Liverpool Birkenhead - Belfast
Ferries to Northern Ireland
Liverpool Birkenhead - Belfast
Ferries to Northern Ireland
On the Liverpool Birkenhead Belfast route, fares generally fall between $67* and $941*. On average, a Liverpool Birkenhead Belfast ferry ticket costs around $714*, with the lowest Liverpool Birkenhead Belfast fares starting at $67*. Foot passengers pay an average of $187*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $752*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Liverpool Birkenhead Belfast sailings usually begin with a departure from Liverpool Birkenhead at approximately 11:00, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 22:30.
Given the length of the crossing, a trip between Liverpool Birkenhead and Belfast tends to work better as a weekend getaway or longer stay, so you can get the most out of the journey.
Yes, Stena Line operates car-friendly sailings between Liverpool Birkenhead and Belfast. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Yes, Stena Line welcomes bicycles on the Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast crossing. Bikes are accepted by most ferry operators, though it's worth confirming the specific policy in advance so there are no surprises at the terminal.
Yes, Stena Line accepts foot passengers on sailings between Liverpool Birkenhead and Belfast.
Good news for pet owners — Stena Line allows pets on board sailings between Liverpool Birkenhead and Belfast. Traveling with a pet on this route costs an average of $821.
Figures reflect fares searched over the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last updated August 26.
When you bring a pet on board, you'll typically need to have the following ready:
This varies by operator — on some ferries, pets must stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing, while others provide dedicated pet zones, pet-friendly cabins, or lounge areas. Check our Deal Finder to compare the pet arrangements on offer and choose the crossing that suits you and your pet best.
A few things are worth knowing before you travel with a guide or assistance dog. We'd suggest letting our customer service team know, or flagging it with the ferry operator when you book, that you'll be travelling with an assistance animal.
Bring along any relevant certification and paperwork too, since you may need to show it at boarding or at some point during the crossing.
Even on sailings where pets generally aren't permitted, different rules often apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs. Get in touch with our customer service team to confirm the specific policy for your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for general guidance.
Overnight sailings on the Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Liverpool Birkenhead - Belfast Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $187 | |
| Average Price with Car | $752 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $386 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $843 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $697 | |
| Liverpool Birkenhead - Belfast Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | Northern Ireland |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Stena Line |
| Average Price | $714 |
| Average Pet Price | $821 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 13 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 8 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 8 h |
| First Ferry | 11:00 |
| Last Ferry | 22:30 |
| Distance | 188 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
Birkenhead is part of the vast Liverpool docks system and is operated by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. A route operated by Stena Line, Liverpool Birkenhead is a popular gateway to Belfast from the Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal, which also offers passenger and freight services to Douglas on the Isle of Man, run by Steam Packet.
The town of Birkenhead is located on the Wirral Peninsular, in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside, in the north west of England. The town lies on the western shores of the River Mersey, opposite the city of Liverpool, while its history has strong links with shipbuilding.
In Birkenhead itself, visitors will find one of the first publicly funded parks in Britain, designed in 1843 by Sir Joseph Paxton, while other interesting landmarks include Birkenhead Hotel, Bidston Windmill, found on a ridge behind the town, Flaybrick Watertower and Flaybrick Memorial Gardens.
Belfast Harbour is an important seaport in the United Kingdom, with one of the leading ferry operators, Stena Line, connecting it with Liverpool and Cairnryan. You can also reach Belfast from the Isle of Man, with seasonal services provided by Steam Packet.
Belfast is Northern Ireland's capital city, surrounded by mountains creating a specific climate beneficial to horticulture. Moreover, it lies at the mouth of the River Lagan located in County Antrim, although parts of east and south Belfast are actually located in County Down. It is, then, quite a green space and offers visitors plenty of parkland and forest parks to explore from Cave Hill Country Park and Lagan Valley Regional Park to the Victorian Botanic Gardens in the heart of the city.
From an architectural perspective Belfast has some fine buildings including the Edwardian City Hall and the modern Waterfront Hall. Many of the city's Victorian landmarks, including the main Lanyon Building at Queen's University Belfast and the Linenhall Library, were designed by Sir Charles Lanyon.
