From GBP 30
From GBP 45
From GBP 60
This is a 2-hour daytime crossing. No overnight cabins.
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Standard seating | Included | Airline-style recliners, open plan, large windows |
| Hygge Lounge | From GBP 10 | 36 reclining chairs in a quiet zone. Pre-book or pay on board |
| Stena Plus Lounge | GBP 20 (or free with Premium) | Armchairs, sea views, complimentary snacks and drinks, private bathrooms |
| Superfast Suite | From GBP 40 | Double bed, en-suite. Holds up to 5. Limited use on a 2h crossing |
The Stena Plus Lounge is the standout option. Comfortable seats, food included, and noticeably quieter than the main areas.
The Hygge Lounge sounds good but the door bangs every time someone enters or leaves. It is only marginally quieter than standard seating.
| Vehicle | Price from | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car + 1 passenger | GBP 109 | Standard booking |
| Car + 2 passengers | GBP 109 | Same base fare |
| Campervan / motorhome | GBP 150-200 | Height-dependent supplement |
| Motorcycle | Contact Stena | Limited spaces |
Check-in: Opens 2 hours before departure. Closes 45 minutes before. Security and customs checks at Belfast Port can take 20 minutes. Allow 90 minutes minimum.
Vehicle deck: Not accessible during the crossing. Take everything you need before boarding.
Priority boarding (Premium): Board first, park without pressure, and be first off at Cairnryan. Worth it for motorhomes.
Belfast Port is close to the city centre, just off the M2. Well signposted. 10 minutes by car from central Belfast. Taxi from city centre costs GBP 8-10.
Facilities: Motorists lounge (ground floor), cafe (upstairs), toilets with separate entrance. Basic but adequate for a short wait.
Process: Security and customs before check-in. Have documents ready. Numbered lanes after check-in - staff wave you forward when boarding starts.
Cairnryan is remote. On the coast of Dumfries and Galloway, 6 miles north of Stranraer. No train station. Infrequent buses to Ayr and Stranraer.
The road problem: The A77 north to Glasgow is largely single carriageway. After a busy ferry unloads, all traffic funnels onto this road. Slow behind lorries with limited overtaking.
Realistic drive times from Cairnryan:
| Destination | Distance | Realistic time |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | 95 miles | 2.5 hours |
| Edinburgh | 130 miles | 3 hours |
| Carlisle | 100 miles | 2 hours |
Summer (June-August): Book at least 2 weeks ahead for weekend sailings. Midweek usually available at shorter notice. Vehicle fares increase on Fridays and Sundays during school holidays.
Winter (November-February): Quieter and cheaper. The Irish Sea can be rough. Early morning crossings are often calmer.
Best prices: Early morning and late night sailings. Midweek cheaper than weekends. Use Stena's low price calendar.
Pets must be pre-booked. Options:
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In your vehicle | Free | Vehicle deck not accessible during crossing |
| Kennels | Free | Pre-book. On board, staff accessible |
| Pet Lounge | Pre-book | Carrier required (max 91x62x56cm). Max 2 pets |
| Pet Cabin | Pre-book | Pet-friendly cabin. Up to 2 pets |
Assistance dogs with ADI/IGDF certification are permitted in all public areas.
Use Stena's low price calendar for the cheapest fares.
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It costs roughly GBP 30 more than Economy and includes lounge access, priority boarding and priority disembarkation. That priority exit matters at Cairnryan - everyone funnels onto the same single carriageway road.
Early morning and late night sailings are cheapest. If you are heading to Glasgow, take a morning ferry - the A77 is quieter before lunch.
The crossing takes 2 hours 15 minutes. Allow 3+ hours total including check-in (closes 45 min before) and disembarkation.
Foot passengers from GBP 30. Car + 1 passenger from GBP 109. Prices vary by date, time and fare class. Early morning and midweek are cheapest.
Up to 12 sailings daily in each direction. First departure around 07:30, last around 21:30. Runs 7 days a week, year-round.
Yes. Cars, campervans, motorhomes and lorries. Vehicle check-in opens 2 hours before and closes 45 minutes before departure.
Yes, pre-booked only. Options: in your vehicle (free), kennels (free), Pet Lounge (carrier required), or Pet Cabin.
Stena Line is the only operator. Two ships: Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII.
Search all operators and find the best prices.
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