rail/ferry from Scotland to Belfast

[cdngb]

In the first week of May we will be in Ayr Scotland and we would like to take a ferry to Belfast. We will be three foot passengers and will be using the train to get to the ferry dock. Would it be better to go with the Stena Line from Stanraer to Belfast or the P & O Line from Troon to Larne? The question is about the ease of getting from the train station to the ferry docks. We would prefer to have the easiest option. The ferry prices are similar so the cost is not a major factor. I would appreciate your input.

[Mark Gleeson]

Stena Line offer through ticketing from any UK rail station to any Irish or Northern Ireland via Stanraer the train station at Stanraer is reasonable close to the terminal but frequency is poor so there isn't a connection for all ferries. On the Belfast side you will likely need a taxi to get into the city or opt for a frequent bus (metro 96). You can get a ticket from any staffed rail booking office or from stenaline.co.uk

P&O via Troon and Larne. Larne station is part of the ferry terminal so no problems there and a reasonably frequent service direct to all stations in Belfast but you would need three tickets, that said Troon is very well served by rail but requires a walk from station to ferry