The Ultimate Guide to Campervan Travel in Northern Ireland
What do you need to know about travelling from GB to Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland (NI) may be the UK’s smallest country, but it’s bursting with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and a unique culture that promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re drawn to its rugged coastlines, iconic landmarks, or warm hospitality, NI is the perfect destination for a campervan road trip.
Planning your journey? Start here! This guide covers everything you need to know about traveling to Northern Ireland with your campervan. For even more inspiration, check out our related posts:
Fall in Love with Northern Ireland: A 11-Day Itinerary for an extended road trip that showcases the best of NI, from the Giant’s Causeway to the Mourne Mountains.
On the Road Again: How to Make the Most of 48 Hours in Dublin with Your Campervan if you are adding a quick Dublin detour before, or after your Northern Ireland trip.
A Complete Guide for Travelling to the Republic of Ireland in Your Campervan or Motorhome if you’re venturing south into Ireland to continue your adventure.
With this collection of guides, you’ll have all the tools you need to craft the perfect campervan journey through Northern Ireland and beyond. Ready to hit the road? Let’s dive in!
How can you get to Northern Ireland?
Travelling to Northern Ireland is easier than you might think. While flying is the quickest option, those embarking on a campervan adventure will need to take a ferry - unless, of course, they plan to hire a campervan upon arrival in Northern Ireland.
From England: The Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast route (operated by Stena Line) takes approximately 8 hours.
From Scotland: Two routes are available:
P&O Irish Sea: Cairnryan to Larne (7 sailings daily).
Stena Line: Cairnryan to Belfast (5 sailings daily).
For those considering an alternative option, it's also possible to sail into Dublin, Ireland, with Irish Ferries and drive north into Northern Ireland. This approach provides an opportunity to explore the Republic of Ireland along the way.
How much was the ferry?
The cost can vary depending on your travel dates, but typically fares are around £200 each way. We paid £195 after using Tesco Clubcard points to save £210 on our trip from Cairnryan to Belfast with Stena Line. Check Nutt Travel for competitive ferry deals to Northern Ireland.
How long is the ferry crossing from Great Britain to Northern Ireland?
From Scotland to Northern Ireland: Around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
From Liverpool to Belfast: Approximately 8 hours.
Both routes offer day and evening sailings, making it convenient to plan your journey.
Do you need a passport to Travel to Northern Ireland?
No passport is required to travel to Northern Ireland from Great Britain. Since it’s part of the UK, a driving license is sufficient ID. However, vehicles may undergo routine inspections before boarding.
Do pet dogs need a pet passport?
At the time of travel (and writing this blog), dogs could travel between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI) without a pet passport. This arrangement has been in place since 15th September 2021, when DAERA Minister Edwin Poots announced that checks on pet dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling from GB to NI would be suspended indefinitely while negotiations between the UK government and EU continued.
However, this will change from June 2025, when new legislation comes into effect requiring pet owners to obtain a pet travel document for their animals. Until then, pets can still travel under the current system. It’s important to stay updated on these changes - read the latest guidance here.
NEW Legislation for Travelling with Pets (from June 2025)
If you are travelling to Northern Ireland with your pet or assistance dog from Great Britain, important changes are coming into effect:
You will need a Pet Travel Document issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Applications open April 2025 and are free of charge. Documents are typically issued within 5 working days.
Ensure your pet is microchipped and bring a digital or printed copy of the Pet Travel Document.
You must declare that you will not travel onward to Ireland or the EU.
Each pet needs its own travel document, valid for their lifetime. Changes in ownership or address will require a new document. For more details, visit the UK Government Pet Travel Guidance.
What side of the road do you drive on in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland remains like the rest of the UK and you drive on the left. The roads are generally good quality and the driving scenery is spectacular. Whilst Northern Ireland is smaller in size compared to the other countries in the UK, it certainly makes up for that with the diversity and quality of landscapes. Click here to see a snapshot video of the driving scenery in Northern Ireland.
Buy your Google Map guide to Northern Ireland here. It includes:
Campsite recommendations, overnight parking/chemical disposal points, must see attractions and towns, beaches, hikes, food and drink recommendations and blog post links.
If this blog post has been particularly useful for you and has helped you plan your trip, or given you the confidence to visit Northern Ireland, please consider buying me a cuppa. From as little as £3 you can help towards the running cost of this website, which is full of free resources.
