London to Dublin by Ferry and Rail

Traveling from London to Dublin by ferry and rail offers a unique way to see the countryside and enjoy a relaxed, independent journey with all logistics taken care of. This package, rated 4.0 out of 5 based on 15 reviews, combines comfortable hotel stays, all transportation, and the freedom to explore Dublin’s top sights over four days. The price is around $1,089, a fair value for the convenience, scenic travel, and included hotel breakfasts.

What truly makes this experience appealing is the sense of freedom — you’re not tied to a tight schedule, and you avoid the hassle of airports, making the trip more laid-back. The train from London to Holyhead, combined with the ferry across the Irish Sea on the Ulysses, offers a scenic, train and sea adventure that many travelers enjoy for its relaxed pace. Reviewers particularly highlight friendly guides and well-located hotels as strengths, making planning straightforward. However, some mention that the long train journey can be tiring and that the hotel locations are not always perfect for night owls or those hoping for a more central base.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary with independent exploration in Dublin, perfect for those who like to set their own pace.
• All-inclusive logistics—hotel, train, ferry, and city transfers—remove the stress of booking separately.
• Great value for a multi-day trip that combines scenic travel with city sightseeing.
• Highly praised guides on the hop-on-hop-off bus and at the stations contribute to an enjoyable experience.
• Comfortable hotels with good ratings, though some reviews note rooms can be tired or noisy near bus stations.
• Some travelers found the long train and ferry journey a tad tiring, but most feel the trip is worth it.
• Excellent for first-time Dublin visitors who want to see the main sights without the hassle of planning every detail.
• Navigation and logistics are smooth, but be prepared for some crowded train rides and variable hotel locations.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Traveling from London to Dublin by this combined train and ferry route is designed for folks who prefer a stress-free, scenic journey with the flexibility to explore at their own rhythm. I’ve looked through dozens of reviews, and what stands out most is that this trip manages to balance ease and adventure surprisingly well, especially for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with Irish transport options.

The Journey Begins: London to Holyhead

Your adventure kicks off at London Euston Station. I appreciate how the tour makes it clear you’ll check in at the Network Rail Mobility Assistance Reception, which hints at smooth handling for travelers with mobility needs. The 09:02 train to Holyhead is a good choice, offering a direct route and a comfy, reserved seat. The train ride lasts about 3 hours and 40 minutes, passing through the countryside and along the North Wales coast, providing plenty of opportunities for photos or just relaxing.

Many reviewers rave about the friendly, professional support from the Railtours Ireland staff, like Jo M who found the guide at London Euston fantastic, providing not only well-chosen seats but helpful explanations. The train’s amenities include a snack bar, which is handy for keeping energy up on what can be a long ride. Some travelers note that reserved seats might not be guaranteed unless specified in advance, so it’s worth double-checking if comfort matters to you.

Crossing the Irish Sea on the Ulysses

Arriving at Holyhead, a short bus transfer takes you to the ferry terminal, where you walk onto the Irish Ferries Ulysses. It’s a highlight for many — the ferry is quite impressive, described as 50,000 tons of floating goodness. This part is about three hours, giving a chance to enjoy lakeside views, restaurants, bars, or even catch a film in the onboard cinema. Several reviews mention that the ferry alone, with its size and amenities, makes the trip worth it, like Linda H who calls it “worth the trip” all by itself.

Dublin: Your City to Discover

Once docked in Dublin, the provided hotel transfer eases your way into the city. The 3-star or 4-star hotels near the city center are praised for being clean and well-located, although a few reviewers find some rooms a bit tired or noisy if close to a bus station. The included breakfasts make mornings easy and set you up for a day of exploring.

During Day 2 and Day 3, you’re on your own but equipped with a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus ticket. This is a terrific way to see Dublin without the hassle of public transport, with live or multilingual guides who are both entertaining and informative. Highlights such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Guinness Storehouse are accessible, and the drivers’ knowledge adds flavor to even the shortest stops. One review mentions a guide named “the amazing guide” who made Dublin’s tour memorable, emphasizing the value of well-informed local storytellers.

The Dublin Experience

Many reviewers mention that the city really shines through the hop-on-hop-off route and walking options. One loves how the free walking tour and the Guinness Storehouse are “must-visit” stops, while another enjoyed the Book of Kells exhibit at Trinity College. With enough flexibility built into the ticket, you can prioritize what interests you most—whether it’s history, culture, or pubs.

The hotel’s location seems to be a mixed bag, with some travelers appreciating the easy access to transportation and city sights, while others find it a little noisy or less central than hoped. Still, the overall sentiment is positive, especially when guided by locals’ insights.

Returning to London

On Day 4, your Railtours Ireland host arranges your transfer back to the ferry port. The return journey involves the same ferry crossing, with varying departure times depending on the day. For example, on weekdays, you depart Dublin at 8:05 am, arrive in Holyhead around 11:30 am, and then connect through Crewe or Chester back to London Euston. Most reviews find this timetable convenient, though some mention the train ride back can be a bit long and crowded — a small price for the scenic journey.

Who Will Love This Trip?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see Dublin without the stress of planning, especially if you value a relaxed, scenic journey. It’s suitable for those with moderate mobility, since the trip involves trains, ferries, and walking, but plenty of support is available. If you’re someone who enjoys independent exploration combined with guided support, you’ll find the hop-on-hop-off bus and hotel stays convenient and flexible.

However, if you prefer shorter travel times or city-center hotels, this might not be perfect — the train and ferry route involves about 7 hours of travel, and some rooms can be noisy, which might affect your rest. For travelers craving a more luxurious or ultra-central hotel experience, extra planning might be warranted.

Final Thoughts

This four-day tour offers a comprehensive, hassle-free way to visit Dublin from London, with scenic transportation, comfortable hotels, and opportunities to explore at your own pace. The combination of train, ferry, and city transit makes the journey itself a memorable part of the trip, and the reviews consistently mention knowledgeable guides and beautiful views. It’s a solid choice for those who value value and authenticity over luxury, especially if you’re keen on experiencing Ireland without the stress of managing each detail yourself.

The trip’s value for money is helped by included breakfasts, hotel stays, and city tours, but bear in mind the long travel times — they’re part of the charm, but also part of the challenge. This experience is well-suited for curious travelers who want a blend of adventure, comfort, and independence.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, all transportation from London to Dublin (train, ferry, and return ferry) is included as part of the package.

Are hotel accommodations included?
Yes, you get three nights in a 3- or 4-star hotel in Dublin, along with breakfast every morning.

Can I explore Dublin at my own pace?
Absolutely. The hop-on-hop-off bus ticket allows you to get on and off as you wish, giving you flexibility to explore at your leisure.

What is the duration of the train and ferry journey?
The train from London to Holyhead takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes. The ferry across the Irish Sea lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.

How long before booking should I reserve this trip?
On average, travelers book this 118 days in advance, so early planning is recommended to secure the best prices and availability.

What if I have mobility needs?
The tour provides assistance at key points, and service animals are allowed. However, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level because it involves walking and some transportation transfers.

Are meals included besides breakfast?
No, meals besides breakfast are not included unless specified, so you’ll want to budget for lunches and dinners.

What if I want to extend my stay in Dublin?
You can customize your plans, but note that the package is designed as a 4-day experience. Additional nights can be booked separately, though extra arrangements are not included in the package price.

How flexible are the return schedules?
The return ferry times are fixed, but there are multiple options throughout the week. Make sure to choose a schedule that aligns with your plans upon booking.

This tour offers a clever way to combine scenic travel with city exploration, all while keeping logistics straightforward. For anyone seeking a taste of Ireland without the fuss, it’s worth considering.