When can I buy tickets?

You can buy Sail Rail tickets up to 8 weeks in advance.

Where can I buy tickets?

You can buy SailRail tickets:

  • Online
  • Over the phone 03333 211 202
  • At one of our ticket offices; or
  • A UK Rail Appointed Travel Agents

Please note: SailRail tickets can only be collected at a UK ticket office or ticket machine or delivered to a UK address. Tickets CANNOT be picked up at a Irish rail stations to delivered to an Irish address.

What types of tickets are available?

Advance - Available for sale until 18.00 the day before departure, mandatory reservations required on trains and ferry with limited availability so advisable to book well in advance of travel.

Standby - Available up to and including the day of departure. A mandatory reservation is required the ship so tickets are only available through a booking office.

How are my SailRail tickets delivered?

By Post: Please allow 7 working days for your tickets to be delivered, if purchased online or by telephone.

We only allow First Class postal delivery to be chosen as a ticket delivery method if the day you plan to travel is 7 working days away or more. This is to ensure that enough time is left for the tickets to be delivered to you. If your tickets have not been received after 7 working days, please contact us.

SailRail tickets can only be delivered to a UK address.

 

By Self Service machine: Tickets can be collected from any UK station with self-service facilities, not just the station you're travelling from. You can collect two hours after booking or anytime later up to the departure time of the connecting train.

For collection, you will require:

  • Credit/Debit card used to make the booking.
  • Ticket Collection Reference given to you when the booking was made.
How much time should I leave for my connection between train and ferry?

We recommend you leave at least 30 mins connection time between journeys.

How can I transfer from the ferry port to the City Centre when Travelling with Stena Line?

All Stena Line arrivals and departures at Dublin Port are served by a bus service.

Standard fares are €3.00 per adult.

View Nolan Coaches website for bus transfer timetable.

 

Related Links:

How can I transfer from the ferry port to the City Centre when Travelling with Irish Ferries?

All Irish Ferries arrivals and departures at Dublin Port are served by a bus service.

Standard fares are €3.00 per adult.

View Irish Ferries website for bus transfer timetable.

 

Related Links:

When can I travel?

You can only travel on the train and ferry you have booked. Ticket availability is limited so you must book ahead.

Which routes can I travel on?

Depending on train times, you can generally travel from any train station in Great Britain.

For information about journeys to Belfast via Stranraer, please visit the ScotRail website.

For information about journeys to Holland via Harwich, please visit the Stena Line website.

Which Irish stations can I travel to?

SailRail tickets are available to most stations in Ireland.

Do I need to book in advance?

SailRail tickets are available up to 8 weeks in advance and up to 2 hours before the departure time of your train. As tickets are limited, we recommend you book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Is the ticket subject to availability?

Yes. SailRail is subject to availability based on ferry capacity only.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Yes, you must have a reservation when travelling with Stena Line and Irish Ferries services as well when travelling with an Advance train ticket. We’ll make all the reservations for you when you book your ticket. If you have a Standby ticket, a reservation is required for the ferry but not for the train.

How can I found out if my train is running on time?

Visit our travel updates page or call National Rail on +44 (0) 8457 484 950.

How can I find out the most up-to-date information on ferry sailings?

Ferrycheck provides up to date information about ferry sailings up to 24 hours before departure.

Stena Line:

  • Call +44 (0) 8705 755 755 when travelling to Ireland 
  • Call +353 (0) 12 047 799 when travelling to Britain 

Irish Ferries:

  • Call +44 (0) 8717 300 400 when travelling to Ireland 
  • Call +353 (0)818 300 400 when travelling to Britain
When do I need to check-in?

For Fishguard: At least 30 minutes before the advertised departure of your ferry or immediately after the arrival of the connecting train, whichever is later.

For Holyhead: At least 30 minutes before the advertised departure of Swift/HSS/Ship.

For Dublin: At least 30 minutes before the advertised departure of Swift/HSS and 30 minutes for the Super Ferry.

For Rosslare: At least 30 minutes before the advertised departure of Ship or immediately after the arrival of the connecting train, whichever is later.

What do I need for check-in?

Stena Line and Irish Ferries has introduced passenger registration systems. ALL passengers must complete a boarding card prior to check-in.

Do I need my passport or identification?

You do not need a passport to travel to Ireland. However you must show a form of identification at check-in for the ferry journey. Stenaline and Irish ferries will accept the following forms of identification:

  • Driving License

  • Utility Bill

  • Bank Card

  • Birth certificate (only for children under the age of 18)

If you are NOT a UK Resident or do not hold a UK Passport, you will need to show your passport for check-in.

Do Railcard discounts apply?

No.

Do child discounts apply?

Yes. 50% discount for children aged 5 - 15.

Under 5’s travel free and do not require a ticket. However, they must be issued with a reservation for the sailing to/from Holyhead and Fishguard. This can be obtained from station booking office or by calling telesales on 08709 000 773 when purchasing the Adult tickets.

Can a child aged 15 or under travel on their own?

No. Children aged 15 and under cannot travel along by ferry and will not be allowed to board the ship.

Can a child under 18 travel on their own?

16 and 17 year olds are only allowed to travel alone if they have a letter of consent from their parent or guardian. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to board the ship.

Do group discounts apply?

No.

Can I upgrade to First Class?

Sail Rail tickets cannot be upgraded. If you’d like to travel First Class you’ll need to buy separate train and ferry tickets.

I didn’t use my SailRail ticket - Can I get a refund?

SailRail Advance tickets cannot be refunded unless your train or ferry is cancelled and you decide not to travel.

SailRail Single tickets that have not been used can be refunded. We charge a refund administration fee of £5 per ticket.

I need to change the date or time of my SailRail ticket - Can I do this?

Yes, as long you contact us by 20:00 on the day before departure. We’ll charge a £5 charge administration fee.

Can I break my journey?

No. Break of journeys are not allowed except for connecting from on train to another.

Can I take a bike with me?

Transport for Wales: Yes, but you must make a reservation. You can reserve a place for your bike free of charge at your nearest ticket office.

Stena Line: You can take your bike onto the ferry for £5.00 each way, payable at the ferry terminal. You don’t need a reservation.

Irish Ferries: You can take your bike onto the ferry for £9.00 each way, payable at the ferry terminal. You don’t need a reservation.

Irish Rail: Please visit www.irishrail.ie/travel-information/bicycle-information-for-rail-travel for further information.

Can I take a dog with me?

Transport for Wales: Yes, as long as your dog is well behaved and kept on a lead or in a basket at all times. Guide dogs and Assistance dogs are permitted to travel on all train services without restriction.

Irish Ferries: No, only Guide dogs are allowed in passenger area.

Stena Line HSS: No, only Guide dogs are allowed in passenger area.

Stena Line Super Ferry: Guide dogs are allowed in passenger area. Any other dogs will be asked to be put in dedicated kennel area on the car deck.

Irish Rail: Yes, as long as your dog is well behaved and kept on a lead or in a basket at all times. Guide dogs and Assistance dogs are permitted to travel on all Iarnród Éireann Intercity, Commuter and DART Services without restriction.

For further information, please visit: www.irishrail.ie/contact-us/faqs