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How to get from Dublin to Manchester
Flying is the quickest way from Dublin to Manchester: about 1 h in the air, with frequent daily flights. Overland, you take a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead (about 2 h–3 h 15), then about 3 h by train or 2 h 30 by car to Manchester.
Best option: Flight. Frequent flights take about an hour and are often cheaper than the ferry and train together.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Flights from Dublin Airport to Manchester Airport (Ryanair, Aer Lingus and others) | about 1 h flight; about 3 h door to door | many a day | about €30–120 one way | Manchester Airport has trains to Manchester Piccadilly in about 15–20 min. |
| ferry Ferry from Dublin Port to Holyhead (Irish Ferries, Stena Line), then trains to Manchester | about 2 h–3 h 15 ferry plus about 3 h by train | several sailings a day | about €40–80 combined with a SailRail ticket | SailRail through tickets cover the ferry and the train. Trains usually need one change. |
| car Car ferry Dublin–Holyhead, then the A55 and M56 to Manchester | about 2 h–3 h 15 ferry plus about 2 h 30 by road | car ferry fare plus fuel | Driving is on the left in both countries. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book flights early; prices rise sharply close to the date and around holidays.
- SailRail tickets are a good-value overland option and can be bought on the day.
- Pre-book Dublin Airport parking or use the Airlink and express buses.
- The Irish Sea can be rough in winter; fast ferries are cancelled more often than conventional ones.
Common questions
What is the fastest way from Dublin to Manchester?
Flying. The flight takes about an hour and there are many departures a day. Including airport time and the train from Manchester Airport to Piccadilly, about 15–20 minutes, the total is around 3 hours. Overland via Holyhead takes five to six hours or more.
Can I go from Dublin to Manchester by ferry and train?
Yes. Take a ferry from Dublin Port to Holyhead, about 2 h–3 h 15, then a train to Manchester, about 3 hours with usually one change. SailRail through tickets cover both legs at a fixed price. It is slower than flying, but relaxed and good if you have a lot of luggage.
Do I need a passport to travel from Dublin to Manchester?
Irish and British citizens travel within the Common Travel Area and do not need a passport, but airlines and ferry companies require photo ID, and a passport is the safest choice. Other nationalities need a passport and must meet UK entry requirements, which may include an electronic travel authorisation.
Can I take my car from Dublin to Manchester?
Yes. Take a car ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, then drive the A55 along the north Wales coast and the M56 to Manchester, about 2 h 30. Book car space ahead in summer. If you have a hire car, check that the rental company allows travel to the UK.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.