to Cairnryan Ferry Ticket Price
Belfast to Cairnryan ticket prices are affordable and can often be cheaper than flying, with tickets starting at £37 for a foot passenger if booked in advance.
There’s also an option to pay extra for a flexi ticket, which enables you to cancel and receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the sailing or upgrade to ‘premium’ for access to Stena Plus Lounge and express boarding/disembarking.
We travelled in the height of the summer and for a return ticket, which included a family-size car, four people and an unlimited amount of luggage – we paid less than 500 euros, which was much cheaper than flying to Scotland and renting a car there.
*Travel tip: book early. The prices for the ferries rise sharply as the boats fill up. Especially during peak season, the ferries and parking decks fill up quickly. Therefore, book far in advance and avoid high costs.
- How much does the ferry ride cost | Foot Passenger: £37, Bicycle: £47, Motorcycle: £51, Small car: from £135
Read More: 8 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Visit Edinburgh At Least Once
The Scenic Road To Glasgow
Once you disembark at Loch Ryan Port, located 80 miles southwest of Glasgow, Scotland is yours to explore.
Most travellers would follow the scenic two-hour drive along the rugged coastline to Scotland’s second-largest city, Glasgow.
Of course, you can also pick between exploring the capital of Edinburgh or discovering the single malt distilleries in the Scottish islands of Jura and Islay.
You can also take in crumbling Scottish castles, or follow a James Bond trail to Glen Etive.
But don’t get too comfortable in your seat and make sure you have your camera ready, as for about a third of the route, the road from Cairnryan to Glasgow follows right along the waterfront, offering many wonderful views out across the Firth of Clyde towards the Kintyre Peninsula.
- Cairnryan Port Operating Hours – Monday to Sunday: 6am to 10pm
- Address – Station Loch Ryan Port, Cairnryan – Belfast, Cairnryan, Stranraer DG9 8RG
Read More: Your Guide To Some Of Edinburgh’s Best Neighbourhoods
Things To See and Do Along The Route
If you are travelling by car, it takes around two hours to reach Glasgow from the Cairnryan Port.
While the drive itself is fairly short, there are a good few wonderful places where you can stop and stretch your legs.
Some of our personal favourite stop-off points you could use to break up the journey are:
- Girvan | located on the Ayrshire coast, Girvan is a lovely town with the Stumpy Tower as its main attraction. There’s also Girvan’s beach, which, on a clear day, offers stunning views of the island of Ailsa Craig.
- Ayr | is best known for its long esplanade and sandy beach, which offers incredible views over the Firth of Clyde. Ayr is a popular seaside getaway and an unexpected site for culture.
- Kilmarnock | boasts the largest monument to poet Robert Burns in Scotland as well as a wide range of independent niche shops. Kilmarnock is a great place to visit.
- Alloway | Why not visit Alloway, a wonderful town located on the River Doon, where Ayrshire’s greatest son, Robert Burns, was born in the house which is now known as Burns Cottage?
Read More: 10 Incredible Attractions and Places You Have to Visit In Glasgow, Scotland
Advantages of Travelling by Stena Line Ferry
Not only is crossing the Irish Sea by ferry a relaxing and interesting way to travel between the two countries it also has many advantages.
- Many people have a fear of flying, and ferries offer a more enjoyable experience
- Fewer additional charges and taxes compared to air travel
- You can bring your own vehicle ( a campervan, car, motorbike or a bike).
- You can bring your pet | just follow the rules (e.g. carry a crate) and have your furry friend with you.
- You can relax | watch a movie in an onboard cinema, do some work if necessary, book a spa or let the waves swing you gently until you fall asleep.
- You can take as much luggage as you want (for those travelling by car). Foot passengers are allowed 2 pieces of luggage and a handbag.
Read More: A Short Guide To The Best Attractions Along The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland
Onboard Facilities on Stenaline Ferries
If you don’t mind sacrificing a few hours for added comfort, travelling by ferry could be the best option for you, as they are known for offering a variety of comfortable accommodations and facilities.
The ferries are extremely well-appointed, ensuring that your journey is well catered for.
So, instead of simply awaiting the destination in a cramped seat, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the journey.
- There’s the Living Room TV and magazine space, where you can catch up on the latest news
- Food and beverage services, including a Tate restaurant, cafeteria and bar (Sky Bar).
- There’s also a cinema with free movies
- Children’s play area and arcade games
Read More: Top 11 Things To Do In Edinburgh This Autumn That Are Good For Your Soul
Travelling As A Foot Passenger
Travelling without a car is easy and affordable thanks to the ScotRail train network and the inter-city bus services run by Citylink and Megabus.
You can book your tickets with the Hannon bus company, which is the only company providing direct service between Belfast and Glasgow.
The whole trip from departure in Belfast until you reach Glasgow is slightly over six hours and costs around 44 GBP for a one-way trip.
Another option for foot passengers is by “Sail and Rail” which follows the same route from Belfast to Cairnryan, only the connecting bus will bring you to the convenient train lines and onward travel hub at Ayr.
Read More: Your Guide To Some Of Edinburgh’s Best Neighbourhoods
Travelling from Belfast Port to Glasgow, Scotland by Bus
The quickest and cheapest way for foot passengers to cross the sea from Belfast to Scotland is by bus.
Buses are equipped with WiFi, tickets cost 44 pounds sterling one way per person and offer a comfortable journey from one city to another.
As the journey is a through-coach service, it means that the bus will also board the ferry for the crossing with initial pick up from Belfast’s newly built Grand Central Station.
With departures and arrival points right in the heart of both cities and with no baggage charges (you can bring up to 2 full-size 23kg suitcases FREE per passenger), it’s a fantastic way to cross the sea.
- Make sure you arrive at the departure point in Grand Central Station at least 15 minutes before to find the bus and to allow for smooth boarding.
*Good To Know – under 3’s travel free with an accompanying adult
Read More: 11 Beautiful Hidden Gems in Edinburgh, Scotland Even Locals Don’t Know
“Sail and Rail” with Stena Line
Another option for foot passengers is to travel via the “Rail and Sail” service, which combines a train and ferry crossing in one trip.
The journey would be as follows: Belfast to Cairnryan by ferry, Cairnryan to Ayr by bus, and from Ayr to Glasgow by train.
It’s a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel from Belfast to Scotland without flying. And it’s perfect for those who just don’t like travelling by bus long distances.
It is also a bit more adventurous as you get to travel independently compared to the journey via bus, with all three parts of the journey being included in the price of the Sail and Rail tickets.
The journey time from Cairnryan Port to the charming Scottish coastal town of Ayr by bus is just over 1 hour, and from there, you can get a train to Glasgow.
Read More: 7 Days Scotland West Coast Road Trip: Glencoe To The Isle Of Skye
About Belfast Port
Belfast Port is one of the busiest ports in Northern Ireland, serving as the primary gateway for passengers travelling across the Irish Sea.
The port connects Northern Ireland with Cairnryan in Scotland and Liverpool in England, making it a convenient starting point for travellers from all over the UK and beyond.
With modern facilities designed for comfort and convenience, Belfast Port offers essential amenities, including waiting lounges, restrooms, cafes, and parking options.
It is located just a few miles from Belfast’s lively city centre, so you can explore Belfast’s rich cultural and historical offerings, such as the Titanic Quarter and the lively Cathedral Quarter.
Belfast Port’s combination of accessibility, efficiency, and close proximity to the city makes it an ideal gateway for journeys across the Irish Sea.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Belfast in Northern Ireland for the First Time
About Cairnryan Port
Located on the south coast of Scotland, Cairnryan has two ports, both situated close to the town of Stranraer in the Dumfries and Galloway area, and serve as a vital link to Northern Ireland.
- The Loch Ryan Port is operated by Stena Line, linking Cairnryan to the port of Belfast
- The Cairnryan Port is operated by P&O Ferries, connecting the village with the port of Larne
The Loch Ryan ferry terminal was built in 2011 and features a range of modern amenities to accommodate travellers, including a café, departure lounge, baby changing facilities, and accessible toilets.
Passengers also have access to free Wi-Fi and to a large parking lot that is available at the terminal building for both short and long stays.
Read More: 10 Incredible Attractions and Places You Have to Visit In Glasgow, Scotland
Belfast to Scotland ferry FAQs
What’s the distance between Belfast and Cairnryan?
The distance from Belfast to Cairnryan is just 62 miles, and the ferry crosses the Irish Sea in 2 hours and 15 minutes
Where to purchase ferry tickets
You can book a ferry ride by visiting the Stena Line website
Is the ferry ride choppy?
We’ve taken the ferry on countless occasions over the years and never experienced any motion issues. The ferries are very large, and the waters are quite sheltered.
Do ferries get cancelled?
Occasionally, high winds and storms do occur. If it’s unsafe, Stenaline ferries might cancel a sailing until weather conditions get better.
Do you need a passport for the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry?
British citizens don’t need a passport to travel from Northern Ireland to Scotland as both are part of the UK. Foreign nationals will need a visa for the UK, which will cover both.
Where is the Belfast Ferry Port (Stena)?
Address: Victoria Terminal, 2 W Bank Rd, Belfast BT3 9JN
Read More: Belfast Bucket List: The 10 Best Things To Do In The City
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Now, over to you!
Have you been on a ferry ride between Scotland and Northern Ireland? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are planning a visit to Scotland and have travel-related questions!
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