Want to travel from Dublin to London without flying? The SailRail option combines a scenic ferry ride and a comfortable train journey, all in one ticket. Here’s what you need to know:
- Journey Time: ~8.5 hours (ferry + train).
- Cost: Starts at £20 if booked early.
- Route: Dublin to Holyhead by ferry, then Holyhead to London via Avanti West Coast trains.
- Perks: No baggage fees, spacious seating, stunning views of the Irish Sea and British countryside.
Why Choose SailRail?
- Eco-Friendly: Produces 80% less CO2 than flying.
- Affordable: Early bookings save money.
- Comfortable: More legroom, freedom to move, and no airport stress.
Quick Tips:
- Book 4-6 weeks ahead for the best deals.
- Travel midweek for cheaper fares.
- Allow at least 45 minutes for ferry-to-train connections.
Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, this option offers a relaxed and scenic alternative to flying. Keep reading for booking tips, schedules, and more!
London to Dublin by Train and Ferry: A Complete Journey Guide
Route Overview: Dublin to London
This journey combines ferry and rail travel through the trusted SailRail partnership, offering a well-coordinated travel experience by sea and train [1][5].
Dublin-Holyhead Ferry Details
Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate crossings between Dublin and Holyhead, with travel times ranging from 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes. Irish Ferries offers four daily sailings, with departures from early morning (02:15) to evening (20:55). Both ferry providers feature lounges, restaurants, duty-free shopping, and Wi-Fi (available for a fee). As official SailRail partners, their schedules are synced with train departures for seamless connections [1].
Holyhead-London Train Details
Once in Holyhead, travelers can hop on Avanti West Coast trains heading to London Euston. The fastest direct services complete the trip in around 3 hours 40 minutes [7].
Scenic views along the way include:
- The stunning North Wales coastline
- Snowdonia National Park’s rugged peaks
- The picturesque Cheshire countryside
Avanti West Coast trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, catering options, and luggage storage, ensuring a comfortable ride. These features complement the ferry services, creating a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
To ensure a hassle-free connection, plan for a 45-minute buffer between your ferry arrival and train departure [3].
How to Book Tickets
Now that you’ve got the ferry and train details sorted, let’s talk about how to lock in your tickets. Here’s what you need to know:
SailRail Ticket Details
SailRail tickets are valid for up to 2 months, with one-way prices starting at €44.50 [5]. This makes them a budget-friendly option compared to other travel choices.
Booking Options and Websites
Here are some of the best platforms to book your tickets:
- Irish Ferries: Great for accessing the Dublin Swift fast ferry.
- Stena Line: Perfect for those enrolled in their loyalty programs.
- Trainline: Handy for comparing ticket prices across different operators.
- Rail Europe: Convenient for payments in multiple currencies.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets 4-6 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes. Ticket prices can jump significantly within two weeks of your travel date.
Tips for Saving Money
- Travel midweek to snag cheaper fares.
- Subscribe to operator newsletters to stay updated on special offers.
- Double-check amendment fees if you’re considering flexible ticket options.
Before booking, have your travel dates, passenger details, and payment information ready. And don’t forget to keep your booking confirmation handy – it’ll be needed for staff checks during your journey.
Schedule Planning
Best Times to Travel
The Dublin to London route offers several daily departures with well-timed ferry and train connections. Here are some reliable options to consider:
Morning Departure
The first ferry leaves Dublin Port at 08:05, reaching Holyhead around 11:20. This allows you to catch the 13:58 train to London Euston [1][2], arriving in time for evening plans.
Evening Departure
For those preferring overnight travel, the 20:55 ferry from Dublin Port reaches Holyhead at 00:10 [1]. Passengers can rest in Holyhead’s lounge areas before boarding the 05:52 morning train, which arrives at London Euston by 09:45 [2].
Seasonal Considerations
During summer, there are more frequent sailings, so booking early is wise. In winter, schedules may shift due to weather, so it’s smart to allow extra time. This keeps the journey’s reliability advantage over flights intact [8].
Pair these travel times with earlier booking tips to get the best deals.
Holyhead Connection Guide
Smooth transfers are essential to keep your trip efficient and affordable. Holyhead’s ferry terminal connects directly to platform 2 of the train station, making the transfer process straightforward [4].
Connection Times
- Minimum: 30 minutes
- Recommended: 60 minutes
- Ideal: 90 minutes (during busy times or with luggage) [5]
Transfer Process
- Disembark the ferry
- Follow the signs to the station
- Walk directly to platform 2 (a quick 30-second walk)
Pro Tips
- Stay near the ferry exits for a faster transfer.
- SailRail ensures you’ll get on the next train if you miss your connection [1].
- Off-peak departures are often cheaper [6].
Travel Tips and Advice
These tips build on earlier booking and scheduling strategies, helping you make the most of your journey.
Money-Saving Tips
Book SailRail Tickets Early
Grab your SailRail tickets as soon as possible to lock in lower prices.
Railcard Discounts
A railcard, such as the Two Together or 16-25, can shave up to one-third off the train fare from Holyhead to London.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours
Timing matters when it comes to saving money. Aim to avoid:
- Morning rush hours (before 9:30 AM)
- Evening peak times (4:00-7:00 PM)
Best Views Along the Route
Saving money is great, but the journey offers breathtaking sights you won’t want to miss.
Ferry Highlights
On the ferry, head to the outdoor decks for incredible views of Dublin as you depart and Holyhead as you approach.
Train Journey Highlights
For the Holyhead-to-London train ride, choose your seat wisely:
- Left side (facing the direction of travel): Stunning views of the North Wales coastline and beaches.
- Right side: Look out for Conwy Castle near Llandudno Junction and the Chiltern Hills as you get closer to London.
Snowdonia’s peaks are especially beautiful during the golden hour.
What to Pack and Bring
| Category | Items to Pack |
|---|---|
| Essentials | Passport, tickets, cards |
| Comfort | Neck pillow, layered clothing |
| Tech | Chargers, power bank |
| Snacks | Water bottle, your own food |
Extra Tips
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Layered clothing is a must to handle temperature changes between the ferry and train.
Other Dublin-London Travel Options
While SailRail has its perks, there are three other ways to travel between Dublin and London, each catering to different priorities.
Comparing Travel Options
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main options:
| Travel Method | Journey Time | Cost (One-way) | Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Ferry | 8-10 hours | €65+ | No strict limit |
| Bus + Ferry | 12-14 hours | €40+ | 20kg + carry-on |
| Direct Flight | 4 hours door-to-door* | €25-€200 | 10kg carry-on** |
*Includes airport procedures
**Extra fees may apply for checked baggage
Train + Ferry: A Comfortable Journey
SailRail is ideal if you value comfort and scenic views. It offers city-center departures and arrivals, sparing you the stress of airports. Plus, it’s a reliable option, especially compared to the unpredictability of flights.
Bus + Ferry: Budget-Friendly Travel
If cost is your main concern, bus and ferry combos like Eurolines are hard to beat. Fares start at €40, and while the journey takes around 12 hours, it’s a practical choice for those on a tighter budget.
Flights: The Fastest Option
Flights may only take about 1 hour and 15 minutes in the air, but don’t forget to factor in the extra time for airport procedures (2-3 hours). Also, keep in mind:
- Transfers between city centers and airports
- Time spent on security checks and boarding
- Possible extra costs for baggage
Station and Airport Locations
- Train: London Euston to Dublin Connolly
- Bus: London Victoria to Dublin Busáras
- Air: London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton) to Dublin Airport
Each option has its pros and cons, so the best choice depends on your priorities – be it cost, speed, or convenience.
Final Notes
The Dublin to London train-ferry route offers a great mix of comfort and eco-friendly travel, making it a solid option for those looking to avoid the hassle of flying. It’s not just about practicality – this route also stands out for its lower environmental impact.
For travelers focused on reducing their carbon footprint, this option cuts CO2 emissions by 80% compared to flying [9]. To put it into perspective, the train-ferry journey produces only 27kg of CO2, while a flight generates 177kg [9]. This makes it an appealing choice for environmentally conscious passengers, without sacrificing comfort.
Though flights take about 4 hours door-to-door, the 8-9 hour train-ferry trip offers a much calmer experience, free from airport stress [1][2]. Plus, Avanti West Coast trains provide direct connections to London Euston, making city-center access a breeze. While weather delays can occasionally occur [2], early bookings often ensure predictable pricing, avoiding the unpredictability of airfare costs.
With its lower emissions and practical perks, this route is a smart choice for anyone prioritizing both comfort and sustainability. Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, it’s a way to stay eco-friendly while enjoying a stress-free journey between these two capital cities.
FAQs
How much does it cost to take a train from Dublin to London?
SailRail tickets for a single journey from Dublin to London start at £44.50. Prices increase as the departure date approaches:
| Booking Time | Price |
|---|---|
| 30 days ahead | £43 |
| 7 days ahead | £49 |
| Same day | £65+ |
If you’re starting your journey from other Irish cities, expect to pay an additional £25+ for places like Cork, Galway, Limerick, Killarney, or Tralee, and £61 from Belfast [5]. These rates make SailRail an affordable alternative to flying, as noted earlier.
What’s the total journey duration?
The entire trip takes 8 hours and 25 minutes on average, with the fastest option completing in 6 hours and 51 minutes [1]. This aligns with the 8.5-hour estimate mentioned earlier, offering a chance to enjoy the scenery along the way.
What amenities are available?
As detailed in the Holyhead-London train section, Avanti West Coast trains include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Comfortable seating options as previously described [2]
Do I need separate tickets?
No, one ticket covers the entire journey from Dublin to London.
When is the best time to travel?
The most suitable travel times depend on the seasonal recommendations outlined in the Schedule Planning section.
