Summer 2026 timetable, 3 April – 30 September 2026
Departures 1–10 / 10
Departures 1–10 / 10
Crossing time
~30 min
Operator
Rathlin Ferry (Dunaverty Ltd)
Map – Ballycastle – Rathlin Island
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, single | £8.40 |
| Adult, return | £16.80 |
| Child 5-15, single | £4.20 |
| Child under 5 | Free |
| Senior, 60+, War Disablement or Registered Blind SmartPass | Free |
| Half Fare SmartPass holder, single | £4.20 |
| Bicycle, single (in addition to the passenger fare) | £2.30 |
| Vehicle or trailer under 2.5 m, single (driver pays separately) | £14.50 |
| Vehicle or trailer 2.5-6.0 m, single (driver pays separately) | £29.00 |
| Vehicle or trailer 6.0-8.0 m, single (driver included, plus 20% VAT) | £89.80 |
| Vehicle or trailer over 8.0 m, single (driver included, plus 20% VAT) | £111.40 |
| Pallet | £12.35 |
| Parcel | £3.20 |
Fares are set by the Department for Infrastructure and took effect on 1 February 2026. Return fares are exactly double the single. Vehicle fares under 6.0 metres do not include the driver, who pays a passenger fare on top; fares for vehicles over 6.0 metres do include the driver and carry 20% VAT. Island residents holding a valid Rathlin Island Residents Pass pay discounted fares. Taking a vehicle is separately restricted: see the FAQ, because the fare existing does not mean you may bring a car. All fares in pounds sterling (GBP).
Rathlin Ferry is the only way to reach Rathlin Island, County Antrim's inhabited offshore island, from Ballycastle on the Northern Ireland mainland. The route is run under contract to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) by Dunaverty Ltd, trading as Rathlin Ferry, which took over the service from the previous operator in January 2023. Unlike most Northern Ireland ferry routes, Rathlin uses two different vessels on the same crossing: Kintra II, a fast 82-passenger catamaran that takes about 30 minutes but cannot carry luggage, and Spirit of Rathlin, a slower 141-passenger, DfI-owned ro-ro ferry that takes about 40 minutes and carries the small number of vehicles permitted onto the island. Departures alternate between the two boats through the day, so check which vessel a given sailing uses before assuming you can bring luggage or a car.
Because Rathlin is a working, inhabited island rather than a tourist attraction, vehicle space is tightly restricted: under Causeway Coast and Glens Council rules, cars are only allowed if you are carrying out pre-arranged work, are a registered disabled Blue Badge holder, or are staying six nights or more with a vehicle permit from Rathlin Ferry. Most day visitors leave their car in Ballycastle and travel as foot passengers. Rathlin islanders travel on a Resident Pass issued by DfI, which gives free travel to over-60s and over-65s and 50 to 75 percent discounts to other residents.
The service runs every day of the year, but the timetable published here is the Summer 2026 schedule, 3 April to 30 September 2026; departures are more frequent in July and August, and start slightly later at weekends. All sailings are subject to the skipper's discretion in poor weather, and DfI reports the route's monthly on-time performance publicly. Book online in advance, especially for a same-day return, as sailings can fill up and there is no guarantee of space on a later boat. Do not confuse this ferry with the sightseeing boat trips run by the operator's sister company, Kintra Boat Tours, from the same harbour.
- Arrive at the slipway a few minutes before departure; vehicle queues build quickly in summer.
- Check the operator's notices before travelling — tides, weather and maintenance affect sailings.
- Confirm accepted payment methods: several crossings are contactless-only.
Frequently asked questions
It depends which boat you're on. The fast Kintra II passenger catamaran takes about 30 minutes; the vehicle-carrying Spirit of Rathlin takes about 40 minutes. The timetable shows which boat runs each sailing.
Only in limited circumstances. Under Causeway Coast and Glens Council rules, vehicles are only allowed on the island if you're carrying out pre-arranged work, hold a Blue Badge, or are staying 6 or more nights with a vehicle permit from Rathlin Ferry. Car fares aren't published online — contact the booking office directly.
An adult single is £8.40 (£16.80 return), a child (5-15) single is £4.20, and children under 5 travel free with a booked ticket. A bicycle costs £2.20 each way.
Yes — the Department for Infrastructure confirms the crossing operates every day of the year. Only a Summer timetable (3 April to 30 September) is currently published, though, so check rathlin-ferry.com nearer the time for winter sailing times.
Booking online is strongly recommended, especially for a same-day return, since sailings can be fully booked and there's no guarantee of space on a later boat. Bookings can be made up to 30 minutes before departure if space remains.
A small number of bicycles are carried for a £2.20 fee and must be booked online in advance. Dogs travel free on a lead, though passengers with dogs other than guide dogs may be asked to travel on the outer deck.
From Ballycastle Harbour on Bayview Road on the mainland, and from Church Bay on Rathlin Island — Spirit of Rathlin uses pier 2 and Kintra II uses pier 1, in front of the hotel.
Yes. Holders of a Department for Infrastructure Rathlin Island Resident Pass travel free from age 60/65 with the matching SmartPass, or get 50% (adults) to 75% (children) off the standard fare.