London to Dublin by Ferry and Rail

London to Dublin by Ferry and Rail: A Practical and Enjoyable Gateway to Ireland

Traveling from London to Dublin by ferry and train offers a relaxed alternative to flying—no airport hassle, plenty of scenic views, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. For around $1,089.07 per person, this 4-day trip combines comfortable hotel stays, train journeys, and a ferry crossing, with the added bonus of free hop-on-hop-off bus tickets in Dublin.

What we particularly like about this experience is the ease of travel, especially for those wary of busy airports, and the opportunity to see the English and Welsh countryside en route—something you miss with a quick flight. The hotel accommodations in Dublin are well located, making it easy to dive into the city’s sights without long commutes. On the flip side, some travelers have noted that the long train and ferry trip can be a tad tiring, especially during busy travel seasons, and the train seats aren’t always the most comfortable.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic journeys, value independent exploration, and don’t mind a bit of a travel day or two. If your goal is to maximize sightseeing with minimal hassle and you’re comfortable navigating public transport, this trip strikes a good balance between convenience and authentic local experience.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: Train and ferry crossings with on-board amenities.
• Flexibility: Self-guided Dublin exploration using included hop-on-hop-off bus tickets.
• Convenient logistics: Hotels and transfers included, avoiding airport hustle.
• Rich experiences: Access to Dublin’s top attractions at your own pace.
• Value for money: Especially considering hotel stays and transportation are covered.
• Potential drawbacks: Long travel times and varying comfort levels on trains and ferries.

The Journey Begins: From London to Holyhead

Your adventure starts early at London Euston Station, where you’ll meet your host and board a direct train at 09:02 heading toward Holyhead. The train ride lasts about 3 hours and 40 minutes, traveling through some of the most scenic parts of northwest England and North Wales. This leg is quite comfortable, with a snack bar and reading car, making the long journey more enjoyable.

One reviewer praised the support from staff, mentioning that the guide “showed and explained everything we needed to know,” making the train ride both informative and relaxing. The train’s reserved seats and professional staff help ease the long ride, although some travelers noted that seats aren’t always guaranteed or reserved in advance, which can be frustrating during busy periods.

Upon arriving at Holyhead, a quick bus transfer takes you to the ferry terminal where you’ll board the Irish Ferries Ulysses, a large cruise ferry crossing the Irish Sea in about 3 hours and 15 minutes. On board, you’ll find restaurants, bars, a cinema, and plenty of space to stretch your legs or relax. Many reviews mention the ferry ride as a highlight, with one traveler calling it “worth the trip just for the ferry ride.” The views of the sea and coastlines are quite lovely if weather permits.

Arriving in Dublin: Your 48-Hour City Adventure

Once in Dublin, your hotel in a central location (3- or 4-star standard) makes exploring the city straightforward. The tour offering includes a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus ticket, which allows you to see the city’s main sights at your own speed. The drivers are known for their informative and humorous commentary, ensuring you learn about Dublin’s past without feeling like you’re in a lecture.

Many travelers appreciated the support from staff, with reviews mentioning that guides met them at the station and provided helpful assistance. The hotel accommodations are generally well-rated, with some noting that they are centrally located but might be a bit tired or noisy, especially when close to bus stations.

Top attractions you might choose to visit include the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, the Old Jameson Distillery, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Book of Kells exhibit at Trinity College. With the hop-on-hop-off tickets, you can tailor your sightseeing—whether that means spending hours at the Guinness Storehouse or taking a leisurely walk through historic districts.

Exploring Dublin: Flexibility and Authenticity

The second and third days are yours to enjoy at your own pace. The bus tour includes multilingual commentary, which many reviewers found engaging and informative. The experience is especially suited for travelers who love guided storytelling but also want the freedom to explore independently.

Several reviews mention how knowledgeable guides made the city come alive, sharing stories that added context to the landmarks. One review states, “The guide who met us on Euston station was amazing,” highlighting the importance of good local support. The hotels in Dublin are generally praised for their location and comfort, although some note that a few are “a bit tired,” which is understandable given the range of hotel standards.

Return Journey: From Dublin to London

On Day 4, your host will transfer you back to the Dublin ferry port for your return trip. The ferry schedule varies slightly depending on the day, but typically departs Dublin around 8:05 am, arriving in Holyhead around 11:30 am. After a transfer in Crewe or Chester, you’ll arrive back at London Euston in the early evening, around 5:00 pm to 5:37 pm.

Reviewers found the return journey to be lengthy but appreciated the scenic views during the ferry crossing. Some noted that train seats on the return trip could be uncomfortable, suggesting that travelers might want to bring a pillow or plan for some stretching.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers hotel accommodations in Dublin (3- or 4-star), breakfasts, return rail and ferry tickets, and transfers from the ferry port to your hotel. The hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are included, adding a layer of flexibility to your sightseeing.

However, food and drinks outside breakfast are not included, so you’ll want to budget for meals or snacks during your exploration. The reviews suggest that local dining options are plentiful and affordable, with some travelers praising the quality of food.

Practical Considerations: What You Should Know

• Travel times are significant; expect a full day for the train and ferry legs, which may be tiring but also scenic.
• Comfort levels on trains and ferries vary; bringing a travel pillow or snacks could enhance your experience.
• Hotels are centrally located but sometimes a bit tired—check reviews for specific preferences.
• Booking in advance is recommended, especially since most travelers book about 118 days ahead.
• Group size is limited to 25 travelers, making it a more intimate experience.
• Accessibility: The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, and foldable strollers are allowed.
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian, which makes this better suited for families, couples, or solo travelers comfortable with independent exploration.

The Authentic Experience: What You’ll Love

Many travelers have raved about the knowledgeable guides and the scenic views during the transit. The ferry ride alone is described as “worth the trip,” offering a chance to enjoy the sea breeze and perhaps spot some wildlife. The hotel location makes it easy to walk to major sights, and the hop-on-hop-off bus provides a relaxed way to get a broad overview of Dublin.

The self-directed exploration allows you to choose your own adventure—whether that’s a hearty Guinness at the Storehouse, a walk through Dublin’s historic streets, or a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol. Many reviews highlight the value for money, especially considering all transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing tickets included.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip is ideal for independent travelers who enjoy scenic journeys over quick flights. If you prefer to avoid airports, love longer train and ferry rides that offer scenic vistas, and want flexibility in sightseeing, you’ll find this tour appealing. It’s also suited for those who appreciate local support from guides and the comfort of central hotels in Dublin.

However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, hotel-to-hotel airport transfer, or are uncomfortable with long travel days, this might not be perfect. The journey’s length and the sometimes basic train seats might be a concern, especially during busy seasons.

The Sum Up: A Relaxed, Scenic, and Flexible Dublin Entry

In summary, this London to Dublin by ferry and rail tour offers a comfortable and scenic way to explore Ireland’s vibrant capital without the hassle of air travel. The combination of train, ferry, and self-guided exploration provides an authentic experience that balances comfort with adventure.

It’s a great choice for travelers who enjoy independent sightseeing, love scenic travel routes, and value well-located hotels. The included transportation and sightseeing tickets make it a good value, especially for those wanting a low-stress way to get to Ireland and start exploring right away.

While the long travel times and varying comfort levels on trains and ferries** are worth considering, most find that the stunning views and supportive guides make up for it. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet immersive way to experience Dublin, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable solution.

FAQ

Is the train ride comfortable?
The train ride is generally considered comfortable, with amenities like a snack bar. However, some reviews mention that seats are not always reserved and can be crowded, so bringing a travel pillow might help.

How long is the ferry crossing?
The ferry from Holyhead to Dublin takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Many travelers enjoy this part of the journey for the sea views and the chance to relax.

Are hotels in Dublin centrally located?
Most reviewers say yes—hotels are centrally located, making it easy to walk to major attractions. Some, however, describe their hotels as tired or noisy, especially near bus stations.

What’s included in the tour?
The package includes hotel stays in Dublin, breakfasts, return rail and ferry tickets, and transfers from ferry port to hotel. The hop-on-hop-off city tour is also part of the package.

Can I explore Dublin independently?
Absolutely. The 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus ticket gives you total flexibility to explore at your own pace, whether visiting landmarks or relaxing at a café.

What about food?
While breakfast is included, other meals are not. Dublin has a wealth of dining options, from traditional pubs to modern cafes, which you might want to explore on your own.

Is this suitable for families?
Children under 16 need to be accompanied by a guardian, making this a good option for families with kids who enjoy independent exploration and scenic travel.

This London to Dublin ferry and rail tour offers a practical, scenic, and flexible way to start your Irish adventure—perfect for those craving comfort without sacrificing authenticity.