- Must visit
Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum offers a rich collection of art, history, and natural sciences, including items from the Troubles and an Egyptian mummy.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Ayr to Belfast
Showing times and prices for May 17
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h 3 m
Ferries per day
8
Distance
128 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Ayr to Belfast is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ayr to Belfast will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Fast ferries
Of the 8 ferries that leave Ayr for Belfast on Sun, May 17, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 17 the direct ferries cover the 128 km distance in an average of 2 h 3 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 2 h .
On Sun, May 17 the slowest ferries will take 2 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
European Highlander8:00 AM2h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)10:00 AMLarne Port$501One-way0 transfers- European Causeway12:00 PM2h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)2:00 PMLarne Port$501One-way0 transfers
- European Highlander4:00 PM2h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)6:00 PMLarne Port$501One-way0 transfers
- European Causeway8:00 PM2h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)10:00 PMLarne Port$501One-way0 transfers
Stena Line7:00 AM2h15Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line)9:15 AMPort of Belfast$521One-way0 transfers
- European Highlander8:00 AM2h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)10:00 AMLarne Port$501One-way0 transfers
- European Causeway12:00 PM2h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)2:00 PMLarne Port$501One-way0 transfers
- European Highlander4:00 PM2h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)6:00 PMLarne Port$501One-way0 transfers
- European Causeway8:00 PM2h00Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)10:00 PMLarne Port$501One-way0 transfers
- Stena Line7:00 AM2h15Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line)9:15 AMPort of Belfast$521One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and ferry for Ayr to Belfast
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Ayr to Belfast among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 2h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $37, and a bus costs an average of $50.
Distance: 69 nautical miles (128 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$48 Average price Cheapest | $53 Average price | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular ferry company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ayr to Belfast is a ferry with an average price of $48 (€39).
This is compared to other travel options from Ayr to Belfast:
A ferry is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Ayr to Belfast costing on average $53 (€42).
The fastest way to travel from Ayr to Belfast is by ferry with an average journey time of 2h 10m.
Other travel options to Belfast take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ayr and Belfast including taking a bus and ferry.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Ayr to Belfast among Omio's users.
Ayr to Belfast Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Fri, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Fri |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Tue, Thu, Fri |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Sat |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Fri, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Mon |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Fri, Sun |
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 2h01 | Sailing Days Tue, Thu, Fri |
Live departures
Ayr to Belfast ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Ayr to Belfast ferries for tomorrow, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stena Line | 7:00 AM Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 9:15 AM Port of Belfast | 0 transfersDirect | |
| European Highlander | 8:00 AM Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 10:00 AM Larne Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Stena Line | 11:30 AM Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 1:45 PM Port of Belfast | 0 transfersDirect | |
| European Causeway | 12:00 PM Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 2:00 PM Larne Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Stena Line | 3:30 PM Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 5:45 PM Port of Belfast | 0 transfersDirect | |
| European Highlander | 4:00 PM Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 6:00 PM Larne Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Stena Line | 7:30 PM Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) | 2h15 | 9:45 PM Port of Belfast | 0 transfersDirect | |
| European Causeway | 8:00 PM Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries) | 2h00 | 10:00 PM Larne Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ayr to Belfast by bus or ferry
Compare bus and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sun
May 17
May 17
Mon
May 18
May 18
Tue
May 19
May 19
Wed
May 20
May 20
Thu
May 21
May 21
Fri
May 22
May 22
Sat
May 23
May 23
Offers and deals from Ayr to Belfast
Discover the offers available on trains covering the route from Ayr to Belfast and choose the solutions that best suit your needs. Below, you will find a selection of the most popular offers proposed by P&O Ferries
Up to 25% off
Northern Ireland with P&O Ferries: 25% off short stay
Northern Ireland trips with P&O Ferries just got cheaper for return passengers with 25% off your 28 hour return ticket on the Cairnryan - Larne route, when sailing until the 31st of December 2024. Valid until further notice.
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Ayr to Belfast
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Ferries from Ayr to Belfast run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) if you book in advance.
There are 9 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest ferry covers the 69 nautical miles (128 km) distance in 2h 0m. There are 62 sailings per week. Ferries from Ayr to Belfast are available to foot passengers.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 69 nautical miles (128 km) |
Average sailing duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Ferries per day 9 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 62 |
Fastest ferry 2h 0m |
First ferry 12:30 AM |
Last ferry 11:30 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Ferry operators: Stena Line, P&O Ferries from Ayr to BelfastYou can travel by ferry between Ayr to Belfast with Stena Line, P&O Ferries for as low as $37 (€30). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
P&O Ferries
About
P&O Ferries is a British shipping company, established in 2002 through mergers and acquisitions within P&O, and owned by Dubai-based DP World since 2019. It operates passenger and freight ferry services across the English Channel, North Sea, and Irish Sea. Key routes include Dover to Calais, Hull to Rotterdam, and Cairnryan to Larne. P&O Ferries offers a range of onboard facilities such as restaurants, bars, entertainment, and duty-free shopping. They also provide various ticket options and deals, including short breaks and offers for families.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€30)
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars available onboard
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair access available on most ships. Accessible cabins available on some routes. Assistance available for boarding and disembarking.
Pets
Dogs and cats allowed in pet-friendly cabins or kennels. Must be kept on leash in designated areas.
Cabin reservation
Available on most routes, must be booked in advance
Car on board
Stena Line
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€38)
Complete guide to Belfast
Things to do in Belfast
Discover the best of Belfast — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Belfast trip today.
- Must visit
Titanic Belfast
An interactive museum located on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the Titanic was built.
- Recommended
Naughton Gallery at Queen's
A free-to-enter, contemporary art gallery exhibiting local and international artists.
- Must visit
Cathedral Quarter
A vibrant neighborhood known for its cultural attractions, festivals, and nightlife, centered around St Anne's Cathedral.
- Must visit
Botanic Gardens
A public garden near Queen's University, featuring a range of tropical plants and the iconic Palm House.
- Recommended
Queen's Quarter
Home to Queen's University and Botanic Gardens, this area is rich in Victorian architecture and offers a lively atmosphere.
Ulster Fry
A traditional Northern Irish breakfast consisting of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding, white pudding, potato bread, and soda bread.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Soda Bread
A type of quick bread made with baking soda instead of yeast, often served with butter or as part of an Ulster Fry.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Champ
A dish of mashed potatoes mixed with chopped scallions (spring onions), butter, and milk. A comforting side dish often served with meat.
The Muddlers Club
Offers modern European cuisine with an emphasis on local produce. Stylish venue with an open kitchen.
St. George's Market
Historic market offering a variety of local foods and delicacies. Great for sampling soda bread, cheeses, and more.
Mourne Seafood Bar
Known for fresh, locally sourced seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. Try the oysters and local fish specials.
British Pound
Compared to other UK cities, Belfast is relatively affordable, with moderate accommodation and dining prices.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £6-10 for fast food or takeaways.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £2.50-3.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping around 10-15% in restaurants is customary. Round up in taxis. Tipping not expected in cafes.
Translink NI
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.10
- Day pass
- GBP 4.50
To the city center
Port Of Belfast, Belfast -> Lanyon Place Station, Belfast
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- You can use contactless card payment on Metro and Glider services, and mobile tickets are available in the Translink NI app.
- For the best fares, use a day ticket if making multiple trips, and check service updates in the official app before travel.
FAQs: Ferry from Ayr to Belfast
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ayr to Belfast by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Belfast, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Ayr to Belfast can start from as little as $37 (€30) when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Ayr to Belfast is $48 (€39) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Ayr to Belfast is 2h 0m to travel the 79 miles (128 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Ayr to Belfast leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Ayr to Belfast leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 9 direct ferries a day from Ayr to Belfast with Stena Line, P&O Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Ayr to Belfast with Stena Line
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Ayr to Belfast is possible with Stena Line.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Ayr to Belfast is possible with with Stena Line. We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot but please check specific times for each route. If you need book your travel to the departure port check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Ayr to Belfast, you can count on Stena Line, P&O Ferries for the best way to get you to Belfast. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Ayr and Belfast and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Belfast from Ayr is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Ayr to Belfast is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ayr and Belfast including taking a bus and ferry.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Belfast are:
- Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of the Titanic and shipbuilding in Belfast
- Belfast Castle, a historic landmark offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas
- St. George's Market, a vibrant market featuring local produce, crafts, and live music
- Ulster Museum, a comprehensive museum showcasing art, history, and natural sciences
- Botanic Gardens, a Victorian-era public garden with a tropical ravine and glasshouse.
The best things to do in Belfast include:
- Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison offering guided tours and insights into its storied past
- Take a Black Taxi Tour to explore Belfast's political history and murals
- Enjoy a scenic walk along the Lagan Towpath
- Visit the Cathedral Quarter for its vibrant arts scene and nightlife
- Explore Cave Hill Country Park for hiking and stunning views of the city.
Since neither Ayr nor Belfast are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Ayr to Belfast among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Belfast, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the city center and tourist attractions. Be aware of unofficial taxi services and only use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep valuables secure. While violent crime is low, some neighborhoods may be less safe after dark, so it’s best to stay in well-lit, populated areas. Travelers should also be cautious of street scams involving overcharging or misleading offers.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular ferry ports
Popular ports from Ayr to Belfast
Ayr
Belfast
Port of Belfast
Amenities at port
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 08:00 - 18:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 14:00
- Sunday: Closed
Distance to city center
6 km
Car connection
M2 motorway, Exit 1AWifi
- Free WiFi
Dining
- Thyme Restaurant (0.7km)
- The Dock Cafe (0.8km)
- Cast & Crew (0.9km)
Taxis
- Main companies are Value Cabs and Fonacab.
WC
- Free
Public transit options for Port of Belfast
- Metro service 96, Stop: Donegall Quay
More options for your journey from Ayr to Belfast
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Belfast and Ayr
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