Titanic Belfast
Explore the landmark museum on the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where Titanic was designed and built.
Northern Ireland · United Kingdom
Belfast Ferry &
Belfast Ferry &
Destination Guide
Explore Belfast’s maritime history, neighbourhoods and cultural landmarks, then plan ferry journeys across the Irish Sea.
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Discover Belfast
Titanic heritage, lively quarters and one of the Irish Sea’s most important passenger-ferry hubs
Belfast has transformed its waterfront and city centre while keeping a strong connection with its industrial and maritime past. Titanic Quarter is the most visible expression of that history, but the Cathedral Quarter, City Hall and Victorian architecture give the city a broader identity.
Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic and the former shipyard district make a natural first stop for ferry travellers. Elsewhere, the Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens and Crumlin Road Gaol add cultural and historic depth beyond the waterfront.
Belfast is also a major Irish Sea ferry hub. Stena Line operates routes to Cairnryan in Scotland and Liverpool’s Birkenhead terminal, giving both motorists and foot passengers practical choices for reaching Northern Ireland from Great Britain.
The city centre is compact and well served by buses, while Belfast Grand Central Station brings rail and coach services together for onward journeys across Northern Ireland and into the Republic of Ireland.
A longer stay allows easy excursions to the Causeway Coast, Carrickfergus, the Mourne Mountains and other parts of Northern Ireland, making Belfast a strong starting point for a road or rail itinerary.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Belfast
Belfast’s main attractions mix maritime history, civic architecture and neighbourhood culture within a manageable city centre.
Belfast City Hall
See the grand civic building at the heart of the centre and use the surrounding streets as a base for exploring.
Cathedral Quarter
Discover street art, pubs, restaurants and cultural venues in one of Belfast’s liveliest central districts.
Crumlin Road Gaol
Tour the former prison for a different perspective on Belfast’s social and political history.
Botanic Gardens & Ulster Museum
Combine gardens, university architecture and Northern Ireland’s major museum in the Queen’s Quarter.
Cave Hill & Belfast Castle
Head above the city for walking routes and broad views over Belfast Lough and the surrounding hills.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Belfast
Browse Belfast city tours, political-history experiences and day trips across Northern Ireland.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Belfast Ferry Port
Belfast is a major Stena Line passenger-ferry hub on Belfast Lough. The Cairnryan route provides the principal short sea link with Scotland, while the Liverpool service uses the Birkenhead terminal on the Mersey for journeys between Northern Ireland and northwest England.
Passenger ferries use Belfast Harbour terminals outside the immediate city-centre core. Follow the terminal details on your booking, allow sufficient check-in time and plan the final road or taxi transfer if travelling on foot.
Both major routes carry vehicles, and overnight accommodation is available on suitable longer sailings. Exact schedules and vessel arrangements vary, so use live booking information for the definitive journey details.
Passenger terminalVictoria Terminal 2, West Bank Road, Belfast Harbour
Directions to the terminalOpen Belfast Ferry Terminal in Google Maps
Scotland routeStena Line connects Belfast with Cairnryan in southwest Scotland
Liverpool routePassenger and vehicle services connect Belfast with the Birkenhead terminal on the Mersey
Vehicle travelCars, motorcycles and touring vehicles can be booked subject to deck availability
Foot passengersPlan the transfer between Belfast Harbour and the city centre before travel
Plan your stay
Getting around Belfast
Belfast is compact around the centre, with buses, rail and coach connections making wider Northern Ireland accessible without a car.
Walk the city centre
City Hall, Cathedral Quarter and central shopping streets are easy to combine on foot.
Use rail and coach services
Belfast Grand Central Station connects the city with destinations across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Find Belfast rail tickets here...Drive the Causeway Coast
A car gives maximum flexibility for coastal scenery, castles and rural attractions outside Belfast.
Stay in Belfast
Find Belfast Accommodation
Stay in the city centre, Cathedral Quarter or Titanic Quarter
Central hotels are best for restaurants and sightseeing, while Titanic Quarter suits waterfront attractions and easy access towards Belfast Harbour.
Common planning questions
Belfast ferry & destination FAQs
Where is Belfast Ferry Port?
Stena Line passenger ferries use terminals within Belfast Harbour, including Victoria Terminal 2. Follow the terminal details on your booking.
Where can I travel by ferry from Belfast?
Principal passenger routes connect Belfast with Cairnryan in Scotland and Liverpool’s Birkenhead terminal in northwest England.
Is Belfast ferry port close to the city centre?
The harbour terminals are outside the central walking area, so foot passengers should plan a taxi, bus or other transfer.
What are the best things to do in Belfast?
Popular highlights include Titanic Belfast, City Hall, Cathedral Quarter, Crumlin Road Gaol, Botanic Gardens and Cave Hill.
Can I take a car on ferries from Belfast?
Yes. The main Stena Line routes carry vehicles subject to availability; enter accurate vehicle details when booking.
Can foot passengers use Belfast ferries?
Yes on relevant passenger services. Check boarding deadlines and how you will transfer between the harbour and city.
Is Belfast well connected by rail?
Yes. Rail services connect Belfast with destinations across Northern Ireland and onward towards Dublin.
How long should I spend in Belfast?
Two days covers the main city attractions, while three or more gives time for a Causeway Coast or wider Northern Ireland day trip.
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