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How to get from Dublin to Scotland
The fastest way from Dublin to Scotland is a direct flight to Edinburgh or Glasgow, about 1 h 10 in the air. Overland, take the train to Belfast and the ferry to Cairnryan, then continue by road, about 8 to 9 h to Edinburgh. With a car, the Belfast or Larne ferries to Cairnryan are the shortest sea crossings.
Best option: Flight. Direct flights are short, frequent and often cheap, while the overland route takes most of a day.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Direct flights from Dublin to Edinburgh or Glasgow | about 1 h 10 in the air; 3 to 4 h door to door | several a day to each city | about €30–150 | Aer Lingus and Ryanair fly from Dublin to Scotland. |
| ferry Enterprise train Dublin–Belfast, then Stena Line ferry Belfast–Cairnryan, then bus or car onward | about 8 to 9 h to Edinburgh in total | ferries several times a day | about €60–120 in total for a foot passenger | P&O Ferries also sails Larne–Cairnryan. Cairnryan has limited public transport; check bus connections. |
| car Dublin to Belfast on the M1/A1, ferry to Cairnryan, then the A75/A77 and motorways to Glasgow or Edinburgh | about 7 to 8 h including the crossing | fuel plus the ferry fare for car and passengers | Book vehicle space ahead in summer; check rental rules for taking a car from Ireland to the UK. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Check whether you need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA); Irish and British citizens do not.
- Carry a passport or photo ID; airlines and ferries ask for it even within the Common Travel Area.
- Edinburgh Airport has trams and buses to the centre; Glasgow Airport has an express bus.
- Northern Ireland and Scotland use pounds sterling.
Common questions
How long is the flight from Dublin to Scotland?
About 1 h 10 to Edinburgh or Glasgow. With check-in, security and transfers into town, plan for about three to four hours door to door. Aer Lingus and Ryanair fly from Dublin to Scotland several times a day. Prices start low if you book early.
Is there a ferry from Dublin to Scotland?
Not directly. The usual sea route goes via Northern Ireland: from Belfast to Cairnryan with Stena Line or from Larne to Cairnryan with P&O Ferries, both about two hours. From Dublin, take the Enterprise train to Belfast first. With a car, drive north and board there.
Do I need a passport or visa to go from Dublin to Scotland?
Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, so there is no routine passport control for Irish and British citizens, but carry photo ID. Other nationalities may need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation or a visa even when travelling from Ireland. Check the current UK rules before booking.
What is the cheapest way from Dublin to Scotland?
Usually a low-cost flight booked in advance, sometimes under €50. The train-and-ferry route costs more in total and takes a whole day, though it suits travellers who avoid flying. With a car and several passengers, the ferry via Belfast or Larne can be good value.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.