Liverpool to Dublin Ferry: 2025 Timetable & Prices

Stena Line runs the only direct passenger ferry from Liverpool to Dublin in 2025, but the route looks thinner than it did a few years ago. The daily crossing covers 117 nautical miles in about eight hours, still letting you bring your car or book a cabin.

Operator: Stena Line · Average duration: 7 hours 30 minutes · Distance: 117 nautical miles (217 km) · Earliest departure: 09:30 (arrives 17:30) · Latest departure: 21:00 (arrives 05:30) · Frequency: Daily departures

Six key details about the crossing, drawn from operator and aggregator data:

Is there a direct ferry from Liverpool to Dublin?

Current operator

Yes — Stena Line runs the only direct passenger ferry from Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Dublin Port. The service operates daily, with departures scheduled year-round according to Omio ferry aggregator.

Duration and schedule overview

• Average crossing: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Earliest departure: 09:30 (arrives 17:30)
• Latest departure: 21:00 (arrives 05:30)
• Frequency: 1–2 sailings per day, per Omio ferry aggregator

Booking options

Tickets are available directly through Stena Line’s official site, which offers a low-fare calendar for the best rates. Third-party aggregators like Omio ferry aggregator also list the route, but prices may vary. Direct Ferries ferry aggregator currently shows the Liverpool–Dublin service as unavailable, so always verify on Stena Line’s site before planning.

How long is the ferry from Liverpool to Dublin?

Average crossing time

The scheduled sailing time is 7 hours 30 minutes from Liverpool Birkenhead to Dublin Port, covering 117 nautical miles (217 km), according to Omio ferry aggregator. The return (Dublin to Liverpool) takes the same duration.

Factors affecting duration

• Weather and sea conditions on the Irish Sea can add 30–60 minutes
• Seasonal schedules: summer may have extra departures
• Maintenance or port delays — check real-time updates via Stena Line’s live service page

Comparison with other routes

• Holyhead–Dublin: 3 hours 15 minutes (Stena Line Holyhead route page)
• Liverpool–Belfast: 8 hours (Stena Line Liverpool–Belfast route page)

The pattern: longer crossing times come with more onboard comfort, which matters for overnight travellers.

Why is there no ferry from Dublin to Liverpool?

Current Dublin to Liverpool services

There is a return ferry from Dublin to Liverpool — Stena Line operates the same route in both directions. The misconception likely comes from the fact that several ferry aggregators, including Direct Ferries ferry aggregator, list the Liverpool–Dublin service as discontinued, while the Dublin–Liverpool crossing is still bookable via Omio ferry aggregator and NetFerry Stena overview.

Historical context

In 2022, P&O Ferries suspended its passenger service on the Liverpool–Dublin route as part of a wider operational review (Direct Ferries ferry aggregator). Stena Line, which had always offered freight sailings, stepped in to maintain a daily passenger and vehicle service.

Misconceptions

• Some travel websites incorrectly suggest no service exists because P&O’s departure leaves a gap
• In reality, Stena Line covers the route — book directly or via Omio ferry aggregator to confirm availability

What is the quickest ferry from the UK to Dublin?

Liverpool to Dublin crossing

7 hours 30 minutes — slower but allows overnight sailing and cabin accommodation, as confirmed by Omio ferry aggregator.

Holyhead to Dublin crossing

3 hours 15 minutes — the fastest route, operated by Stena Line with 8 daily sailings, per Stena Line Holyhead route page. Prices start from €179.50 one-way for a car and driver.

Other routes comparison

• Liverpool–Belfast: 8 hours, up to 4 sailings daily, from €179 for car and driver (Stena Line Liverpool–Belfast route page)
• Fishguard–Rosslare: 3 hours 30 minutes (not directly comparable for Dublin)

The implication: choosing the fastest route may not save total travel time if you have to drive to Holyhead first.

Is the ferry from Liverpool to Dublin stopped?

P&O suspension

In 2022, P&O Ferries ceased passenger services on the Liverpool–Dublin route indefinitely, according to Direct Ferries ferry aggregator. This left a gap that many travelers assumed meant the route was dead.

Stena Line operations

Stena Line continues daily passenger and freight sailings. The service is fully operational, with tickets available for foot passengers, cars, and cabin bookings (Omio ferry aggregator). Stena Line’s low-fare calendar confirms departures for 2025.

Future outlook

No official announcements suggest a second operator will join the route soon. Travelers should rely on Stena Line for the foreseeable future.

The reality: travellers who check Stena Line directly will find a working route, not a dead one.

Pros and Cons of the Liverpool to Dublin ferry

How to book your Liverpool to Dublin ferry ticket

Step 1: Choose your crossing

Select between daytime (09:30–17:30) or overnight (21:00–05:30) sailings. The overnight option includes cabin upgrades for a better rest.

Step 2: Check prices on Stena Line’s official site

Use the low-fare calendar to see the cheapest available fare for your travel date. Fares start around €25 for foot passengers, according to Omio ferry aggregator.

Step 3: Add extras

• Vehicle: cars, motorbikes, campervans allowed
• Cabin: book a private cabin for overnight sailings
• Pets: Stena Line permits pets in kennels or vehicles

Step 4: Confirm and arrive early

Arrive at Liverpool Birkenhead at least 1 hour before departure. Check-in closes 30 minutes prior. No paper tickets needed — use your booking reference.

Timeline: Liverpool–Dublin Ferry Milestones

• 2022: P&O Ferries suspends passenger service on the Liverpool–Dublin route (Direct Ferries ferry aggregator)
• 2022–present: Stena Line continues daily passenger and freight service (Omio ferry aggregator)
• 2024: Stena Line upgrades fleet with improved onboard amenities
• 2025: Stena Line remains the sole operator; no return of P&O indicated

What’s clear — and what’s not

What travelers are saying

“We continue to operate daily passenger and freight services between Liverpool and Dublin, offering cabins and vehicle transport.”

—— Stena Line spokesperson, official route page

“The Liverpool to Dublin ferry service is no longer available.”

—— Direct Ferries, ferry aggregator

The contradiction between these two sources sums up the confusion — Stena Line runs the service, but several travel booking sites have not updated their listings.

Is the Liverpool to Dublin ferry worth it in 2025?

For anyone starting in Liverpool or the northwest of England, the direct ferry is still the most convenient way to get a car to Dublin without driving to Holyhead. The service is reliable, offers overnight options, and lets you bring your vehicle. The main downside is the lack of competition — you’re tied to Stena Line’s schedules and pricing. For travelers heading to Dublin, the implication is clear: if you’re in Liverpool, book Stena Line’s daily crossing; if speed matters more, drive to Holyhead for the 3-hour hop.

For those considering alternative routes, the Holyhead to Dublin ferry offers another convenient crossing from Wales to Ireland.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Holyhead to Dublin ferry guide — Stena Line
• Liverpool to Belfast ferry details — Stena Line
• Stena Line route overview — NetFerry