Compare Holyhead to Dublin ferries with Irish Ferries and Stena Line: up to 8 sailings a day, about 3h30 crossing, fares, ships and the new passport rule.
Up to eight ferries a day sail from Holyhead to Dublin, four with Irish Ferries and four with Stena Line. The crossing takes about 3 hours 30 minutes, and every passenger now needs a passport. Compare both operators below, then search fares in the booking box.
| Operators | Irish Ferries and Stena Line |
| Sailings | Up to 8 a day each way, around the clock |
| Crossing time | About 3 hours 30 minutes (the seasonal Dublin Swift fast ferry did not sail in 2026) |
| First and last from Holyhead | 01:30 (Irish Ferries) and 22:15 (Stena Line) |
| Arrives | Dublin Port: Irish Ferries at Terminal 1, Stena Line at Terminal 2 |
| Typical fares | Foot passengers from about £30 to £40 one way on quiet sailings; two adults with a car from about £150 one way off-peak (see all fares) |
| Documents | Valid passport or Irish passport card for every passenger |
Irish Ferries or Stena Line?
Both run big cruise ferries in roughly the same time, so most people choose by departure time and price. The differences that matter on the day are below.
| Irish Ferries | Stena Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Ships | Ulysses and James Joyce | Stena Estrid and Stena Adventurer |
| From Holyhead | 01:30, 07:30, 13:15, 19:30 | 04:00, 10:00, 16:00, 22:15 |
| From Dublin | 01:15, 07:30, 13:45, 19:45 | 04:30, 10:15, 16:30, 22:30 |
| Dublin terminal | Terminal 1 (Dublin Bus 53) | Terminal 2 (Stena’s own coach) |
| Foot check-in closes | 30 minutes before | 40 minutes before |
| Dogs | Free Pet Den lounge on both ships, pet cabins on James Joyce | Free kennels, pet cabins on both ships |
Times are the current schedule and shift with weather and port works. Check the full timetable before you book, and the Dublin to Holyhead guide for the return.
How long is the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin?
About 3 hours 30 minutes on every sailing at the moment. Irish Ferries’ Dublin Swift fast craft normally adds crossings of around 2 hours 15 minutes in the warmer months, but it didn’t sail at all in 2026 because of berth works at Holyhead. Until it returns, plan on three and a half hours port to port, plus check-in time at the start.
What does the ferry cost?
Fares move with demand, so the same crossing can cost twice as much on a Friday in August as on a Tuesday in February. As a rough guide, foot passengers start around £25 to £35 one way, and two adults with a car start around £150 off-peak. Cabins, motorhomes and caravans cost extra. Our ferry prices page breaks it down by ticket type.
Cheapest sailings: book early, travel midweek, and be flexible on the time of day. Compare both operators for the same date, because one is often noticeably cheaper than the other.
Passports: the new rule
Since 28 September 2026 every passenger on this route, whatever their nationality and age, needs a valid passport or an Irish passport card. Driving licences and other photo ID are no longer accepted. Read our passport guide for children, ETA and what happens if you turn up without one.
At the ports
Holyhead is at the end of the A55 on Anglesey, and the ferry terminal shares a building with the railway station, so rail passengers walk straight from the train to check-in. Long-stay parking costs about £8 a day. See the Holyhead terminal guide.
Dublin Port has two terminals about a 10 to 12 minute walk apart, so check which one your ticket uses. Both are close to the Port Tunnel for drivers. See the Dublin Port guide.
Planning guides
- Foot passenger or car? Check-in, luggage and getting into Dublin compared.
- Taking your dog: paperwork, kennels, Pet Dens and pet cabins.
- Accessible travel: booking free assistance on both operators.
- What the crossing is really like: delays, rough seas and seasickness.
Holyhead to Dublin ferry FAQ
Do I need a passport for the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin?
Yes. Since 28 September 2026 every passenger, including British and Irish citizens and children, must show a valid passport or an Irish passport card to board.
Which ferry companies sail from Holyhead to Dublin?
Irish Ferries and Stena Line. Each runs up to four sailings a day in each direction.
What is the quickest ferry from the UK to Dublin?
Normally the Dublin Swift from Holyhead, at about 2 hours 15 minutes. It didn’t sail in 2026, so for now the quickest option is any Holyhead sailing at about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Is the crossing rough?
Most crossings are fine on these large ships, but the Irish Sea can be lively in winter storms and sailings are sometimes delayed. See what the crossing is like for seasickness tips.
Is it cheaper to book in advance?
Usually, yes. Early booking gives you more choice and better fares, especially for cars, cabins and school holiday dates.