Holyhead to Dublin ferry: times, operators and tips

The busiest sea route between Britain and Ireland, Holyhead to Dublin is a frequent, all-year crossing that lands you right in the heart of the Irish capital. Here's how to pick the right sailing.

How long is the Holyhead to Dublin ferry?

The standard cruise-ferry crossing takes about three and a quarter hours. Some sailings are quicker on faster vessels, but 3h15 is the figure to plan around.

Sailings run day and night, several times a day between the two operators, so there is almost always a departure within a few hours of when you want to travel.

Who sails the route?

Two operators share Holyhead–Dublin: Irish Ferries and Stena Line. Both carry cars, motorhomes, caravans and motorcycles as well as foot passengers, on large ships with cafés, bars, lounges and shops.

Because two lines compete on the same route, it pays to compare departure times and fares side by side rather than defaulting to one operator.

Foot passengers and drivers

Dublin Port is close to the city centre, with a bus link to the centre, so travelling as a foot passenger is easy and popular. Holyhead station sits beside the terminal, with direct trains along the North Wales coast.

Drivers should arrive within the check-in window on the ticket — usually 45 to 60 minutes before departure — and have passports or accepted ID ready for border checks.

Getting the best fare

Book ahead for the cheapest fares, travel midweek where you can, and avoid bank-holiday getaways when demand — and prices — peak.

If you are continuing across Ireland or into Britain, check through-tickets and rail connections at each end; the port-to-city links are quick at both Holyhead and Dublin.