London to Dublin without flying

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Flying is the obvious way from London to Dublin, but it is not the only one — a combination of train and ferry across the Irish Sea makes the whole journey without an airport in sight, and for travellers avoiding flying, or simply after a different kind of trip, it is a genuinely workable option. Here is how the Sail Rail route, the standalone ferries, and flying compare.

The classic overland route: Sail Rail via Holyhead

The best-known way to reach Dublin from London without flying is the Sail Rail ticket: a single through-fare covering a train from London Euston to Holyhead on the Welsh coast, and the connecting Irish Ferries or Stena Line crossing from Holyhead to Dublin Port. The rail leg takes around 3 hours 30 minutes on Avanti West Coast services, and the ferry crossing takes a further 2–3.5 hours depending on whether you catch a fast craft or the standard ferry. With connection time built in, budget a full day door-to-door — realistically 7–9 hours depending on your connection.

Sail Rail fares are historically some of the cheapest ways to cross to Ireland, often undercutting a short-haul flight once you add airport transfers, and the ticket is sold as a single combined product rather than two separate bookings. Check current sailing times before booking your train, since the ferry timetable — not the train — is usually the limiting factor on how early or late you can travel. See our guide to Britain by train for the Avanti West Coast leg. Note that Britain and Ireland form a Common Travel Area, so passport checks on this route are lighter than a typical international ferry crossing — though carrying valid photo ID is still expected.

The ferry operators: Irish Ferries and Stena Line

Irish Ferries and Stena Line both operate the Holyhead–Dublin route, with several sailings a day between them. Irish Ferries' fast craft can complete the crossing in around 2 hours, while conventional ferries take closer to 3.5 hours but usually offer more onboard comfort — lounges, cafés and duty-free shopping. If you are travelling with a car, both operators carry vehicles, and this is also the route used by drivers taking a car from Britain into Ireland; see our guide to ferries to Ireland for the wider network, including routes from other British and French ports.

Foot passengers on Sail Rail tickets check in at the terminal much like any ferry passenger — no vehicle required — and the crossing itself is a pleasant, if unglamorous, few hours across the Irish Sea.

The fastest door-to-door: flying

A direct flight between London and Dublin takes only about 1 hour 20 minutes, and with frequent departures from several London airports, it is by far the quickest way to cover the distance. Once you add getting to the airport, security, boarding and the transfer from Dublin Airport into the city, real door-to-door time is usually 3.5–5 hours — still faster than Sail Rail, but with more of the day spent on airport process rather than travel itself. Budget carriers keep fares competitive, though prices climb quickly close to departure and on weekend and holiday dates.

Why choose the overland route at all

Sail Rail will not beat flying on raw speed, but it has real advantages: no baggage restrictions of the budget-airline kind, no early airport check-in, a scenic train ride through Wales and a proper sea crossing rather than a cramped short-haul cabin. It also appeals to travellers cutting down on flying — see our guide on how to travel without flying and train vs plane emissions for the wider reasoning — and to anyone who simply finds a slower, more tactile journey more enjoyable than an hour in the air.

It is also worth considering if you already need to be in North Wales, Chester or Liverpool for another reason, since Holyhead is a natural staging point on the way to Ireland from anywhere in north-west England or Wales.

Practicalities for the Sail Rail journey

• Buy the combined Sail Rail ticket rather than a separate train and ferry ticket — it is usually cheaper and guarantees the connection is accounted for in the fare rules.
• Reservations on the Avanti West Coast train to Holyhead are recommended at busy times, though not always compulsory; check when booking.
• Both Irish Ferries and Stena terminals at Holyhead are within walking distance of the station, clearly signposted from the platform.
• Dublin Port, where the ferry arrives, is a short bus or taxi ride from the city centre — it is not within easy walking distance with luggage.

Which should you choose?

If speed is what matters, flying wins comfortably despite the extra airport time. If you are avoiding flights, want a cheaper fare, or fancy a proper journey rather than just a transfer, the Sail Rail route via Holyhead is a well-established, comfortable alternative that many travellers enjoy in its own right. For onward travel once you're in Dublin, see our guide to Dublin to Galway or Dublin to Belfast for popular next legs.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sail Rail?

Sail Rail is a combined train-and-ferry ticket linking British railway stations to Dublin via Holyhead, covering the Avanti West Coast train to Holyhead and the Irish Ferries or Stena Line crossing to Dublin Port on a single fare.

How long does London to Dublin take by Sail Rail?

Budget 7–9 hours door-to-door, combining a roughly 3h30 train journey, a ferry crossing of 2–3.5 hours, and connection time at Holyhead.

Is Sail Rail cheaper than flying?

It is often cheaper than a flight booked close to departure, though budget airlines can undercut it if booked well in advance. Sail Rail fares are consistently competitive and predictable.

Can I take a car on the Holyhead–Dublin ferry?

Yes, both Irish Ferries and Stena Line carry vehicles on this route, booked separately from the foot-passenger Sail Rail ticket.