DFDS Seaways · 2h 5m
Belfast to Holyhead Ferry
Compare every Belfast to Holyhead sailing. From £16.13 one way, daily, crossing in about 2h 5m.
- 2h 5m crossing
- 10 sailings a week
- Foot passengers
Belfast to Holyhead sailings on Saturday 31 October
1 departure found. Prices update live and are shown as a total.
About the Belfast to Holyhead ferry
The Belfast to Holyhead ferry is operated by DFDS Seaways, sailing daily with a typical crossing time of 2h 5m. Book ahead and you will normally pay closer to the £16.13 end; last-minute summer sailings are where prices climb hardest.
This is a foot-passenger service, so you will need to travel without a vehicle.
Belfast to Holyhead ferry timetable
There are around 10 sailings a week on this route, daily. The table below shows how this crossing compares with the other services Belfast and Holyhead are connected to.
| Route | Operators | Duration | Sailings / week | From | Average | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast – Holyhead | DFDS Seaways | 2h 5m | 10 | £16.13 | £44.18 | Foot only |
| Belfast – Cairnryan | Wightlink | 2h 15m | 38 | £44.26 | £173.10 | Yes |
| 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 |
| Dublin – Holyhead | Irish Ferries and Stena Line | 3h 15m | 37 | £30.49 | £296.00 | Yes |
| Dun Laoghaire – Holyhead | P&O Ferries | 1h 25m | 6 | £12.08 | £31.05 | Foot only |
How much is the ferry from Belfast to Holyhead?
One-way fares start at £16.13. Across all booking types the average paid on this route is about £44.18. 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?
DFDS Seaways operates the Belfast – Holyhead crossing. As the sole operator, availability tightens quickly in peak season, so book early.
- DFDS Seaways, 61 routes across our network
Taking a vehicle
This service carries foot passengers only. If you need to bring a car, check the alternative crossings listed below for a vehicle-carrying route between the same regions.
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 Holyhead guide for the other end.
Belfast to Holyhead ferry: your questions answered
How long is the ferry from Belfast to Holyhead?
The Belfast to Holyhead ferry takes approximately 2h 5m. Actual crossing time varies a little by operator, vessel and sea conditions.
How much is the ferry from Belfast to Holyhead?
One-way fares start from £16.13. The average booking on this route comes to around £44.18 once vehicles, extra passengers and peak dates are taken into account.
Who sails from Belfast to Holyhead?
DFDS Seaways operates this crossing. We compare all of them in a single search.
How often does the Belfast to Holyhead ferry run?
There are around 10 sailings a week on this route, which works out at daily. Frequency is usually higher in summer and over school holidays.
Can I take a car on the Belfast to Holyhead ferry?
No, this route carries foot passengers only. If you need to bring a vehicle, search nearby ports for a car-carrying alternative.
What is the cheapest day to sail from Belfast to Holyhead?
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 Holyhead 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 Cairnryan
from £44.26
Belfast to Stranraer
from £53.82
Belfast to Liverpool Birkenhead
from £44.65
Belfast to Douglas
from £43.89
Dublin to Holyhead
from £30.49
Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead
from £12.08
Larne to Cairnryan
from £15.46
Stranraer to Belfast
from £64.50
More from Belfast
Belfast to CairnryanBelfast to StranraerBelfast to Liverpool BirkenheadBelfast to DouglasFerries to Northern Ireland
Larne to CairnryanStranraer to BelfastLarne to DouglasLarne to FleetwoodLarne to Troon