How to Take Strangford Lough Ferry
Are you planning to travel by ferry from Strangford to Portaferry or vice versa? Read our guide on taking the Strangford Lough ferry in County Down, including the ferry cost and how to get there.
Driving along Northern Ireland's coast was an unforgettable experience.
We toured the Causeway Coastal Route, saw Dunluce Castle, and visited the Titanic Belfast Museum, just to name a few highlights of this journey.
Clearly, these are some of the most popular attractions in the country. But the trip was also filled with much smaller adventures.
One of them was the ferry ride between Strangford and Portaferry, connecting the Ards and Lecale peninsulas.
The little experiences such as this were one of the main reasons why we enjoyed our Ireland road trip so much.
If you're unsure whether to include the Strangford Ferry ride in your Ireland itinerary, you've come to the right place.
Strangford - Portaferry Ferry
This trip is very straightforward, but there are a few things you should know about Strangford - Portaferry Ferry before you go.
Where is Strangford Ferry Located
Strangford Ferry can be found in County Down, on the east coast of Northern Ireland.
The Strangford Ferry travels between Strangford and Portaferry, two small settlements on each side of the lough.
Portaferry is a small town on the southern tip of the Ards Peninsula.
Strangford is a tiny village in the north of the Lecale Peninsula.
Strangford Lough
Strangford Lough is the largest enclosed inlet on the British Isles. The lough enters the Irish Sea at the narrowest point, fittingly known as the Narrows.
Strangford Lough is also an important wildlife habitat known as a great wildlife-watching spot.
Crossing the Strangford Lough
Our journey from Belfast took us to Portaferry first. We followed the A20 all the way to the waterfront.
The ferry terminal is on the right, so just follow the signage from here.
Drivers need to stay in their vehicles for the entire duration of the journey. As this is just a short ferry ride, this is no big deal.
If you're not traveling alone, additional passengers might want to consider boarding the ferry on foot.
If you're lucky, you might be able to spot seals and seabirds.
By the way, the ferry seemed fairly new and sturdy.
Ards and Lecale Peninsulas
There is no shortage of things to do on Ards Peninsula with its beautiful coastal scenery, charming seaside towns, and sandy beaches.
If you have time, you can explore Crawfordsburn Country Park, Orlock Point, or Helen's Bay Beach, to name just a few places worth seeing.
In our opinion, one of the best things to do on Ards Peninsula is to cross the Strangford Lough between Portaferry and Strangford.
On Lecale, you can visit Killard National Nature Reserve, Castle Ward, and Rossglass Beach, learn about its rich history, or just enjoy the views of the Mountains of Mourne in the background.
Ferry Timetable
The ferry departs on the hour and on the half-hour from Strangford and the quarter past and quarter to the hour from Portaferry.
From Strangford, the first crossing is at 7:30 AM and the last at 10:30 PM on weekdays (8 AM - 11 PM on Saturday and 9:30 AM - 10:30 PM on Sunday).
From Portaferry, the first crossing is at 7:45 AM and the last at 10:45 PM on weekdays from Strangford (8:15 AM - 11:15 PM on Saturday and 9:45 AM - 10:45 PM on Sunday).
The ferry runs daily at 30-minute intervals throughout the day, except for Christmas Day.
Schedules are subject to change, so always check the official website for the most up-to-date information before you go.
Tickets
There are a number of ticket types available for Strangford Ferry. So, how much does the ferry between Strangford and Portaferry cost?
We got the single trip ticket for £5.80 (vehicle up to six meters in length, and the fare includes driver only).
The return ticket was £10 per car. Keep in mind that return tickets are valid for one week.
An adult passenger ticket costs £1 for a single trip, and bicycles are not charged.
Contactless payment is available onboard, and you can't book your Strangford Ferry ticket in advance.
How Much Time Do I Need
Despite the fact that Strangford Lough is the largest inlet in Ireland, the ferry crosses the lough at the narrowest point.
Therefore, the Strangford Ferry ride usually takes anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes.
The ferry ride is not just a great addition to your itinerary but also saves a lot of time compared to car travel.
Just remember that waiting times are unavoidable during the peak season.
That said, this journey is a great way to take in this beautiful area, not just save time.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
How to Get There
If you want to take Strangford Ferry, you need to get to Portaferry or Strangford first.
The easiest and most comfortable way to get there is by car, though you can also take a bus or an organized trip.
Car rental is the preferred option by many visitors to Ireland, as it allows the flexibility to travel at your own pace.
Car
Driving in Ireland can be challenging at times due to narrow roads and the fact that you will need to stay on the left side of the road.
However, both A20 and A25, which connect the peninsulas with the mainland, are regular roads with two lanes, making driving as easy as possible.
Portaferry is about 50 kilometers from Belfast and 160 kilometers from Derry.
Strangford is about 45 kilometers from Belfast, 60 kilometers from Newry, 15 kilometers from Downpatrick, and 180 kilometers from Dublin.
If you want to rent a car in Ireland, read this guide.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Bus
You can get to Strangford or Portaferry by bus from Belfast, Downpatrick, Bangor, etc.
Just check the Translink's website to see the current timetables.
Traveling around Ards and Lecale peninsulas by public transport is doable but inconvenient.
Keep in mind that it's not just about how you get to your next destination but also how you get around.
Tours
If you're not keen on driving on the left side of the road, consider taking a tour.
Some of the most popular tours in Northern Ireland focus on Game of Thrones.
This popular Game of Thrones Tour from Belfast includes some of the most famous filming locations and also the Strangford Ferry ride.
Where to Stay
There are only a few accommodations in Portaferry and Stranford. You will find more places to stay along the way, but you will most likely need a car.
Alternatively, you can stay in one of the larger cities like Bangor or Downpatrick.
Lastly, you can stay in Belfast and visit Ards and Lecale Peninsulas on a day trip.
Either way, here are tips on the best hotels in Portaferry, Strangford, and the surrounding area.
Portaferry | The Narrows - This cozy bed and breakfast is one of the most popular properties in Portaferry. Expect clean, affordable rooms, excellent location, street parking, and great Strangford Lough views.
Strangford | Cuan Boutique Hotel - With beautiful rooms and decor, an amazing location, and tasty food, this is one of the best places to stay in Strangford. This family-run guesthouse is just around the corner from the ferry terminal.
Downpatrick | Denvir's Coaching Inn - Denvir's Coaching Inn - Established in 1642, this is one of Ireland's oldest accommodations on the island. Expect comfortable rooms, great breakfast, and friendly staff. Downpatrick is a 15-minute drive from Strangford.
Belfast | ibis Belfast - If you want to keep your expenses at bay, this is one of the most popular budget hotels in Belfast's city center. The rooms are clean and modern and include air conditioning. Parking is available across the street.
Is Strangford Ferry Worth It?
If you're traveling between Ards and Lecale peninsulas, Strangford Ferry offers the quickest way to cross the lough.
While this little adventure is not among the most sought-after things to do in County Down, it saves a lot of time.
The 75-kilometer journey between Strangford and Portaferry takes about 90 minutes, depending on the current traffic.
In this case, Strangford Ferry is definitely worth it.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
