FerryConnect

Northern Ireland → England

Belfast → Liverpool (Birkenhead)

A long-haul Irish Sea crossing from Belfast to the Mersey, saving drivers from the long haul via Scotland or Wales. Overnight sailings with cabins mean you can drive off rested in the north-west of England.

⏱ 8h🚢 1 operator📅 Day and overnight sailings daily🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) takes 8h across the Irish Sea, operated by Stena Line. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: day and overnight sailings daily.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-03.

Sources: stenaline.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast

Stena Line also sails Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast, taking 8h.

Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Stena Line runs up to 4 daily direct sailings between Belfast and Liverpool, with day and night crossings of 8 hours.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Stena Line timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →

Source: Stena Line Liverpool–Belfast route page. Verified 2026-10-03.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Belfast and Liverpool (Birkenhead)

📐 145 Nautical Miles
Belfast⇄Liverpool (Birkenhead)
⏱ 8h · 📐 145 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ Instant E-Ticket

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Stena Line8hStena Edda, Stena Embla

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

145 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Birkenhead’s 12 Quays terminal is minutes from the Mersey tunnels into Liverpool and the M53
  • Merseyrail stations in Birkenhead connect to Liverpool city centre

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from BelfastCairnryan → Belfast2h 15m · Stena LineOnward from Liverpool (Birkenhead)Liverpool → Douglas2h 45m – 4h 15m · Isle of Man Steam PacketNearby alternative crossingHolyhead → Dublin3h 15m · Irish Ferries, Stena LineNearby alternative crossingCairnryan → Larne2h · P&O FerriesNearby alternative crossingFishguard → Rosslare3h 15m · Stena LineNearby alternative crossingPembroke Dock → Rosslare4h · Irish Ferries
⛴ All ferries from Belfast⛴ All ferries from Liverpool🧭 Ferries from the UK to Ireland and Northern Ireland🌊 Irish Sea ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Belfast to Liverpool?
Stena Line says 8 hours, with up to 4 direct sailings a day and a choice of day and night crossings.
How often does the Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) ferry sail?
Stena Line runs up to 4 daily direct sailings between Belfast and Liverpool, with day and night crossings of 8 hours. This is the pattern published in the Stena Line Liverpool–Belfast route page (checked 2026-10-03); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead)?
Stena Line operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Belfast from Liverpool (Birkenhead) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 145 nautical miles (roughly 269 km).