Cruise port Holyhead
Info for port Holyhead on 13 May 2027
Port information & tips for Holyhead
Holyhead is the picturesque gateway to the Island of Anglesey and stands out as one of the most important ports in Wales with its dramatic coastal landscape. The charming port town combines Celtic traditions with a breathtaking natural backdrop, while also offering an ideal starting point for exploring the north of Wales. Impressive highlights in the immediate vicinity include the spectacular South Stack Lighthouse, the historic St. Cybi’s Church, and the ancient remains of Caer y Twr on Holyhead Mountain. Cruise ships dock at the Orthios Jetty or the Deep Water Pier, and guests can easily reach the nearby town center and central train station in no time at all thanks to comfortable shuttle bus connections.
Holyhead is an important ferry port in North Wales and offers excellent connections for cruise guests from the DACH region. The port, which mainly consists of the Inner and Outer Harbour as well as the New Harbour, is operated by Stena Line Ports Ltd. and is well-developed. There is a main terminal (Terminal 1) used by Stena Line and Irish Ferries, which features a direct connection to the train station.
Car
The Port of Holyhead is easily accessible via the A55, a dual carriageway that leads directly to the port grounds. From Chester, it takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, from Liverpool 2 hours, and from Manchester around 2 hours 20 minutes. Two long-stay car parks are available near the port for parking. Costs are, for example, 10 GBP per day or 55 GBP for up to 7 days. Booking in advance via Horizon Parking is recommended, as spaces can be limited. There is also a free park-and-ride service to the terminal.
Train
Holyhead train station is directly connected to Terminal 1 of the port, allowing for an extremely convenient journey. From London Euston, you can reach Holyhead via direct train connections in about 3 hours 36 minutes, and from Manchester in around 2 hours 28 minutes. The walk between the station and the ferry check-in takes less than two minutes, with a large part of the station integrated into the terminal buildings. Step-free access is available via the Celtic Gateway Bridge or through gates to the platforms.
Airplane & Pre-Cruise Hotel
For international arrivals from the DACH region, Manchester (MAN) and Liverpool John Lennon (LPL) airports are ideal options, as the nearest airport, Anglesey (VLY), mainly serves domestic flights. Manchester Airport (MAN) is located about 157 km away and can be reached by direct train in around 3 hours 15 minutes or by car in about 1 hour 51 minutes. From Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), which is about 118 km away, the train journey to Holyhead takes approximately 3 hours 56 minutes to 4 hours 3 minutes, while a car journey takes about 1 hour 48 minutes. Due to the travel times and potential early departures, an overnight stay in Holyhead or in a country hotel on Anglesey is recommended to start the cruise relaxed. Hotels such as the Premier Inn Holyhead or the Travelodge Holyhead offer parking facilities and good connections.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 13 May 2027
