How to Get Cheap Ferry Crossings to Ireland

As the Ferry & Travel specialist here at My Favourite Voucher Codes, I spend most of my working week tracking the best savings on routes across the UK and Europe. But there’s one crossing I know better than any other; the journey from Britain to Ireland. I make this trip regularly to visit family and friends, and over the years I’ve learnt exactly how ferry prices behave, where the genuine deals hide, and how to cut your travel bill without sacrificing comfort. If you’re planning a trip to Dublin, Rosslare, or the north of Ireland, this guide will walk you through every proven method I use to secure cheap ferry crossings.

If you want to jump straight to the savings, our dedicated hub is the best place to start. We update the Europe Ferry voucher codes page daily with the newest Irish ferry discounts, seasonal offers, and exclusive promotions. But if you want the deeper strategy that gets you consistently cheap fares, read on — because this is everything I’ve learnt from years of crossing the Irish Sea.

Quick Links to the Best Irish Ferry Discounts

Before we dive into the saving strategies, here are the four key operators you’ll want to keep an eye on. All of these pages are updated with fresh voucher codes, promotional fares, and early-booking deals:

• Stena Line voucher codes
• Irish Ferries voucher codes
• Direct Ferries voucher codes
• P&O Ferries voucher codes

I use these pages myself whenever I plan a trip. Each operator releases unadvertised offers throughout the year, and they’re rarely highlighted on their homepage. That’s why checking these links before you book is one of the simplest ways to save.

The Cheapest Routes from the UK to Ireland

Fares vary dramatically based on the route you choose. When I'm booking my own trips, I always compare routes before locking anything in — especially during the summer months. Here’s a breakdown of the main routes and how prices typically behave.

Holyhead to Dublin – The Most Popular and Often the Cheapest

This is the busiest corridor between Britain and Ireland, sailed by both Stena Line and Irish Ferries. Because there’s competition between operators and multiple daily crossings, this route often delivers the best combination of price and time. Advance booking can unlock excellent value, especially when paired with the latest Irish Ferries discounts or Stena Line voucher codes.

Cairnryan to Larne – Your Fastest Northern Ireland Option

If your destination is Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland, Cairnryan–Larne is usually the quickest and most efficient route. P&O Ferries operate this service, and they frequently run car-and-driver promotions or family-friendly bundles on our P&O Ferries code page.

Liverpool to Dublin – Ideal for Longer, More Relaxed Crossings

The Liverpool–Dublin service is slower, but many travellers prefer the overnight sailing. If you’re not in a hurry and want to save on accommodation, this route can represent excellent value when a discount is available.

Fishguard to Rosslare – Best for Travellers from Wales and the West Country

This is another competitive corridor served by Stena Line. Prices here can be extremely attractive off-season, especially when combined with verified offers on our ferry voucher pages.

Using Ferry Voucher Codes Effectively

One mistake I see customers make again and again is applying a voucher code too late in the booking journey. Every operator handles promo codes slightly differently, but they all follow the same principle: enter the code before you confirm your sailing options. This allows the system to reveal discounted prices in advance and ensures you’re not overpaying.

If you’re new to ferry travel, here’s a simple overview of what to expect:

• Irish Ferries – Code box appears before selecting cabins and extras.
• Stena Line – You can enter your code after selecting your route; discounts apply instantly.
• P&O Ferries – Promo code field is provided during the fare selection stage.
• Direct Ferries – Aggregator deals vary; some discounts apply automatically at checkout.

As soon as you find your preferred route, compare it with the offers on the Europe Ferry voucher codes hub. That’s where you’ll find both multi-route promotions and operator-specific deals, all updated regularly.

When to Book for the Lowest Prices

I’ve been monitoring ferry pricing for years, and ferry operators follow a surprisingly predictable pattern. Here’s when I consistently see the best fares across all Irish routes.

Book 8–12 Weeks in Advance

Ferry travel doesn’t follow the same aggressive dynamic pricing you’ll find with airlines, but fares do creep up as the sailing date approaches. I find that 8–12 weeks ahead gives you the sweet spot between availability and price.

Avoid Friday & Sunday Sailings

These are always the most expensive days of the week. If you’re able to travel mid-week — especially Tuesday or Wednesday — fares drop significantly. More than once, I’ve found savings of £40–£70 simply by shifting my outbound trip by one day.

Travel in Shoulder Seasons

March, April, September, and October are consistently cheaper. The weather is still mild, the sea is calm, and both Stena Line and Irish Ferries usually release flash sales during these months. These deals almost always appear first on the MFVC ferry voucher pages.

Money-Saving Strategies I Use Every Time

If you’re determined to lower your costs even further, these are the methods I use for my own travel. They’re simple, reliable, and they work on every operator.

1. Travel as a Foot Passenger Where Possible

Car crossings are convenient, but they’re also expensive. If you don't absolutely need your vehicle, foot-passenger fares are often less than half the price.

2. Choose Evening or Overnight Sailings

Night crossings are typically 10–25% cheaper. If you’re comfortable sleeping on board or opting for a simple reclining seat, you’ll save even more.

3. Bring Your Own Food

On-board dining is convenient but costly. Bringing snacks and drinks can easily save a family of four £25–£40.

4. Book Cabins in Advance

Booking your cabin early can reduce the price considerably, especially during peak season when availability becomes tight.

5. Use the MFVC Ferry Voucher Pages

Our dedicated pages collect the newest offers in one place, saving you time and ensuring you don’t miss out on seasonal flash sales. Check: Europe Ferry voucher codes

When Direct Ferries Works Out Cheaper

Direct Ferries isn’t an operator — it’s a comparison platform. I often use it to benchmark prices before booking directly. Sometimes they offer unique deals that don’t appear on operator websites, and at other times, booking directly is cheaper. The key is to compare both options before committing.

We keep the best Direct Ferries offers updated on: Direct Ferries voucher codes

Responsive Comparison Table: Cheapest Routes

FAQs – Cheap Ferry Crossings to Ireland

Q: What is the cheapest ferry route to Ireland?

The Holyhead–Dublin route is often the cheapest due to competition between Irish Ferries and Stena Line. Prices drop even further during shoulder seasons.

Q: Can I get last-minute ferry discounts?

Last-minute deals are rare, but not impossible. Operators prefer early bookings, so prices usually rise rather than fall. Your safest method is checking our ferry voucher code pages before you travel.

Q: Do operators offer family deals?

Yes. Stena Line, Irish Ferries, and P&O all release family bundles at different times of the year, including free child places and discounted cabins.

Q: Is it cheaper to book one-way or return?

Return fares are almost always better value, especially when combined with a voucher code.

Q: Are foot-passenger deals worth it?

Absolutely. If you’re travelling solo or meeting family on the other side, foot-passenger tickets offer outstanding savings.

Q: Is it cheaper to ferry or fly to Ireland?

For solo travellers, flying can sometimes be cheaper. For families, groups, or car travel, ferries almost always win on price — especially with a voucher code.

Q: How early should I arrive at the port?

With a car, aim for 90 minutes before departure. Foot passengers usually need 45–60 minutes. Arriving early avoids stress and helps you get settled comfortably.

Q: Can I change my booking if I find a cheaper fare later?

Some tickets are flexible, while others incur amendment fees. Flexible fares cost slightly more upfront, but they can be useful during sale periods.

Q: Are there student, senior, or group discounts?

Yes. Some operators offer seasonal student fares, group booking discounts, and senior rates — many of which appear on our MFVC ferry voucher code pages when active.

Q: Are flexible or refundable ticket types worth it?

For holidays and fixed-date travel, standard fares are usually sufficient. For business trips, unpredictable schedules, or bad-weather seasons, flexible fares can save you money in the long run.

How to Choose the Right Port for Your Journey

One of the biggest mistakes I see travellers make is choosing the wrong UK port for their journey. Ferry prices can vary by as much as £60–£120 depending on where you depart, and it’s not always the closest port that delivers the cheapest fare. Over the years, travelling home to Ireland and helping thousands of readers plan their crossings, I’ve learnt that comparing ports is one of the easiest ways to reduce your travel bill.

If you're travelling from the Midlands or North West, Liverpool is often the most convenient — especially for overnight crossings. For anyone in North Wales or the North West coastline, Holyhead remains the most accessible and cost-effective route. Meanwhile, travellers from Scotland almost always save money by sailing from Cairnryan to Larne rather than driving south to Holyhead or west to Liverpool.

Even travellers from the South of England can keep prices low by driving to Fishguard or Holyhead rather than flying. The key is to map your starting point, check fuel costs for each port, and then compare ferry fares across the operators. Doing this extra five minutes of research often produces surprisingly big savings — and once you’ve selected your port, always check the live offers on our ferry pages before booking.

Taking a Car vs Travelling as a Foot Passenger

One question I’m asked constantly is whether it’s cheaper to bring your car or travel as a foot passenger. The price difference can be significant, and depending on your plans in Ireland, you may not need a vehicle at all. Foot-passenger fares are typically the cheapest way to cross the Irish Sea, sometimes costing less than half the price of a car ticket. If you're visiting family or hiring a car on arrival, travelling without your vehicle can be an excellent way to cut costs.

That said, bringing a car does have advantages — especially if you're exploring rural areas or carrying luggage, bikes, or pets. It’s also ideal for families who need convenience and flexibility. Ferry operators regularly run car-and-driver promotions, which you’ll find on our dedicated voucher code pages. These offers can balance out the higher base fare, making it worthwhile to bring your vehicle on board.

As a rule, if you don’t need a car in Ireland, go as a foot passenger. If you do, book early and check our ferry voucher code pages — the savings can be substantial.

Travelling with Pets, Bikes and Extra Luggage

Many people cross to Ireland with pets, sporting equipment, or extra luggage, but very few know how to minimise the extra costs. I’ve travelled with dogs, bikes, and bulky luggage multiple times, and each operator handles these extras slightly differently.

Pets: Some sailings require kennels, others offer pet-friendly cabins, and a few allow pets to remain in your vehicle. Fees vary, but booking early always secures the best prices. Stena Line and Irish Ferries often introduce seasonal pet-friendly deals, which we list as soon as they appear.

Bicycles: Bikes are one of the best-value extras on ferries. Most operators charge very little — and some routes carry bicycles for free. If you’re planning a cycling trip or exploring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, bringing a bike can be far cheaper than renting one locally.

Luggage: Ferries are generous with luggage compared to airlines, but oversized sports equipment or multiple bulky bags can still incur charges. Packing efficiently and pre-booking extras will always save you money.

Before travelling with pets or equipment, check the operator guidelines and browse our latest offers — we flag promotions where pets or bikes travel at reduced rates or included in the main fare.

Onboard Facilities and How Not to Overspend

Whether you’re crossing for two hours or eight, onboard spending can quickly add up if you’re not prepared. Over the years, I’ve developed a few habits that help me keep travel costs under control without sacrificing comfort.

Dining: Buying food on the ship is the most common overspend. Meals, snacks, and drinks are convenient but expensive. I always bring a small bag with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks — and that alone usually saves £20–£30 per trip.

Lounges and Upgrades: Premium lounges offer quiet spaces, snacks, and comfortable seating. They’re great for long or overnight sailings, but unnecessary for shorter routes. My rule is simple: if the crossing is under 3 hours, skip the lounge unless you have young children or need workspace.

Cabins: Cabins are well worth it on overnight sailings. You save on accommodation, get privacy, and arrive feeling fresh. Just make sure to book early — prices rise sharply in the days before departure.

Duty-Free: Duty-free can offer good value, but only if you know typical prices. I recommend comparing the onboard prices with supermarket or high-street costs before buying. Sometimes the ship has brilliant deals; other times, the savings are minimal.

Using Loyalty Schemes and Member-Only Deals

Most regular ferry operators offer loyalty schemes, exclusive memberships, or early-access promotions. These are worth joining if you sail even twice a year.

Stena Line Extra gives members access to points, priority offers, and occasional onboard discounts. Irish Ferries Club Class access can sometimes be discounted through promotions, and P&O send early flash-sale alerts to newsletter subscribers.

These schemes rarely replace voucher codes entirely, but they do stack well with off-peak travel and advance booking. I personally subscribe to every operator newsletter because member-only codes tend to be released quietly — and when they do, we add the best ones straight to our MFVC ferry voucher pages.

Sample Budget Itineraries: How I Plan My Own Trips

I’m often asked how I personally plan my trips home to Ireland, so here are two example itineraries that show how small decisions influence the total price.

Manchester to Dublin – Long Weekend

From Manchester, I drive to Holyhead. I always check mid-week sailings first because Friday prices are among the highest of the week. A Tuesday outbound and Thursday return often saves me £40–£60 compared with weekend sailing. I’ll compare Stena Line and Irish Ferries, check our voucher pages, and pick whichever route offers the best combination of time and price.

Glasgow to Belfast – Family Holiday

For Scottish departures, Cairnryan is the clear winner. It keeps driving time down, and P&O frequently run family-friendly offers. I book early, choose a daytime sailing to avoid cabin costs, and always pack food for the kids. This simple approach usually cuts £80–£100 off the total trip.

These itineraries may seem straightforward, but each step — port choice, day of travel, meal planning, when you book — all contribute to lowering the final cost.

Common Mistakes People Make When Booking a Ferry to Ireland

After years of helping travellers find better deals, I’ve spotted a few common mistakes that cost people far more than they realise.

Leaving booking too late: Ferry prices don’t usually drop near departure. They rise. Booking early consistently delivers the best value.

Not comparing operators: Holyhead–Dublin and Cairnryan–Larne both have operator competition. Checking multiple pages takes 30 seconds and can save £20–£50.

Choosing peak-day sailings: Friday and Sunday crossings are the most expensive, especially in summer. Switching days is one of the easiest savings available.

Overpaying for extras: Priority boarding and premium seating aren’t always necessary. Save these for long or overnight trips.

Forgetting to check voucher codes: Every route has seasonal deals, but many aren’t on operator homepages. Our ferry-specific pages collect them all in one place — and they’re updated daily.

Final Thoughts – Your Cheapest Route to Ireland Starts Here

As someone who regularly travels home to Ireland, keeping ferry costs down is second nature to me. Whether you cross once a year or every few months, the combination of smart timing, route comparison, and verified discount codes will consistently unlock lower prices. Before you book anything, make sure you check our live, daily-updated savings: Click here for the latest Europe Ferry voucher codes and Irish ferry discounts I’ll continue updating these pages with the latest deals, flash sales, and exclusive offers — so you always get the best price possible.

By Julian House, Ferry & Travel Expert on 24th November 2025