Ireland → UK
Dublin → Holyhead
The premier maritime artery connecting Dublin and Britain across the Irish Sea. Fastcraft cross in just 2h 15m with direct rail interchange at Holyhead Station for trains to Chester and London Euston.
Dublin to Holyhead ferry at a glance
The ferry from Dublin to Holyhead takes 2h 15m – 3h 15m across the Irish Sea, operated by Irish Ferries and Stena Line. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: up to 8 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 2026-09-28.
Sources: stenaline.co.uk · irishferries.com · How we verify
Return crossing: Holyhead to Dublin
Irish Ferries and Stena Line also sail Holyhead to Dublin, taking 3h 15m. Holyhead to Dublin uses the same ships and crossing times. Irish Ferries publishes four daily cruise-ferry departures in each direction, including one in the early hours of the morning.
Dublin to Holyhead ferry timetable & sailing pattern
Stena Line advertises Superferries (Stena Adventurer and Stena Estrid) 8 times a day between Dublin and Holyhead, taking 3 hours 15 minutes. Irish Ferries runs up to 4 cruise-ferry sailings a day on Ulysses (about 3½ hours), and also has the Dublin Swift fast ferry (just over 2 hours).
Return: Holyhead to Dublin uses the same ships and crossing times. Irish Ferries publishes four daily cruise-ferry departures in each direction, including one in the early hours of the morning.
Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.
Official Irish Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →Source: Stena Line and Irish Ferries Dublin–Holyhead route pages. Verified 2026-09-28.
Maritime Crossing Route Map
Interactive sea passage between Dublin and Holyhead
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Operators on This Route
| Operator | Crossing Time | Vessels |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Ferries | 2h 15m | Dublin Swift (Fastcraft), Ulysses |
| Stena Line | 3h 15m | Stena Adventurer, Stena Estrid |
Route Features
Vehicles
Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted
Foot Passengers
Walk-on passengers welcome
Pets
Pets allowed with valid documents
Distance
60 nautical miles
Getting There & Onward Transport
- Holyhead railway station is physically integrated into the passenger terminal
- Dublin Port Express bus 53 and express shuttles to Connolly & Heuston stations
- Direct access to M50 / Dublin Port Tunnel for cars
Tips for the Dublin to Holyhead Crossing
- Bring a valid passport or Irish passport card for every passenger, children included: required at check-in from 28 September 2026.
- Holyhead station is built into the ferry terminal, so rail-and-sail tickets from London Euston and Manchester connect directly.
- Stena Line (Stena Estrid, Stena Adventurer) and Irish Ferries (Ulysses, W.B. Yeats) both sail the route. Check which ship is on your sailing for cabins and lounges.