Dublin to Holyhead ferry times for Irish Ferries and Stena Line, Dublin Port terminals, passports, ETA and trains on from Holyhead.
Last checked: 14 November 2026. Up to eight ferries a day sail from Dublin to Holyhead: four with Irish Ferries and four with Stena Line. The crossing takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The first sailing leaves Dublin at 01:15 and the last at 22:30, and every passenger needs a passport.
Dublin to Holyhead Ferry Times
| Departs Dublin | Arrives Holyhead | Operator | Usual ship |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01:15 | 04:45 | Irish Ferries | James Joyce |
| 04:30 | 08:00 | Stena Line | Stena Estrid |
| 07:30 | 11:00 | Irish Ferries | Ulysses |
| 10:15 | 13:45 | Stena Line | Stena Adventurer |
| 13:45 | 17:15 | Irish Ferries | James Joyce |
| 16:30 | 20:00 | Stena Line | Stena Estrid |
| 19:45 | 23:15 | Irish Ferries | Ulysses |
| 22:30 | 02:00 (next day) | Stena Line | Stena Adventurer |
These are the current winter times. Some early sailings do not run every day, and ships swap between sailings, so check your booking. Irish Ferries’ Dublin Swift fast ferry normally adds crossings of about 2 hours 15 minutes in the warmer months, but did not sail in 2026. For the other direction, see our Holyhead to Dublin ferry timetable.
Getting to Dublin Port
Dublin Port is about 2.7 km east of the city centre. Check which terminal your operator uses before you set off:
| Operator | Terminal | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Ferries | Terminal 1 | Terminal Road South, Dublin Port, Dublin 1 |
| Stena Line | Terminal 2 | Alexandra Road, Dublin Port, D01 WD28 |
- Bus to Irish Ferries (Terminal 1): Dublin Bus route 53 runs from Talbot Street in the city centre.
- Bus to Stena Line (Terminal 2): a dedicated bus runs daily between Georges Quay, near Tara Street station, and the terminal.
- Taxi: roughly 10 to 15 minutes from the city centre, usually around €15 to €20.
- Tram: the Luas Red Line stop at The Point is opposite the port entrance, but it is still a walk to the terminals.
- Parking: car parks at Terminals 1 and 2 are run by APCOA and can be booked in advance.
More detail is in our Dublin Port Ferry Terminal guide.
Passports, ETA and Check-in
- Passport for everyone: since 28 September 2026 every passenger needs a valid passport or Irish passport card, including Irish citizens and children. Driving licences are no longer accepted. See our passport guide.
- ETA for Britain: if you are not a British or Irish citizen, you may need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation or visa to enter Britain at Holyhead. Apply before you travel, using the same passport as your ferry booking.
- Check-in: Irish Ferries closes check-in 30 minutes before departure. Stena Line’s cut-off is shown on your booking. Allow more time at busy periods.
Arriving in Holyhead
Holyhead railway station shares a building with the ferry terminal, so foot passengers walk straight from the ship to the trains in a few minutes. Drivers join the A55 North Wales Expressway just outside the port.
- London: Avanti West Coast runs direct trains to London Euston, about 5 a day, taking from around 3 hours 45 minutes.
- Chester, Manchester and Cardiff: Transport for Wales trains run along the North Wales coast, with Chester about 1 hour 40 minutes away.
- Rail and sail: combined SailRail tickets cover the ferry and the train in one booking.
See our Holyhead Ferry Terminal guide for parking and facilities.
Which Operator Should I Choose?
Both take about 3 hours 30 minutes, so most people choose by departure time and price. Irish Ferries uses Terminal 1 and runs the seasonal Dublin Swift fast ferry. Stena Line uses Terminal 2 and has the latest sailing of the day. Read our guides to Irish Ferries and Stena Line, or compare ferry prices.
Dublin to Holyhead Ferry FAQ
How long is the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead?
About 3 hours 30 minutes on the Irish Ferries and Stena Line cruise ferries, or about 2 hours 15 minutes on the seasonal Dublin Swift.
What time is the first ferry from Dublin to Holyhead?
The Irish Ferries 01:15, arriving in Holyhead at 04:45.
What time is the last ferry from Dublin to Holyhead?
The Stena Line 22:30, arriving in Holyhead at 02:00 the next morning.
Do Irish citizens need a passport for the ferry to Holyhead?
Yes. Irish citizens need a valid passport or Irish passport card. A driving licence is no longer accepted.
Can I take my car from Dublin to Holyhead?
Yes. Both operators carry cars, vans, motorhomes and motorbikes on every sailing. Book ahead for school holidays and Christmas.