The Strangford Ferry (AKA the Portaferry Ferry) is a handy (and scenic) bit of public transport.
It takes you to and from the gorgeous Ards Peninsula in County Down and goes between Portaferry and Strangford.
Below, you’ll find info on everything from how long it takes to what to see on both sides!
Some quick need-to-knows about the Strangford Ferry
Photo © Bernie Brown bbphotographic for Tourism Ireland
Although getting the Strangford / Portaferry Ferry is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Where it leaves from
The Strangford Lough ferry sails between Portaferry and Strangford in County Down. The two towns sit opposite each other at the southern end of Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula near the Narrows, which is where the lough meets the sea. They are both quiet little coastal villages.
2. How long it takes
The journey across the waterway takes between 6 and 10 minutes, which is much quicker than the estimated alternative road journey that is around 76km to get to the other side of the peninsula.
3. How much it costs
Prices for the Strangford / Portaferry Ferry vary quite a bit, with a single ticket for a vehicle and driver starting at £5.80 (£10 return). If you’re travelling by bike or on foot, it’s just £1 (£2 return). Find the most up-to-date prices here.
4. When it leaves
The Strangford Lough Ferry departs on the hour and on the half hour every day (up-to-date timetable here). Here’s when the Strangford Ferry leaves:
| Days | First sailing | Last sailing |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 7.30 am | 10.30 pm |
| Saturday | 8.00 am | 11.00 pm |
| Sunday | 9.30 am | 10.30 pm |
And here’s when the Portaferry Ferry leaves:
| Days | First sailing | Last sailing |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 7.45 am | 10.45 pm |
| Saturday | 8.15 am | 11.15 pm |
| Sunday | 9.45 am | 10.45 pm |
About the Strangford / Portaferry Ferry
Photos © Bernie Brown bbphotographic for Tourism Ireland
The Strangford Ferry service crosses the lough at its narrowest point at the southern end, close to where it joins the Irish Sea.
It connects the A2 road across the peninsula and has been running continuously for four centuries.
History of the ferry
It was way back in 1611 when James I granted land on either side of the Narrows for a ferry service. In 1835, a group of local people formed the Portaferry and Strangford Steamboat Company and commissioned the first steam ferry in Ireland.
Various vessels have since been in use across the service, including some tragic incidents in 1913 and 1946 when lives were lost in capsizes.
Current fleet
Currently, the service has two ferries, the MV Portaferry II which was introduced in 2001. It has a gross tonnage of 312 tons and can hold up to 260 passengers and 20 cars.
In 2017, the MV Strangford II was introduced with a gross tonnage of 405 tons and a capacity to carry 260 passengers and 27 cars.
Things to do when you get to each side
Photos via Shutterstock
There are plenty of things to do in the towns and surrounding areas on either side of the ferry crossing.
1. On the Portaferry Ferry side
Portaferry is a pretty little town on the Narrows. It has several attractions to check out if you find yourself wandering the streets. The biggest attraction in Portaferry is Exploris Aquarium, a family friendly aquarium and museum with sea life and reptiles on display and live shows throughout the day.
Further afield, you can explore the southern part of the Ards Peninsula, including the incredible beaches like Cloughey Bay Beach and Ballywalter Beach. The quiet peninsula has stunning scenery and quiet roads for a beautiful drive around the coast.
2. On the Strangford Ferry side
Another quaint seaside village on Strangford Lough, Strangford is a nice town to stroll the streets. However, there’s plenty of things to do within a short drive too.
The National Trust Castle Ward, Winterfell Castle and Demesne and Audleys Castle are all just a couple of miles away.
Further south of Strangford, you’ll also find St John’s Point Lighthouse and Rossglass Beach and Tyrella Beach, which are great spots to take the whole family for a day by the sea.
FAQs about the Strangford Portaferry Ferry
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are the times?’ to ‘Does it take long?’.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
How long does the Strangford Ferry take?
The journey across the waterway takes between 6 and 10 minutes, which is much quicker than the estimated alternative road journey that is around 76km to get to the other side of the peninsula.
When does the Portaferry go?
The Strangford Lough Ferry leaves on the hour and on the half hour every day, aside from Christmas Day.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Janine Finn
Sunday 30th of October 2022
Hi, thanks for a informative guide in Northern Ireland. We are visiting Belfast the beginning of December and we would like to travel on the ferry. What would you suggest, to drive to Strandfod lough from Belfast and catch the ferry there or travel to Portaferry and catch it there?? Also to have a nice lunch along the way, where??? I'm bring a Viking Swede with me!!!!!!!!