Dublin Ferry Timetable
Sailings on the Dublin routes by date, the daily pattern of both Holyhead operators, the check-in deadlines per terminal and what the timetable does not tell you.
By dublin.de editorial team · Travel editors · Last updated: September 2026
Two routes serve Dublin Port on a scheduled basis: the short crossing from Holyhead in Wales and the overnight run from Cherbourg in France. They behave completely differently in the timetable, and that matters more for planning than the crossing time does. For what each route is like and what to expect at the port, see our guide to ferries to Dublin.
All sailings by date
Pick your date and route; sailings back from Dublin are on the second tab. Timetables and conditions of carriage can change at short notice. The operator's timetable and your booking confirmation are what count.
Sailings to Dublin and back
All details are subject to change. The operator's departure time and your booking confirmation are authoritative.
Contents
What separates the two routes
| Route | Crossing | Operation | Character in the timetable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holyhead - Dublin | 3 hrs 15 to 3 hrs 30 | all year, two operators | densely timed, seven or eight sailings each way per day |
| Cherbourg - Dublin | 19 to 21 hrs | all year, one operator | one sailing a day, six or seven a week, overnight |
In practice, the Holyhead timetable is a choice: you fix your travel day and pick a sailing to fit, and a missed crossing costs hours. The Cherbourg timetable is an instruction: there is one sailing a day, on some days none, and the whole trip hangs off it.
The daily pattern at Holyhead
Because two operators run in parallel, sailings are spread across the clock. Irish Ferries is scheduled from Holyhead at 01:30, 07:30, 13:15 and 19:30, and from Dublin at 01:15, 07:30, 13:45 and 19:45, using the Ulysses and the James Joyce. Stena Line fits its four daily sailings each way in between with the Stena Adventurer and the Stena Estrid, in the early morning, late morning, afternoon and late evening.
Two habits of this route are worth knowing. First, both operators shift departures by half an hour to an hour for operational reasons, and on Irish Ferries' published list almost every sailing currently carries such a note, so check yours on the day of travel. Second, the Dublin Swift fast ferry is still in the plan at around two hours but is not sailing: Irish Ferries cancels each of its departures and rebooks passengers onto the large ships. If you have a connection to make in Ireland, work with the longer crossing.
Check-in deadlines
Deadlines are measured from the scheduled departure time and apply even when the ship sails late.
| Operator and terminal | Latest check-in |
|---|---|
| Irish Ferries, Dublin - Holyhead (Terminal 1) | 30 minutes before departure, vehicles and foot passengers |
| Stena Line, Holyhead - Dublin (Terminal 2) | published per sailing, separately for cars and foot passengers |
| Isle of Man Steam Packet, Dublin (Terminal 1) | 45 minutes for car drivers, 25 for foot passengers; check-in opens 90 minutes before |
As of September 2026. The overnight crossing from Cherbourg has a considerably longer deadline than the short sea route; it is stated in your booking confirmation. Which terminal applies depends on the operator: Terminal 1 in Dublin is used by Irish Ferries and the Steam Packet, Terminal 2 is Stena Line's. Their onward connections differ, and bus 53 serves Terminal 1 only. The route from the port into the city is set out on our ferries to Dublin page.
From 28 September 2026, no passport means no boarding
From that date Stena Line requires every passenger sailing from Dublin, Holyhead, Fishguard or Rosslare to show a valid passport at check-in, whatever their age or nationality. Photo ID is no longer enough on these routes and each child needs their own document. Allow for the extra step at the desk, where the passport is swiped to capture your details.
Timetables for the other Irish routes
This page covers sailings into Dublin. If you are crossing from south-west Wales or France and landing at Rosslare or Cork, or sailing to Northern Ireland, the sailings for every route to Ireland are listed in the timetable on ferryireland.com.