Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland

Northern Ireland to Scotland Ferry

How long is the ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland?

Ferries from Northern Ireland to Scotland range between 2 hours and 3 hours 22 minutes depending on the ferry route, operator, and ship, with the Larne to Cairnryan route being the fastest.

What is the fastest ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland?

The fastest ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland is the Larne to Cairnryan route with P&O Irish Sea, taking approximately 2 hours.

Northern Ireland to Scotland Ferry Schedules

There are on average 10 daily sailings from Northern Ireland to Scotland, with around 75 weekly sailings. These sailings are provided by P&O Irish Sea and Stena Line. Specific schedules will vary by route, operator and season.

Popular Ferry routes from Northern Ireland to Scotland

The Larne to Cairnryan ferry sails approximately 5 times daily and up to 37 times weekly with a crossing time of 2 hours. Ferries from Belfast to Cairnryan sail about 5 times daily and up to 38 times weekly with a sailing time of 2 hours 22 minutes. Travel from Northern Ireland to Scotland with ease on these popular ferry routes.

Is there a car ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland?

Yes, there are car ferries available from Northern Ireland to Scotland, operated by P&O Irish Sea and Stena Line. For more information on routes and car ferry prices, please view our Deal Finder.

How much does a ferry cost from Northern Ireland to Scotland?

Prices from Northern Ireland to Scotland can vary by route, operator, vehicle type, season, and whether you are travelling on a high-speed or conventional ferry. For ferry discounts, view our special offers page..

Northern Ireland to Scotland Ferry Offers and Discounts

For the best ferry offers between Northern Ireland and Scotland, we recommend booking in advance for the cheapest ferry prices and availability. Visit our special offers page to take advantage of all the latest ferry discounts.

How far is Scotland from Northern Ireland?

The distance between Northern Ireland and Scotland is approximately 54.5 miles (87.7km) or 47.4 nautical miles for the mariners!

How to get from Northern Ireland to Scotland?

Travel from Northern Ireland to Scotland with ease by ferry on the popular Larne to Cairnryan route. Ferries offer a convenient and scenic way to cross the Irish Sea, allowing you to enjoy the stunning coastal views. With regular sailings throughout the day, ferry travel provides the flexibility and comfort needed for a stress-free journey to Scotland. Whether planning a day trip or a longer stay, ferries are the perfect way to start your Scottish adventure.

How to book ferry tickets from Northern Ireland to Scotland?

Book and compare Northern Ireland to Scotland ferry tickets, operators, timetables and prices using our Deal Finder.

About Northern Ireland

With its dramatic coastlines and emerald hills, Northern Ireland offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, sure to captivate any traveller. It is the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, and visitors can explore its fascinating history at the Titanic Belfast museum. The stunning Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see with its iconic hexagonal basalt columns. For those interested in history, the walled city of Derry provides a deep dive into the past with its well-preserved fortifications and rich narrative. Northern Ireland is also known for the vibrant celebrations during the Belfast International Arts Festival held each autumn, showcasing a diverse range of art and performances. From the bustling port of Larne, ferry routes can whisk you away to destinations such as Cairnryan in Scotland, offering further exploration opportunities. Whether you're enticed by its storied past or its natural wonders, Northern Ireland is a captivating destination to discover by ferry.

About Scotland

Scotland, a land of legendary landscapes and rich history, offers a captivating mix of rugged highlands, serene lochs, and vibrant cultural cities. Famous for its breathtaking scenery, Scotland is home to iconic sites like the majestic Edinburgh Castle, the mysterious Loch Ness, and the historic city of Glasgow. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle or take a scenic drive through the Isle of Skye. The country also hosts the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe annually, a cultural extravaganza celebrating the arts with performances and events throughout the city. From the port of Cairnryan, you can easily travel by ferry to Northern Ireland, making it a convenient starting point for exploring both the Scottish and Irish landscapes. Whether you're drawn to the mystical allure of the highlands or the bustling energy of its cities, Scotland promises a diverse and enriching experience.

About Scotland

Scotland is the Northernmost of the four countries that form the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean to the West and North, the North Sea to the East and across the border to the South you’ll find England.

Scotland is a lively and friendly country, rich in history and heritage dating back thousands of years. People flock here to visit not only the beautiful mountains and valleys, rolling hills, forests and rocky coastlines but also for the experiences that Scotland has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to play a game of golf at the very place it was invented or to visit one of the many distilleries for some whiskey tasting, Scotland has much to offer any visitor.

In terms of arriving by ferry to Scotland, from Northern Ireland there’s a choice of year round services from and to numerous ports with sailings operated by modern and well-equipped ferries.

There are no longer any direct ferries from continental Europe to Scotland however there are numerous crossings to England and Ireland that get you close enough.