Holyhead to Dublin Ferry Prices

Q: What’s the cheapest way to travel by ferry between Holyhead and Dublin?

The lowest fares on this route typically range from £39, with foot passengers usually getting the cheapest rates. Stena Line and Irish Ferries are similarly priced, but the best deals appear in winter, especially on off-peak sailings (very early or late) and midweek, when it’s also quieter onboard. For the lowest prices, travel without a vehicle, book early, use Stena’s Low Fare Calendar or Irish Ferries’ Special Offers, and check for seasonal promotions or discount codes.

Holyhead Dublin ferry prices change based on how early you book, the travel date, and whether you choose the Fast Ferry or the cruise ferry. Here we show you clear price ranges for each option.

Typical ferry costs

Below are typical one way prices for the Holyhead to Dublin route in the current season:

Traveller type	Typical one way price (£)
Car + 2 passengers	£119 – £200
Foot passenger	£38 – £60
Motorbike + rider	£60 – £105
Camper or caravan	£155 – £275
Pet (additional cost)	£17 – £30
Lounge upgrade	£17 – £35

Prices tend to be lowest on weekday crossings outside the peak summer months and highest on weekend sailings in July and August or when you book late.

Example Prices by Traveller Type

Car and two passengers

A standard car with two adults typically costs between £119 and £200 one way.
During the busiest summer sailings, prices can be higher if you book close to the departure date.

Foot passengers

Foot passengers usually pay between £38 and £60 per person.
If you are flexible with your travel time, you can often find fares at the lower end of this range.

Motorbikes

A motorbike with rider generally costs between £60 and £105 one way.
Motorbikes take up less deck space and are often slightly cheaper than cars.

Campers and caravans

Campers, motorhomes and cars with caravans are priced mostly by length.
Typical one way fares range from £155 to £275.
Longer vehicles can sell out quickly on popular sailings, so booking early is recommended.

Travelling with pets

Bringing a dog or other pet usually costs an additional £17 to £35 per crossing,
depending on the ferry company and whether a kennel is required.

Checking both companies is always worthwhile, as even a small shift in departure time can make a noticeable price difference.

Irish Ferries vs Stena Line
Price comparison

Irish Ferries and Stena Line usually offer very similar prices, although one can be cheaper on certain dates. Most travellers choose based on the best combination of fare and departure time.

Fast Ferry vs Cruise Ferry Prices

The Fast Ferry is often the more expensive option, especially during peak season.
On quieter days, prices for the Fast Ferry and cruise ferry can be quite similar. Sometimes even cheaper!

The cruise ferry usually offers the lowest and most stable fares.
The Fast Ferry often costs around £9 to £34 more on popular sailings.

If the difference is small, many travellers prefer the Fast Ferry because of the much shorter crossing time.
If you are price-sensitive or prone to seasickness, the cruise ferry is generally the better choice.

How to Get the Best Holyhead Dublin Ferry Price

Tips for low prices

1. Book as early as possible

Fares increase as a sailing fills up. Booking early is the most reliable way to secure the lowest price.

2. Be flexible with dates and times

Early morning and late evening crossings are often cheaper. Midweek departures are usually less expensive than weekends.

3. Compare both ferry companies

Small differences in departure time can produce significant savings, so always check both operators.

4. Check available offers and discount codes

Ferry companies sometimes offer special deals, especially to fill less popular sailings. This means you can occasionally find very attractive fares. One website that actively monitors ferry discounts and even negotiates offers for its visitors is Ferrygogo.

Check: Stena Line discount codes | Irish Ferries discount codes

Extra Costs You Should Be Aware Of

Keep these possible extra charges in mind when comparing fares:

Changes and cancellations: usually £17 to £26 plus any fare difference
Pets: £17 to £30
Lounge upgrades: £17 to £34 per person
Meals: not included unless part of a package or lounge access
Long vehicles: higher fares based on total vehicle lengt

Answers to the most common questions about the Holyhead to Dublin ferry prices

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the cheapest way to travel by ferry between Holyhead and Dublin?

The lowest fares on this route typically range from £39, with foot passengers usually getting the cheapest rates. Stena Line and Irish Ferries are similarly priced, but the best deals appear in winter, especially on off-peak sailings (very early or late) and midweek, when it’s also quieter onboard. For the lowest prices, travel without a vehicle, book early, use Stena’s Low Fare Calendar or Irish Ferries’ Special Offers, and check for seasonal promotions or discount codes.

Why do Holyhead Dublin ferry prices change so much?

Fares are demand-based. As a sailing fills up, the price usually increases.

Are there last minute deals?

Not often. Prices typically rise rather than fall as the departure date approaches.

Is the Fast Ferry always more expensive?

Not always. On off-peak dates the fares can be similar, but during busy periods the Fast Ferry is usually the higher-priced option.

Are children cheaper than adults?

Yes, child fares are generally lower, and infants often travel for a very small fee or free.

Do foot passengers pay extra for luggage?

No, there is no additional luggage fee for standard baggage.