Wightlink · 2h 15m
Belfast to Cairnryan Ferry
Compare every Belfast to Cairnryan sailing. From £44.26 one way, 5 times a day, crossing in about 2h 15m.
- 2h 15m crossing
- 38 sailings a week
- Cars carried
Belfast to Cairnryan sailings on Saturday 31 October
5 departures found. Prices update live and are shown as a total.
★ Cheapest
Only 7 spaces left at this price on the 09:30 sailing.
Foot passenger
⚡ Fastest
About the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry
Sailing from Belfast to Cairnryan takes around 2h 15m. Wightlink runs the route 5 times a day, and fares start from £44.26. Fares move with demand, so midweek and early-morning departures are consistently the cheapest way to cross.
Vehicles are carried on this route, so you can take a car, campervan or motorbike across and keep your luggage with you. Foot passengers are welcome on board.
Belfast to Cairnryan ferry timetable
There are around 38 sailings a week on this route, 5 times a day. The table below shows how this crossing compares with the other services Belfast and Cairnryan are connected to.
| Route | Operators | Duration | Sailings / week | From | Average | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast – Cairnryan | Wightlink | 2h 15m | 38 | £44.26 | £173.10 | Yes |
| Belfast – Holyhead | DFDS Seaways | 2h 5m | 10 | £16.13 | £44.18 | Foot only |
| Belfast – Stranraer | Red Funnel | 8h 25m | 48 | £53.82 | £231.92 | Yes |
| Belfast – Liverpool Birkenhead | Wightlink | 6h 50m | 39 | £44.65 | £175.35 | Yes |
| Belfast – Douglas | Condor Ferries | 6h 45m | 38 | £43.89 | £170.97 | Yes |
| Larne – Cairnryan | DFDS Seaways | 2h | 9 | £15.46 | £41.91 | Foot only |
How much is the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan?
One-way fares start at £44.26. Across all booking types the average paid on this route is about £173.10. That figure includes vehicles, multiple passengers and peak-season departures, which is why it sits well above the headline price.
Which operators sail this route?
Wightlink operates the Belfast – Cairnryan crossing. As the sole operator, availability tightens quickly in peak season, so book early.
- Wightlink, 31 routes across our network
Taking a vehicle
Cars, campervans, motorhomes and motorbikes are all carried on the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry. Add your vehicle when you search and every price shown will include it, and no vehicle surcharge appears later in the booking.
Getting to Belfast
Check in opens around 90 minutes before departure for vehicles and 45 minutes for foot passengers, and closes 30 to 60 minutes before sailing depending on the operator. Read our Belfast port guide for terminal facilities, parking and directions, and the Cairnryan guide for the other end.
Belfast to Cairnryan ferry: your questions answered
How long is the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan?
The Belfast to Cairnryan ferry takes approximately 2h 15m. Actual crossing time varies a little by operator, vessel and sea conditions.
How much is the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan?
One-way fares start from £44.26. The average booking on this route comes to around £173.10 once vehicles, extra passengers and peak dates are taken into account.
Who sails from Belfast to Cairnryan?
Wightlink operates this crossing. We compare all of them in a single search.
How often does the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry run?
There are around 38 sailings a week on this route, which works out at 5 times a day. Frequency is usually higher in summer and over school holidays.
Can I take a car on the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry?
Yes. Cars, campervans and motorbikes are carried on this route. Add your vehicle at the search stage so the price you see includes it.
What is the cheapest day to sail from Belfast to Cairnryan?
Midweek departures, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday, are typically the cheapest, along with the earliest sailing of the day. Friday and Saturday crossings in July and August are the most expensive.
How far in advance should I book?
Prices on this route rise as departure approaches. Booking more than six weeks ahead usually secures the lowest fare; inside a week you can expect to pay substantially more, especially in peak season.
Do I need a passport for the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry?
Carry valid photo ID for every passenger. International crossings require a passport valid for the whole of your trip, and non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area are now subject to biometric registration at the border. Check the operator's requirements before you travel.
Alternative crossings
Other ways to make the same journey, and nearby routes worth comparing.
Belfast to Holyhead
from £16.13
Belfast to Stranraer
from £53.82
Belfast to Liverpool Birkenhead
from £44.65
Belfast to Douglas
from £43.89
Larne to Cairnryan
from £15.46
Stranraer to Belfast
from £64.50
Larne to Douglas
from £57.73
Larne to Fleetwood
from £44.91
More from Belfast
Belfast to HolyheadBelfast to StranraerBelfast to Liverpool BirkenheadBelfast to DouglasMore to Cairnryan
Larne to Cairnryan