Integrated sea & rail route from Britain to Ireland via Fishguard-Rosslare -
- The Great Western* route to Ireland
The opera in Wexford? A match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin? Walking in the Wicklow mountains? Exploring the Viking Triangle in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city? A short break? Business trip to Dublin? Whether for leisure or business SailRail is an economical, relaxing, productive and eco-friendly way to travel to the centre of cities and towns in the South-East & East of Ireland.
The Fishguard - Rosslare route celebrates its 118th year in 2024
How does it work?
All year round, seven days a week the daytime Fishguard - Rosslare ferry (Stena Line) is connected into at Fishguard Harbour's integrated ferry and rail terminal by dedicated Transport for Wales Rail boat trains which run from Swansea/Carmarthen where there are Great Western Railway Intercity Express Train connections from Bristol (Parkway) and London (Paddington). Connections from other parts of Wales, England and Scotland are also available. The early-morning ferry arrival at Rosslare has a suitably-timed onward train on the line to Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin. There is also a bus connection to Waterford city.
Ticketing: An all-in ticket is available and includes:
All year round, seven days a week the daytime Fishguard - Rosslare ferry (Stena Line) is connected into at Fishguard Harbour's integrated ferry and rail terminal by dedicated Transport for Wales Rail boat trains which run from Swansea/Carmarthen where there are Great Western Railway Intercity Express Train connections from Bristol (Parkway) and London (Paddington). Connections from other parts of Wales, England and Scotland are also available. The early-morning ferry arrival at Rosslare has a suitably-timed onward train on the line to Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin. There is also a bus connection to Waterford city.
Ticketing: An all-in ticket is available and includes:
- the duo of rail travel from one's origin station in Britain and the ferry crossing from Fishguard to Rosslare
Fares:
Notes: On occasion engineering work on the railway can result in alterations to rail timings. It is recommended to check the rail times on the National Rail Enquiries website and to check the Irish leg of the journey on www.irishrail.ie.
For convenience you can type the station codes rather than the full name of the station. For instance, instead of typing Paddington type "PAD" and instead of Wexford type "WXF".
For convenience you can type the station codes rather than the full name of the station. For instance, instead of typing Paddington type "PAD" and instead of Wexford type "WXF".
Timetable valid until further notice:
| july_2023_until_further_notice_via_fishguard_to_ireland_sailrail_timetable.pdf |
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Buying your ticket:
SailRail tickets can be bought in person at the ticket office of any railway station on the National Rail network staffed railway stations (not tube - London Underground stations) Or online: * from several websites e.g. the Transport for Wales Rail or Cross Country websites (collectable at most stations). * Stena Line UK website. | ||
The benefits:
The train and ship journey time can be put to very good use to catch up on work, go online, dine or even sleep (the Stena Nordica ship has free Wi-Fi, a Stena Plus area and well-appointed en suite cabins). Catering, either buffet or at-seat, is available on most trains and whilst onboard ship one can choose from a range of eateries, watch a movie or go even go Duty Free shopping! Or enjoy a stroll on deck and view the approaching coastline.
* One ticket covers all. * Fixed good value fares. * No travel tax. * Integrated service.
* Travel to the heart of cities and towns in Ireland. * Relaxing. * Lots of scenery along the way.
* Luggage: as a rule of thumb you can bring whatever luggage you can reasonably manage. * Option to bring a bicycle.
* Free Wi-Fi on the Intercity Express Train, on most Transport for Wales Rail trains, in Fishguard Harbour's integrated rail-sea terminal, onboard ship & on Irish Rail trains (currently suspended).
* Catering on most trains (currently suspended on Irish Rail).
* Optional upgrade to First Class aboard High Speed Trains at the weekend.
* Optional upgrade to Stena Plus onboard ship.
Easy side-by-side under cover transfer between train and ship:
The daytime boat train pictured at Fishguard Harbour's integrated rail and ferry terminal.
The big plus of Fishguard Harbour compared to most other ports around Ireland and Britain is that the transfer between ship and train is under cover.
Embarkation & terminal facilities at Fishguard Harbour:
Check-in is at the Stena Line desk.
The facilities listed hereunder are to be found in the Ferry Terminal - railway station building unless otherwise stated:
* luggage trolleys.
* Stena Line desk.
* public 'phone booth (coins & cards).
* free Wi-fi
* tourist information leaflets. Also a platform info panel on local walking and cycling routes.
* rail customer information screen & timetable displays. A bus timetable display can be found on the platform.
* Display of local taxi numbers.
* List of local accommodation and restaurants. Also local info.
* postbox (on platform; collections at 15.30 M-F & 09.15 Saturdays)
* toilets.
* seating (including table seating in the café). TV in the café.
* vending machines: hot drinks (all drinks are £2), water, soft drinks, crisps, bars & sweets. Card & cash accepted.
* recycling bins - plastic & glass bottles & paper.
The nearest ATM is located outside the Goodwick Tesco express store. It is free of charge to use (checked February, 2022).
The photo on the left shows this Tesco Express store as viewed from the end of the port approach road. It's around a 10 to 12 minute walk from Fishguard Harbour ferry terminal-railway station.
Note: Fishguard & Goodwick railway station (the station before Fishguard Harbour) is approximately a three minute walk from the store.
The photo on the left shows this Tesco Express store as viewed from the end of the port approach road. It's around a 10 to 12 minute walk from Fishguard Harbour ferry terminal-railway station.
Note: Fishguard & Goodwick railway station (the station before Fishguard Harbour) is approximately a three minute walk from the store.
Onboard the Stena Nordica - lots to do and enjoy ...
Stena Europe arriving at Rosslare Europort with the afternoon sailing from Fishguard
being updated
On deck 4 the guest services (information)A stand with tourist information leaflets is nearby.
Also midships is the Duty Free shop, The lounge and areas for children and teenagers.
Forward on deck 7 are cabins (bookable at guest services) whereas aft one will find the Barista Coffee House (movies are shown here free-of-charge) as well as a lounge. Further aft is the Hygge Recline Lounge.
Aft on deck 8 is the Metropolitan Bar & Grill. Midships is Stena Plus. Further cabins are to be found forward.
Deck 9 has outside deck areas along most of the length of the ship (both starboard & port sides) whereas the majority of deck 10 comprises of open deck space, bench seats and the innovative "Take The Salt Air" walk.
There are toilets on both of the main passenger decks (7 & 8) and a mobility-impaired toilets are on deck 7. Stairs and two lifts connect the decks.
Free WiFi is available throughout the crossing and there are also three free-to-use internet-enabled computers on deck 7.
There is an ATM which dispenses sterling near the guest services desk. A transaction fee applies.
On deck 4 the guest services (information)A stand with tourist information leaflets is nearby.
Also midships is the Duty Free shop, The lounge and areas for children and teenagers.
Forward on deck 7 are cabins (bookable at guest services) whereas aft one will find the Barista Coffee House (movies are shown here free-of-charge) as well as a lounge. Further aft is the Hygge Recline Lounge.
Aft on deck 8 is the Metropolitan Bar & Grill. Midships is Stena Plus. Further cabins are to be found forward.
Deck 9 has outside deck areas along most of the length of the ship (both starboard & port sides) whereas the majority of deck 10 comprises of open deck space, bench seats and the innovative "Take The Salt Air" walk.
There are toilets on both of the main passenger decks (7 & 8) and a mobility-impaired toilets are on deck 7. Stairs and two lifts connect the decks.
Free WiFi is available throughout the crossing and there are also three free-to-use internet-enabled computers on deck 7.
There is an ATM which dispenses sterling near the guest services desk. A transaction fee applies.
Stena Line's onboard shopping brochure. One can pick up a copy at Guest Services (information desk) onboard the Stena Europe.
Disembarkation & terminal facilities at Rosslare Europort:
Terminal building
Ticket vending machine at platform entrance/exit.
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From the doors of the terminal onward buses (e.g. to Waterford) are adjacent and the walking route to the rail station is signposted
Pre-booked tickets (e.g. tickets booked online) can also be collected from the machine.
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InterCity train awaiting departure from Rosslare Europort
Foot passengers disembark via shuttle bus at Rosslare Europort; the bus brings passengers to the front of the terminal building where luggage may be reclaimed.
For passengers picking-up unaccompanied luggage the luggage "train" arrives to the front of the terminal building. One can exit the terminal building by either a ramp or steps.
The open air pedestrian route between the ferry terminal and rail station at Rosslare Europort is signposted and takes approximately eight minutes to cover. There is a footpath throughout.
The facilities listed hereunder are to be found on the ground floor of the Ferry Terminal.
* Café (with table seating adjacent).
* free Wi-fi
* public 'phones.
* self-service luggage lockers (two sizes of locker. €2 is required to operate a locker but it is refundable),
* tourist information displays and leaflets, both local and national.
* rail and bus information displays and leaflets, with free-to-use 'phones to the rail and bus enquiry bureaux.
* Display of local taxi numbers.
* photo booth.
* postbox (there is also a postbox outside the terminal building)
* toilets.
* seating.
* vending machines (hot & soft drinks; chocolate, crisps & bags of sweets).
On the first floor there are also toilets and public 'phones. An outside viewing balcony with bench seating and tables is sometimes open and located on this level.
For passengers picking-up unaccompanied luggage the luggage "train" arrives to the front of the terminal building. One can exit the terminal building by either a ramp or steps.
The open air pedestrian route between the ferry terminal and rail station at Rosslare Europort is signposted and takes approximately eight minutes to cover. There is a footpath throughout.
The facilities listed hereunder are to be found on the ground floor of the Ferry Terminal.
* Café (with table seating adjacent).
* free Wi-fi
* public 'phones.
* self-service luggage lockers (two sizes of locker. €2 is required to operate a locker but it is refundable),
* tourist information displays and leaflets, both local and national.
* rail and bus information displays and leaflets, with free-to-use 'phones to the rail and bus enquiry bureaux.
* Display of local taxi numbers.
* photo booth.
* postbox (there is also a postbox outside the terminal building)
* toilets.
* seating.
* vending machines (hot & soft drinks; chocolate, crisps & bags of sweets).
On the first floor there are also toilets and public 'phones. An outside viewing balcony with bench seating and tables is sometimes open and located on this level.
The route in England & Wales:
The first map below shows in dark blue the route followed from London (Paddington) to Didcot Parkway whereas the second map does likewise for the route traversed between Swindon and Fishguard Harbour. The maps may be downloaded and or a copy of each printed off for personal use. Maps (c) M.G. Ball.
FAQs & extra touches:
* If it's windy will the crossing be rough?
The Stena Nordica is equipped with stabilisers and handles windy weather quite well. The current shipping forecast forecast is available here on the Met Office website.
* Which trains offer catering?
Intercity Express trains from London Paddington offer catering in the form of an at-seat trolley service.
An at-seat trolley service is also available on the daytime boat train to Fishguard. One can sample a welsh cake as the scenery goes by!
Most Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) trains on the Rosslare-Dublin line (e.g. 07.20 ex Rosslare [09.40 Sundays]) offer catering - provided as an at-seat trolley service. NB: Irish Rail catering is currently suspended.
* Can I travel first class?
On the Stena Nordica it is possible to upgrade to use the Stena Plus lounge on payment of a supplement.
An upgrade to First Class is available on the Intercity Express Train at weekends on payment of a supplement. This supplement is payable to the conductor onboard the train. The price of upgrading to First Class depends on the number of zones one is passing through in the course of their journey - upgrades start from £10 extra.
Only standard class accommodation is available on Transport for Wales Rail trains to Fishguard Harbour and Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) trains on the Rosslare to Dublin line.
The Stena Nordica is equipped with stabilisers and handles windy weather quite well. The current shipping forecast forecast is available here on the Met Office website.
* Which trains offer catering?
Intercity Express trains from London Paddington offer catering in the form of an at-seat trolley service.
An at-seat trolley service is also available on the daytime boat train to Fishguard. One can sample a welsh cake as the scenery goes by!
Most Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) trains on the Rosslare-Dublin line (e.g. 07.20 ex Rosslare [09.40 Sundays]) offer catering - provided as an at-seat trolley service. NB: Irish Rail catering is currently suspended.
* Can I travel first class?
On the Stena Nordica it is possible to upgrade to use the Stena Plus lounge on payment of a supplement.
An upgrade to First Class is available on the Intercity Express Train at weekends on payment of a supplement. This supplement is payable to the conductor onboard the train. The price of upgrading to First Class depends on the number of zones one is passing through in the course of their journey - upgrades start from £10 extra.
Only standard class accommodation is available on Transport for Wales Rail trains to Fishguard Harbour and Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) trains on the Rosslare to Dublin line.
* Can I purchase separate tickets?
Passengers may buy separate rail and ferry tickets but this generally works out considerably more expensive.
* Discount for holders of InterRail & Eurail passes:Holders of InterRail and Eurail passes can obtain a 30% discount off standard foot passenger fares provided their pass is current and valid for either (or both) Britain and Ireland.
* Are cabins available onboard the ship?
En-suite cabins are available onboard the Stena Nordica and may be booked at the Guest Services - Information Desk midship on deck 4.
* Which currencies are accepted onboard the ship?
Sterling and Euro are both accepted as payment onboard the ship.
* Where can I buy train tickets at Rosslare Europort?
A ticket vending machine (TVM) is located at the entrance to the platform. Passengers without tickets must purchase them from this machine. It is also possible to collect tickets booked online from the TVM.
Passengers may buy separate rail and ferry tickets but this generally works out considerably more expensive.
* Discount for holders of InterRail & Eurail passes:Holders of InterRail and Eurail passes can obtain a 30% discount off standard foot passenger fares provided their pass is current and valid for either (or both) Britain and Ireland.
* Are cabins available onboard the ship?
En-suite cabins are available onboard the Stena Nordica and may be booked at the Guest Services - Information Desk midship on deck 4.
* Which currencies are accepted onboard the ship?
Sterling and Euro are both accepted as payment onboard the ship.
* Where can I buy train tickets at Rosslare Europort?
A ticket vending machine (TVM) is located at the entrance to the platform. Passengers without tickets must purchase them from this machine. It is also possible to collect tickets booked online from the TVM.
Complimentary papers & magazines and a waiter service are available in Stena Plus.
* Further reading:
An article about a rail & sea journey from Paddington to Ireland via Rosslare may be downloaded from this site as a PDF (16 KB):
An article about a rail & sea journey from Paddington to Ireland via Rosslare may be downloaded from this site as a PDF (16 KB):
| article_-_the_great_western_route_to_ireland.pdf |
Connections:
If you are making a local journey by bus to your origin (starting) station you may wish to consider purchasing a Plusbus ticket. A
Plusbus ticket gives the train traveller unlimited local bus travel around the
whole urban area of the rail-served town or city. Please click on the logo if you wish to visit the Plusbus website for further details regarding fares, towns and cities where Plusbus is available, participating operators and maps of Plusbus zones.
Your Plusbus ticket is purchasable at the time of buying your SailRail ticket, both in-person and online.
Your Plusbus ticket is purchasable at the time of buying your SailRail ticket, both in-person and online.
Example of a Plusbus ticket (top right) purchased with a SailRail ticket.
Buses & taxi in London.
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* TRAVELLING FROM HEATHROW AIRPORT? One has a number of options as follows:
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For travelling around London one can either use a Contactless (bank) card, an Oyster card smartcard or a Travelcard.
Both can be purchased from tube ticket vending machines. For further outlets please see the Transport for London website.
Both can be purchased from tube ticket vending machines. For further outlets please see the Transport for London website.
Travelling from Ireland to Britain?
Please see this website's separate page.
Note regarding page subtitle:
* = “Great Western” is used in a generic sense to refer to railway routes of Wales & England traditionally operated by the original Great Western Railway.
