Rathlin Island and Strangford Lough ferry fares to rise from February 2026

Image: Anne Kelly

Ferry passengers travelling to Rathlin Island and across Strangford Lough will face increased fares from 1 February 2026, following confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure.

The Department has announced that the revised charges will apply to both the Ballycastle–Rathlin Island ferry service and the Strangford–Portaferry ferry service, with the increases aligned to Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation.

According to the Department for Infrastructure, the fare changes follow the completion of a statutory consultation period, with a 30-day notice period running from 27 October 2025 to 26 November 2025.

In a statement, the Department confirmed the increase is “in line with Consumer Prices Index inflation.”

Rathlin Island ferry fare changes

Updated passenger, vehicle, bicycle and freight charges for the Ballycastle–Rathlin Island route will come into effect from 1 February 2026.

Under the revised structure:

• An adult passenger single fare will increase to £8.40, with a return ticket costing £16.80

• Child fares (aged 5–15) will be £4.20 single and £8.40 return

• Children under five will continue to travel free of charge

• Senior SmartPass holders, 60+ SmartPass holders, war disability, registered blind, and Republic of Ireland SmartPass holders (with Translink card) will continue to travel free

• Half-fare SmartPass holders will pay £4.20 single or £8.40 return

Vehicle fares will vary depending on length, ranging from £14.50 single for vehicles and trailers under 2.5 metres, to £111.40 single for vehicles over 8 metres, with return fares doubling accordingly. Bicycle fares will rise to £2.30 single and £4.60 return.

Pallet and parcel rates have also been revised, with pallets priced at £12.35 and parcels at £3.20.

Discounted fares apply to island residents on presentation of a valid Rathlin Island Residents Pass. VAT of 20% is charged on vehicles over

6.0 & 8.0 metres.

Strangford Lough ferry fare changes

On the Strangford–Portaferry route, passenger fares will also rise modestly:

• Adult single fares will increase to £1.40, with returns priced at £2.80

• Child fares (5–15 years) will be £0.70 single and £1.40 return

• Children under five will continue to travel free

• Eligible SmartPass holders, including senior, 60+, war disability and registered blind passengers, will continue to travel free of charge

SmartCard users purchasing a 20-journey top-up will pay £16.80 for adults and £7.60 for children.

Vehicle fares on the Strangford Lough crossing will range from £8.00 single for vehicles up to 6 metres, rising to £13.90 for vehicles between 6 and 8 metres, with additional charges applied for longer vehicles. Motorcycles will cost £4.90 single or £7.60 return, while vehicles driven by Blue Badge holders will benefit from reduced rates.

Impact

The ferry services play a vital role in daily life for island residents, commuters, businesses and tourists alike. For Rathlin Island in particular, the ferry is the community’s primary transport link to the mainland, supporting access to healthcare, education, employment and supplies.

While the Department has stressed that the increases are inflation-linked, the revised fares are likely to be closely watched by regular users, especially families, small businesses and island residents who rely on the services year-round.