Cruise port Holyhead
Info for port Holyhead on 10 Sept 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.
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.
From Holyhead Port, thanks to the central location and modern infrastructure, you can reach the town center as well as the sights of Anglesey quickly and comfortably. The port also serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the green countryside of North Wales.
On Foot
The town center of Holyhead is directly connected to the port area via the striking Celtic Gateway pedestrian bridge. A relaxed walk takes about 10 to 15 minutes and simultaneously offers a beautiful view of the marina and the bustling harbor basin.
Shuttle Service
For cruise ships docking at the slightly more remote Orthios Jetty, organized shuttle buses are usually available. These comfortably bring you to the central arrival point in the town within a few minutes, allowing you to enjoy your stay directly and effortlessly.
Taxi and Train
Official taxis wait for passengers directly at the port exit as well as at the nearby Holyhead railway station. Thanks to the excellent connection to the rail network, you can also reach famous destinations such as Caernarfon Castle or Snowdonia National Park quickly and directly.
To make the most of your stay in Holyhead, we recommend a discovery tour along the dramatic cliffs of Anglesey paired with a visit to one of the region's most significant historical fortresses.
South Stack Lighthouse
Located spectacularly on a small island, this lighthouse area is accessible via a distinctive staircase and, thanks to its position on the rugged cliffs, offers an ideal backdrop for panoramic photos as well as the observation of rare seabirds.
Trearddur Bay
This charming seaside resort impresses with its wide bay and fine sandy beach; it is also perfectly suited for a relaxing stay by the water and is particularly easy to reach thanks to the short travel time from the port.
Caernarfon Castle
The impressive medieval fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cultural highlight of the area, fascinating visitors with its majestic architecture and exciting connection to the British Crown.
South Stack Lighthouse
The spectacular South Stack Lighthouse is perched on a rugged rocky island on the northwestern tip of Anglesey and can be easily reached from the port in only about fifteen minutes by car. Dating back to 1809, this historic site offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Irish Sea and, thanks to the adjacent RSPB nature reserve, is perfect for relaxed wildlife watching. The site also features an inviting café as well as well-maintained paths that allow for a comfortable walk along the dramatic cliffs. Ideally, plan your visit for the morning to experience the impressive scenery in peace and return to the port relaxed in the early afternoon.
The return journey to the ship in Holyhead is designed to be very simple and time-saving, thanks to the central meeting points in the town center and the organized shuttle service.
Shuttle Bus
Most cruise lines provide complimentary shuttle buses that run regularly between the town center and the secure port area. These buses depart centrally near St Cybi’s Church or at the port railway station, taking you directly and safely back to your berth at the Deep Water Berth.
Taxi
You can easily find taxis at the designated ranks directly at Holyhead station as well as at the Stena Line Ferry Terminal. Additionally, you can have a taxi called for you in local cafés or at the Tourist Information Centre near the market square to start your return journey to the port flexibly and punctually.
On Foot
From the town center, the return path leads over the distinctive blue Celtic Gateway pedestrian bridge directly to the area of the port railway station and the ferry terminal. Thanks to the clear signage and accessible pathways, you will reach the meeting point for the shuttle buses or the terminal building effortlessly and safely after a short walk.
In port on 10 Sept 2027
