How to Get the Ferry from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island
Posted March 21, 2025 | Tagged: United Kingdom
The only way to get to Rathlin Island is to take the ferry from Ballycastle. There is no bridge, and no airport!
Rathlin Ferry operates two ferries between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island:
1. Spirit of Rathlin:
This is a 105T cargo and passenger ferry which can take 141 passengers. The Spirit of Rathlin takes 40 minutes.
I took this one, both ways.
2. Kintra II: This is a modern high-speed catamaran built in 2020 and can carry 82 passengers. The Kintra II takes 30 minutes.
1. Spirit of Rathlin:
This is a 105T cargo and passenger ferry which can take 141 passengers. The Spirit of Rathlin takes 40 minutes.
I took this one, both ways.
2. Kintra II: This is a modern high-speed catamaran built in 2020 and can carry 82 passengers. The Kintra II takes 30 minutes.
I visited Rathlin Island in May 2023 in glorious weather. In this part of the world, the conditions can and do change in the blink of an eye.
Ballycastle to Rathlin Island Ferry Times
Rathlin Ferry operates 2 separate schedules:
The 2025 Winter Schedule is currently running until April 13, 2025
The first ferry departs from Rathlin Island at 7:45 am and from Ballycastle at 8:30 am. The last ferry departs from Rathlin Island at 4:30 pm and from Ballycastle at 5:30 pm.
The 2025 Summer Schedule will operate from April 14, 2025 until September 30, 2025
The first ferry departs from Rathlin Island at 8 am and from Ballycastle at 8:30 am. The last ferry departs from Rathlin Island at 6 pm and from Ballycastle at 6:30 pm
Note:
The 2025 Winter Schedule is currently running until April 13, 2025
The first ferry departs from Rathlin Island at 7:45 am and from Ballycastle at 8:30 am. The last ferry departs from Rathlin Island at 4:30 pm and from Ballycastle at 5:30 pm.
The 2025 Summer Schedule will operate from April 14, 2025 until September 30, 2025
The first ferry departs from Rathlin Island at 8 am and from Ballycastle at 8:30 am. The last ferry departs from Rathlin Island at 6 pm and from Ballycastle at 6:30 pm
Note:
- Check the Rathlin Ferry schedule for the exact times and look for daily fluctuations in the service.
- Ferries can and do get cancelled in bad weather. Plan accordingly!
How much is the ferry to Rathlin Island?
I paid £6 each way but the ticket in 2025 is now £8.
Bookings are very much recommended. Many visit Rathlin Island as a day trip, so the first ferry to Rathlin Island and the last ferry back are often booked out.
I just bought my ticket at the ferry office in Ballycastle but pre-booked online for the trip back. I advise you to do the same!
Bookings are very much recommended. Many visit Rathlin Island as a day trip, so the first ferry to Rathlin Island and the last ferry back are often booked out.
I just bought my ticket at the ferry office in Ballycastle but pre-booked online for the trip back. I advise you to do the same!
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