With the expansion of Belfast George Best International Airport and the explosion of low-cost airlines offering a variety of destinations, competition for the Belfast and Larne ferries is stronger than ever. Northern Ireland has a long tradition of sea travel with its passenger and freight ferries. Prices are competitive and they offer an alternative to those cheap flights from Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birstol and numerous other destinations. Below is an overview and contact details of the services currently in operation.
Ferries from Belfast to Liverpool (Norfolkline)
Victoria Terminal 2, West Bank Road, Belfast, BT3 9JN (tel. 0871 230 0330 pdepartment@norfolkline.com)
Journey times on the two new passenger vessels, Lagan Seaways and Mersey Seaways, between Belfast and Liverpool are eight hours, with both day and night sailings available. Departures are twice a day from both ports, at 1030 and 2230, with the exception of Mondays, when a single service departs in each direction at 2200. Standard fares for an adult foot passenger start at £20, £100 for a car and two passengers for a one-way trip, although there are lots of special deals on the company's website.
Belfast Ferries to Stranraer (Stena)
Victoria Terminal 4, Westbank Road, Belfast (New Terminal), BT3 9JL (tel. 08445 768 768 info.uk@stenaline.com)
With a travel time of just 119 minutes on the fastcraft HSS Stena Voyager, Stranraer is accessible for a day or overnight trip, and Stena offers a range of ferry plus hotel deals for the short-break market. It also offers free plug-ins for electric cars. There is also a more leisurely crossing in just under three hours. With six sailings a day, there is excellent choice and 24-hour day trip tickets of £15 for a foot passenger and £100 for a car are attractive.
Ferries to the Isle of Man from Belfast (Steam Packet Line)
Albert Quay, Belfast BT3 9SS (tel. 08722 992 992 iom.reservations@steam-packet.com)
Operating from March 31 to the end of September, Manx Ferry company Steam Packet Line connects Douglas and Belfast to provide a convenient opportunity to visit this beautiful island. Ferry crossings are twice a week on Wednesdays/Thursdays and Sundays, with a current advertised special summer deal for car and two adults costing £106 with children travelling free. Journey times are a shade under three hours, although this is dependent on weather and tidal conditions.
Ferries from Larne to Troon and Cairnryan (P&O)
(tel. 0871 664 2020 help@poferries.com)
With its more advantageous geographical position, the Port of Larne is also a popular entry point into Northern Ireland and P&O operate services from Cairnryan and Troon on the Scottish mainland.Troon is only 35 minutes from Glasgow and the two hour crossing to Larne from March to October can be less stressful than hopping on a plane. With several crossings a day and a headline rate of £79 on tis website, this is a viable alternative for travellers with lots of luggage and an aversion to airport queues.
Freight Transport from Larne to Heysham (Seatruck)
Seatruck House, The Ferry Terminal, Warrenpoint BT34 3JR (02841 754 400 heysham.booking@seatruckgroup.co.uk)
While most passengers will be concerned about how to transport themselves and their loved ones, it should not be forgotten that freight traffic is an essential part of the economics of ferry travel. In addition to the options mentioned above, there is another, freight-only route from Larne – to Heysham in Lancashire – operated by Seatruck Ferries. Sailings are twice a day each way, with departures in either direction around 0900 and 2100. The journey time is nine hours.
In an increasingly competitive travel market, new offers appear on a regular basis, so it pays to check the company websites, as well as the general ferry booking sites for the best current deals prior to travel.
Paul Bradbury - Author of Hvar: An Insider's Guide to Croatia's Premier Island, and Lebanese Nuns Don't Ski
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