Holyhead to Dublin Ferry: Times, Prices & Schedules

The Holyhead to Dublin ferry crossing ranks among the most popular routes between Wales and Ireland. Two operators cover this 107km stretch, with sailings starting as early as 02:15 and tickets from just $55.

Crossing Time: 2h 15m (fastest) ·
Starting Price: $55 (€44) ·
Main Operators: Irish Ferries, Stena Line ·
Daily Departures: Up to 4 per direction ·
First/Last Sailing: 02:15 to 20:30

A comparison of the two operators reveals distinct trade-offs: Irish Ferries wins on speed while Stena Line offers more frequent departures.

How long is the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin?

The answer depends entirely on which operator you choose. Irish Ferries operates the Dublin Swift, a fast ferry that cuts the crossing down to just 2 hours 15 minutes port to port — the quickest option on this route. Stena Line’s superferries, the Stena Adventurer and Stena Estrid, complete the crossing in approximately 3 hours 15 minutes. The average sailing duration across all operators sits around 3 hours 15 minutes, with 195 minutes being the data-verified midpoint.

Fastest crossing times

Irish Ferries claims the speed record here: their Dublin Swift covers the 57 nautical miles (107 km) in 2 hours 15 minutes. This is roughly an hour faster than the Stena Line alternative, which matters if you’re trying to fit a day trip across the Irish Sea.

Average duration

If you’re not on the fast ferry, expect to spend about 3 hours 15 minutes at sea. Direct Ferries reports an average duration of 195 minutes across all sailings, with Stena Line sailings typically running 3 hours 30 minutes.

Distance covered

The route spans 57 nautical miles, or roughly 107 km. That’s not a trivial crossing — you’re spending real time on the water — but it’s manageable for a day trip if you pick the right sailing.

What time are the sailings from Holyhead to Dublin today?

Schedules on this route shift with the seasons, but there’s usually a sailing to suit almost any travel window. The earliest departure from Holyhead runs at 02:15 with Irish Ferries, while the last sailings wrap up around 20:30. Stena Line operates at least two confirmed daily sailings: the 04:00–07:30 run on the Stena Adventurer and the 10:00–13:30 crossing on the Stena Estrid.

Daily timetable overview

Irish Ferries runs multiple sailings daily, including the 01:30–05:00 and 07:30–11:00 slots. Stena Line maintains at least two consistent daily crossings. Ferryhopper reports up to 4 daily departures per direction for Irish Ferries, though seasonal adjustments mean checking live schedules is always advisable.

First and last ferries

The earliest option is Irish Ferries’ 01:30 departure, perfect if you need to be in Dublin by morning. The latest sailing from Holyhead wraps around 20:30, giving you flexibility for an evening crossing back to Wales.

Live updates

Timetables change seasonally, and both operators warn that schedules can shift. Stena Line publishes live sailing updates on their UK customer service page, so it’s worth bookmarking that before you travel.

How much does it cost to take the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin?

Prices on this route swing pretty wide, and the difference between a foot passenger and a car with driver is substantial. The cheapest fares start around $55 (€44) with Stena Line, as listed on Omio — though that figure likely represents a bare-bones foot passenger rate during off-peak season. Full vehicle-plus-driver fares can reach €179.50 and beyond.

One-way prices

Foot passengers average around $185.30 according to Direct Ferries data, with a range from $52 to $303 depending on season and how far ahead you book. Car passengers average $533.41, with prices spanning $158 to $685. The wide spread reflects the difference between booking months in advance versus last-minute peak season travel.

Return fares

Return tickets offer better value than two one-way fares. Direct Ferries UK lists prices in GBP ranging from £147 to £532, with the average return fare landing around £381. Buying return often shaves 10–20% off the total compared to booking each leg separately.

With car costs

Bringing a vehicle adds significantly to the fare. Stena Line’s official site shows single car-and-driver rates from €179.50, while Irish Ferries vehicles are priced separately from passenger fares. Remember that prices exclude booking fees and can vary based on the size of your vehicle — larger vans or motorhomes typically cost more.

The implication: Budget travelers who lock in fares 2–3 months out typically land rates in the lower third of these ranges, while last-minute bookings during school holidays routinely hit the upper bounds.

Do I need a passport to sail from Holyhead to Dublin?

Yes — a valid passport or government-issued photo ID is required for this crossing. Since you’re traveling between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, post-Brexit rules mean standard UK or Irish ID documents are acceptable. If you’re traveling from another country, you’ll need your passport as usual.

ID requirements

Irish Ferries’ FAQ confirms that passengers need valid identification — a passport or an equivalent government-issued ID document. This applies to all passengers, including UK and Irish citizens. The requirement exists because you’re crossing an international border, even though the short crossing makes it easy to forget.

Post-Brexit rules

Before Brexit, Common Travel Area rules allowed minimal ID checks between Ireland and the UK. Now, a valid passport or equivalent is the standard requirement. Irish citizens can still use their passport cards, and UK citizens can use UK passport cards if they have them — but a driver’s license alone typically isn’t sufficient for international ferry crossings.

Children and pets

Children need their own passport or a valid ID document. Pets are welcome on select sailings with both operators, though you’ll need to check specific pet policies when booking — crate requirements and pet-friendly cabin availability vary.

What this means: If you’re traveling with family or plan to bring a pet, factor the ID application timeline and pet reservation into your planning — these steps can add weeks to your prep work.

What is the quickest ferry from the UK to Dublin?

The Dublin Swift from Irish Ferries holds the speed record on this route at 2 hours 15 minutes — roughly an hour faster than the Stena Line superferry alternatives. That time savings becomes significant if you’re fitting the crossing into a single day.

Holyhead route speed

Irish Ferries’ Dublin Swift covers the 57 nautical miles in 135 minutes flat, according to their official route page. That’s port-to-port time, including the departure and arrival procedures. Stena Line’s comparable crossing takes 195 minutes.

Operator comparisons

Irish Ferries operates 3–5 daily trips averaging 2h 54m, while Stena Line manages 3–4 daily trips at approximately 3h 15m. The speed gap is real: Irish Ferries’ fast ferry is purpose-built for this crossing, whereas Stena Line’s superferries prioritize capacity and amenities over raw speed.

Fast ferry options

Beyond the Dublin Swift, there aren’t other fast ferry alternatives on this specific route. Stena Line’s superferries are comfortable and well-equipped, but they won’t get you to Dublin any quicker than 3h 15m. If speed is your priority, Irish Ferries is the only real choice.

How to Book Your Ferry

Booking the Holyhead to Dublin ferry is straightforward if you know which steps to follow — and booking direct almost always saves money.

1. Decide on your operator — Irish Ferries for speed (2h 15m), Stena Line for frequency and capacity (3h 15m+)
2. Check the live schedule — Timetables shift seasonally, and today’s sailings may differ from what’s published online
3. Compare fares across operators — Use operator sites for the most accurate pricing; third-party aggregators add booking fees
4. Book direct for lowest cost — Direct booking through Irish Ferries or Stena Line typically excludes aggregator markups
5. Add your vehicle separately — Car and driver fares are calculated separately from passenger fares; factor this into your budget
6. Print or save your booking confirmation — You’ll need the reference at the port; mobile tickets work but printed backup is wise

“Sail on the Dublin-Holyhead route with Irish Ferries from just 2 hours 15 mins port to port, in our fast ferry Dublin Swift.”

— Irish Ferries (Official Route Page)

“Enjoy the best travel experience on the Irish Sea onboard the Stena Adventurer or Stena Estrid Superferries travelling 8 times daily between Dublin and Holyhead in only 3 hours 15 minutes.”

— Stena Line (Stena Line IE)

Confirmed vs Uncertain

The crossing times and operator facts come directly from tier-1 and tier-2 sources — Irish Ferries, Stena Line, and Direct Ferries. Prices are consistent across sources but do vary by season and advance booking. Exact daily schedules change seasonally, which is why the operators recommend checking live before you travel.

For travelers deciding between operators, the choice comes down to what matters most: Irish Ferries gets you there an hour faster, while Stena Line offers more frequent departures and superferry amenities. Foot passengers watching their budget should aim for off-peak days and book direct. Drivers should factor in the vehicle surcharge — it can nearly double your total fare — and consider whether a day trip justifies the crossing cost against alternatives like flying.

Related reading: Sainsbury’s bureau de change · Staysure travel insurance reviews

For the return leg across the Irish Sea, the ferry to Wales from Ireland details schedules, prices and routes mirroring those from Holyhead to Dublin.

Frequently asked questions