Rail & Sail tickets make your journeys to Ireland as straightforward as possible. That’s why we’ve decided to team up with Irish Ferries and Stena Line, to give you a comfortable alternative to flights when travelling from the UK to Ireland.
Hop on a train from your station to the port, and then continue your journey on a ferry across the Irish Sea with your combined Rail & Sail tickets. It’s a cheap, stress-free travel experience for the whole family. And it's easy too! Simply search for tickets to Dublin or Rosslare Europort in our widget above. Fancy jumping on-board? Find out more below.
Live: Rail and coach across Ireland!
Ireland has officially arrived on Trainline.
You can now book rail and coach travel across the country, from Dublin to Cork, Galway, Limerick and more – all in one place.
Compare fares, see refund rules clearly before you book and plan your trip without hopping between local operators.
Whether it’s a quick weekend away or another family visit, getting around Ireland just got a lot simpler.
Trains and Ferries to Ireland
Although trains may not be able to take you all the way to Ireland, what they can do is get you to a ferry. So, find out details about the routes below, including the popular London Euston to Dublin route.
Save money, travel by rail and sea
Just imagine it, a train and a ferry in one simple booking, at an affordable price... Score! As an example, you'll be looking at fares that generally start at £53.40 if you travel from London to Dublin (with no extra costs for your baggage).
Just make sure to book your tickets in advance to get the best price. Remember, tickets are usually available between 9 and 12 weeks before the departure date.
*Please note that any prices mentioned are accurate as of June 2026, and may be subject to change (based on train and ferry operators).
Travel by ferry
If you love the gentle roll of the waves and the fresh sea air, then what could be better than catching a ferry to Ireland? You'll have all the time in the world. Take in some great views, read a book or even do some work on your way across the Irish Sea. The choice is yours.
Exclusive lounges from just £22
Forget the check-in queues, horrible waiting times and all the hassle at the airport, because you'll be trading that in for gorgeous panoramic views from the deck of your ferry. Combine this with a peaceful train journey and you'll be well on your way to a stress-busting Ireland break.
Looking to travel in style? Treat yourself to exclusive lounges (Club Class and Stena Plus Lounge) and take advantage of super comfy seating, complimentary drinks, snacks and newspapers — from just £22 per passenger. And don’t forget the eco-friendly side of the ferry — did you know that travelling by sea massively reduces your CO2 emission?
On-board services
In addition to the stunning views and the relaxing roll of the sea, there are plenty of onboard activities to keep the whole family occupied. Why not kill a bit of time browsing the duty-free shops? Or, if you're hungry, enjoy a hot meal at the brasserie or grab a quick coffee. From light snacks to hearty meals, your cravings are completely covered.
Standard Wi-Fi is available onboard to check your emails and send messages. (Just remember to turn off your mobile data roaming before leaving port to avoid maritime charges!). Plus, select vessels even feature onboard movie lounges and cinemas — the perfect way to sit back, relax and make the crossing fly by.
Take more luggage with you
Ferries
While Stena Line ferries don't have any limitations, Irish Ferries allow two 22kg suitcases per person and a smaller piece of hand luggage. Hand luggage must be under 60cm x 50cm x 40cm. Anything larger must be checked into the ship’s luggage handling facility before boarding. You can also take bicycles onboard.
Trains
As for the train leg of your journey, each passenger can bring up to three personal items free of charge (typically two large suitcases up to 30x70x90cm and one smaller item of hand luggage). However, space is strictly first-come, first-served.
Keep in mind that train operators can't accept excess luggage for an additional fee; if you bring more than you can personally carry, you may be refused boarding for safety reasons. As a rule of thumb, make sure to check with your train company ahead of travelling.
Rules for pets on ferries
Good news for pet lovers — your four-legged companions can join you on your SailRail adventure! Up to two domestic pets (like dogs or cats) can travel free of charge, provided dogs are on a lead and smaller animals remain in secure carriers.
Onboard the ferries:
Gone are the days of leaving your pet strictly on the car deck. On the Holyhead–Dublin crossing, both operators offer fantastic pet-friendly upgrades:
- Stena Line features pre-bookable pet-friendly cabins and dedicated exercise decks on vessels like the Stena Estrid.
- Irish Ferries offers dedicated indoor "Pet Dens" where you can sit with your pet throughout the journey, alongside select pet-friendly cabins.
Important International Requirements:
Because you are crossing an international border into the EU, your pet cannot travel without proper paperwork. You must arrange a valid EU Pet Passport or a UK Animal Health Certificate, alongside required microchipping and rabies vaccinations, well in advance of your journey.
Planning your Rail and Sail journey
- Children under 5 travel completely free
- Bikes travel free on all ferries for foot passengers (just remember to secure your mandatory bike space on the train leg!)
Holyhead to Dublin crossing
- Stena Line: Approximate journey time is 3 hours 15 minutes
- Irish Ferries: Approximate journey time is 3 hours 30 minutes
Fishguard to Rosslare crossing
- Stena Line: Approximate journey time is 3 hours 30 minutes
Things to know before you travel
Before you travel, it's worth checking the latest train and ferry timetables, particularly if you're making a connection between services.
Ferry sailings may be limited on some routes, so allowing extra time when planning your journey can help avoid missed connections.
Please note that Rail & Sail services do not operate on the following dates:
- 24th December
- 25th December
- 26th December
- 31st December
- 1st January
We recommend checking Rail and Sail service information before travelling, as timetables and operating dates may vary.
Ferry Services Provided by
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