Photo: Kasia Derenda / UnsplashStena Line
From the operator
Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII.
Check fares on Direct Ferries
Opens Direct Ferries, a ferry booking site. Or book direct with Stena Line.
- Crossing time
- About 2½ hours
- Operator
- 1
- Sailings
- 12 a day
Checked against stenaline.co.uk on 9 November 2026
The Cairnryan to Belfast ferry takes about 2½ hours with Stena Line.
Are you planning a trip across the water between Cairnryan and Belfast? The Cairnryan to Belfast ferry is sailed by Stena Line, and the crossing takes just 2 hours 15 minutes.
Stena Line offers a choice of 12 daily sailings, so it's easy to find a time that suits your plans. You can compare sailings on Ferryu.
- Crossing time of just 2 hours 15 minutes, Cairnryan to Belfast and Belfast to Cairnryan
- A choice of 12 daily sailings
- Sail on Stena Superfast VII or Stena Superfast VIII
- Travel by foot or by car
At a glance
- Crossing
- About 2½ hours
- Cairnryan to Belfast
- Sailings
- 12 a day
- Stena Line
- Vehicles
- Cars
- Stena Line
- Arrives
- Belfast
- Northern Ireland
Who sails this route
Photo: Kasia Derenda / UnsplashSailing with Stena Line
Stena Line's ships on this route are Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII. They offer a choice of 12 daily sailings, and Stena Line quotes just 2 hours 15 minutes for the crossing in either direction.
You can travel by foot or by car, so whether you're taking the car for a road trip or travelling light, there's an option for you. Book early for the best choice of sailings.
Before you travel
In Cairnryan, the ferry leaves from Loch Ryan Port, Belfast Way, Cairnryan, DG9 8RG, Scotland.
In Belfast, Stena Line uses Belfast Port (VT4), which is close to the motorway network off Junction 1 of the M2 motorway. The VT4 terminal building is open Monday to Sunday, 06:00 to 22:30.
If you're travelling on foot, note that there is no direct train link to Belfast Port, so plan how you'll get to the terminal. Whichever way you travel, be sure to check in good time.
When you arrive in Belfast
Titanic Belfast, the museum in the Titanic QuarterPhoto: K. Mitch Hodge / Unsplash 
Belfast's Titanic Quarter across the waterPhoto: K. Mitch Hodge / Unsplash 
The Lanyon Building at Queen's University BelfastPhoto: K. Mitch Hodge / Unsplash
Belfast Port (VT4) is close to the motorway network off Junction 1 of the M2 motorway
There is no direct train link to Belfast Port
Weather in Belfast
- Warmest month: July, average high 18°C.
- Wettest month: October, about 89 mm of rain.
Temperature
- Air, average daily low to high (1991–2020)
Rain
Average total for the month, mm (1991–2020)
Temperature
- Air, average daily low to high (1991–2020)
Rain
Average total for the month, mm (1991–2020)
Show the numbers
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.9 | 4.1 | 79.3 |
| February | 8.2 | 4.0 | 65.1 |
| March | 9.5 | 4.7 | 64.1 |
| April | 11.4 | 6.1 | 65.1 |
| May | 14.0 | 8.3 | 70.7 |
| June | 16.3 | 10.8 | 77.6 |
| July | 17.8 | 12.6 | 85.3 |
| August | 17.8 | 12.6 | 84.6 |
| September | 16.2 | 11.2 | 71.3 |
| October | 13.2 | 8.9 | 89.1 |
| November | 10.3 | 6.4 | 86.1 |
| December | 8.3 | 4.5 | 83.5 |
1991–2020 averages, ERA5 via Open-Meteo, read at the grid point nearest the port (15 km away).
Questions answered
How long is the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast?
About 2½ hours, depending on the sailing.
Travel by ferry between Cairnryan and Belfast in just 2 hours 15 minutes. (Stena Line, stenaline.co.uk)
Belfast to Cairnryan in just 2 hours 15 minutes. (Stena Line, stenaline.co.uk)
How often does it sail?
12 a day.
A choice of 12 daily sailings to Cairnryan and Belfast. (Stena Line, stenaline.co.uk)
Can I take my car?
Yes.
Travel by foot or by car to Cairnryan and Belfast. (Stena Line, stenaline.co.uk)
Compare routes to Northern Ireland
Crossing times and the lowest fare I found on each route. Fares change by date.
| Route | Operator | Crossing | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairnryan to Belfast This route | Stena Line | About 2½ hours | – |
| Cairnryan to Larne | P&O Ferries | About 2 hours | £147 |
More ferries to Northern Ireland
More ferries from Cairnryan
All ferries to Northern Ireland · More from Cairnryan ferry port · More from Belfast ferry port