We are travelling from London to Dublin this summer and want to arrive in Dublin on the same day. It's still a few months away, but I'm finding it quite hard to figure out the best schedule. If I understand correctly, there are direct trains from London to Holyhead, but they don't seem to be running in August.
Also, how long does it take to get from the train station to the ferry?
Any advice on how to best handle this would be much appreciated.
Solved
Ferry Holyhead - Dublin
Best answer by ralderton
Seat 61 has a guide to the journey, and recommended train times.
There is potential for the ferry, in particular, to be retimed. But he suggests a 0900 departure from London for a 1725 arrival in Dublin.
https://www.seat61.com/train-and-ferry-to-dublin.htm
it’s only a few minutes walk from train to ferry terminal.
+6If I understand correctly, there are direct trains from London to Holyhead, but they don't seem to be running in August.
Also, how long does it take to get from the train station to the ferry?
There will probably be direct trains, but the timetables haven't been published yet for August - it's still too early. UK schedules are generally published 12 weeks in advance, though sometimes earlier.
The ferry terminal in Holyhead is at the end of the platform, so it's not a long walk. You could do it in less than a minute. In the terminal once the ferry is boarding you'll be put in a bus.
+8Seat 61 has a guide to the journey, and recommended train times.
There is potential for the ferry, in particular, to be retimed. But he suggests a 0900 departure from London for a 1725 arrival in Dublin.
https://www.seat61.com/train-and-ferry-to-dublin.htm
it’s only a few minutes walk from train to ferry terminal.
Thank you so much, Schelte and Ralderton, that was very helpful! Last questions (for the moment): do I need reservations for the trains between London and Holyhead (as we are travelling on a Sunday, we’ll be going through Crewe)?
Reservations in the UK are optional and free of charge, regardless of what any planner might claim.
See this page (also for other reservations):
https://www.seat61.com/interrail-and-eurail-reservations.htm
+6Thank you so much, Schelte and Ralderton, that was very helpful! Last questions (for the moment): do I need reservations for the trains between London and Holyhead (as we are travelling on a Sunday, we’ll be going through Crewe)?
On a Sunday reservations are generally encouraged; trains can get pretty crowded. As they're free and you don't have many options I'd make sure to have them.
You should also book the ferries. Both Stena Line and Irish ferries offer discount to passholders:
- Irish ferries mail instructions
- Stena Line: use discount code EURAIL2026
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