Rathlin Island Harbour and Manor House
Ferry route guide

Rathlin to Ballycastle ferry

Plan the crossing from Rathlin to Ballycastle, with departure-port details, Rathlin Ferry and onward travel after arrival.

FerryEU booking search

Compare ferry routes with FerryEU

Search available crossings by date, passenger and vehicle. If this local route is absent from the search, use the official operator link above.

Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.

The crossing at a glance

Rathlin lies off County Antrim and is reached from Ballycastle Harbour. The ferry is an island link, not a route across to mainland Scotland.

Book the return passage and check whether assistance, bicycles or any vehicle carriage need advance agreement.

This journey starts at Rathlin (Off the Antrim coast) and finishes at Ballycastle (County Antrim). Use the route in this direction when checking departure times; the return guide has the opposite boarding point.

Travelling in the other direction?

Ballycastle to Rathlin ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.

Your departure and arrival ports

Rathlin Island Harbour and Manor House
Departure · Off the Antrim coast

Rathlin

Rathlin is reached from Ballycastle. Visitors usually arrive without a car and should plan the island transfer and return sailing before travel.

Before setting off for Rathlin, check the operator’s departure pier and the day’s service notice. Leave enough time to reach the boarding area with your luggage or vehicle.

County Antrim - Ballycastle Harbor
Arrival · County Antrim

Ballycastle

The harbour is the gateway to Rathlin. Arrange parking or onward transport and distinguish island-boat check-in from other harbour excursions.

Plan your onward journey from the landing point at Ballycastle. If someone is collecting you, agree the pier and allow time to disembark; book any onward transport before relying on a tight connection.

Operators on this connection

Spirit of Rathlin passenger and vehicle ferry

Rathlin Ferry

Rathlin Ferry provides the island connection from Ballycastle on the County Antrim coast.

Planning travel with Rathlin Ferry

Check the booked vessel and sailing because passenger capacity, accessibility and vehicle carriage are not interchangeable across all departures. Visitor vehicle arrangements should be agreed directly.

The island visit requires an appropriate return sailing. Sea conditions can alter operations, so leave flexibility when connecting to a flight or a longer Irish Sea crossing.

Planning a domestic ferry journey

Domestic travel still has operator rules: names, any required identification, vehicle size and assistance arrangements must match the booking. If this sailing connects with a second ferry, check whether the tickets protect the connection. Allow a margin before an infrequent island bus or the last return boat.

Read the UK ferry documents guide

Tickets, boarding and travel arrangements

Travel arrangements for Rathlin to Ballycastle: Foot passengers; vehicle arrangements restricted. Check the operator’s current sailing information before making onward bookings.

Plan this crossing around travelling without your car. Check where to park at the departure harbour and how to reach your accommodation from the arrival pier. Ask the operator about bicycles, pushchairs, luggage and any mobility assistance before travelling.

Use the operator’s published fare table or dated booking quote to check single and return tickets, concessions and payment arrangements. Check the final return sailing before planning a day trip; seasonal or weather-related changes may affect the last departure.

Vehicle planning · Travelling on foot · Taking a pet

Questions about this journey

Where can I book Rathlin to Ballycastle?

Check Rathlin Ferry for the current timetable, ticket arrangements and availability. The Direct Ferries form also lets you compare services offered through its booking search.

Where does this journey leave from?

The departure point is Rathlin. Read the departure-port panel and follow the operator’s terminal or pier instructions; allow for local access, boarding and luggage.

Can I take a vehicle?

Foot passengers; vehicle arrangements restricted. Plan to leave your car on the departure side. Check bicycles, luggage and mobility assistance directly with the operator before travelling.

Where is the return guide?

The Ballycastle to Rathlin guide covers the other direction. Check both timetables before planning a return trip.

Plan with current information