Integrated sea & rail route from Ireland to Britain via Rosslare-Fishguard
== Shortest surface public transport journey time from Rosslare to London ==
A short break? The races at Cheltenham? A match at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff? Business trip to London? College in Carmarthen? Long-haul flight from Heathrow? Whether for leisure or business SailRail is an economical, relaxing, productive and eco-friendly way to travel to the heart of cities and towns across Wales, England & Scotland.
The Rosslare - Fishguard route celebrates its 118th year in 2024
How does it work?
All year-round twice a day, both ways, seven days a week the Rosslare-Fishguard ferry (Stena Line) is met at Fishguard Harbour's integrated ferry and rail terminal by dedicated Transport for Wales Rail boat trains which run to Carmarthen/Swansea/Cardiff where, daytime, there are Great Western Railway Intercity Express Train connections to Bristol (Parkway) and London (Paddington). Connections to other parts of Wales, England and Scotland are also available. At Rosslare all sailings except the 07.30 have rail connections on the line from Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin.
Ticketing: An all-in ticket is available and includes either:
All year-round twice a day, both ways, seven days a week the Rosslare-Fishguard ferry (Stena Line) is met at Fishguard Harbour's integrated ferry and rail terminal by dedicated Transport for Wales Rail boat trains which run to Carmarthen/Swansea/Cardiff where, daytime, there are Great Western Railway Intercity Express Train connections to Bristol (Parkway) and London (Paddington). Connections to other parts of Wales, England and Scotland are also available. At Rosslare all sailings except the 07.30 have rail connections on the line from Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin.
Ticketing: An all-in ticket is available and includes either:
- the trio of travel from your nearest Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) station, the ferry crossing and onward rail travel to one's destination station in Britain or...
- the duo of the ferry crossing from Rosslare to Fishguard plus onward rail travel to one's destination station in Britain (or vice versa).
Fares:
Timetable valid until further notice:
Notes: On occasion engineering work on the railway can result in alterations to rail timings. It is recommended to check the rail times for the Irish leg of the journey on www.irishrail.ie and to check the timings in Britain on the National Rail Enquiries website.
For convenience you can type the station codes rather than the full name of the station. For instance, instead of typing Wexford type "WXF" and instead of Cardiff Central type "CDF".
For convenience you can type the station codes rather than the full name of the station. For instance, instead of typing Wexford type "WXF" and instead of Cardiff Central type "CDF".
| 2023_until_further_notice_fare_table_via_rosslare.pdf |
| july_2023_until_further_notice_via_rosslare_to_britain_sailrail_timetable.pdf |
Buying your ticket:
In Ireland SailRail tickets can be bought in person at:
County Wexford: Rosslare Europort: Stena Line Travel Centre, ground floor, terminal building (throughout opening hours).
County Waterford: Waterford: ticket office, Plunkett railway station (09.00-13.00 M-F only).
County Dublin: Dublin: ticket office, Connolly railway station.(M-S 09.45-12.30 & 14.30-16.30; Sundays: 11.30-15.30)
County Wicklow: at present there is no railway station in Co. Wicklow selling SailRail tickets.
Notes: You may be asked to show photo ID when buying a SailRail ticket.
For railway stations elsewhere in Ireland selling SailRail tickets please refer to the Irish Rail website.
Or by 'phone (paying by card) at least a week ahead of travel date:
* Irish Rail at (0)1-8366 222 between 07.00 and 19.00 Mondays to Fridays inclusive.
Tickets are posted out.
* Stena Line, Rosslare Europort at 053 9161560. (pay by card over the 'phone & collect on day of travel). No fee for debit cards; €6 fee for bookings by credit card.
(No online booking facility is currently available for SailRail tickets via Rosslare-Fishguard).
In Ireland SailRail tickets can be bought in person at:
County Wexford: Rosslare Europort: Stena Line Travel Centre, ground floor, terminal building (throughout opening hours).
County Waterford: Waterford: ticket office, Plunkett railway station (09.00-13.00 M-F only).
County Dublin: Dublin: ticket office, Connolly railway station.(M-S 09.45-12.30 & 14.30-16.30; Sundays: 11.30-15.30)
County Wicklow: at present there is no railway station in Co. Wicklow selling SailRail tickets.
Notes: You may be asked to show photo ID when buying a SailRail ticket.
For railway stations elsewhere in Ireland selling SailRail tickets please refer to the Irish Rail website.
Or by 'phone (paying by card) at least a week ahead of travel date:
* Irish Rail at (0)1-8366 222 between 07.00 and 19.00 Mondays to Fridays inclusive.
Tickets are posted out.
* Stena Line, Rosslare Europort at 053 9161560. (pay by card over the 'phone & collect on day of travel). No fee for debit cards; €6 fee for bookings by credit card.
(No online booking facility is currently available for SailRail tickets via Rosslare-Fishguard).
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 Europe 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 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 across Britain. * 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 onboard Irish Rail, onboard ship, in Fishguard Harbour's integrated rail-sea terminal and on the high speed train.
* Catering on most trains.
* Cross/adjacent platform transfers between the high speed train and boat train at Swansea/Cardiff.
* Optional upgrade to Stena Plus onboard ship.
* Optional upgrade to First Class aboard High Speed Trains at the weekend. This includes access to the First Class Lounge at Cardiff Central and London (Paddington).
Terminal facilities & embarkation at Rosslare Europort:
InterCity train at Rosslare Europort station
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The path from the station to the ferry terminal is signposted
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Terminal building
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Stena Line desk (check-in here) & escalator to first floor
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The open air pedestrian route between Rosslare Europort's railway platform and the ferry terminal is signposted and takes approximately eight minutes to cover. There is a footpath throughout.
The distant flash of light that may be seen on the way to the terminal comes from Tuskar Rock Lighthouse, around seven miles offshore.
One can enter the terminal building by either a ramp or steps. Free-to-use luggage trolleys are available just inside the door.
Facilities:
The facilities listed hereunder are to be found on the ground floor of the Ferry Terminal.
* Café (with table seating adjacent).
* free Wi-fi
* Internet terminal (pay for) and 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).
Check-in: is at the Stena Line desk on the ground floor. Unaccompanied luggage may also be placed in the luggage "train" which departs from the front of the terminal building. Tag(s) are acquired at the time of check-in.
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.
Embarkation:
The Stena Nordica is the ship assigned to the Rosslare to Fishguard sea route and foot passengers embark via shuttle bus from the front of the terminal building (previously embarkation was more user-friendly - via the first floor of the terminal building and the ship (midship on deck 7) via the covered elevated walkway).
The distant flash of light that may be seen on the way to the terminal comes from Tuskar Rock Lighthouse, around seven miles offshore.
One can enter the terminal building by either a ramp or steps. Free-to-use luggage trolleys are available just inside the door.
Facilities:
The facilities listed hereunder are to be found on the ground floor of the Ferry Terminal.
* Café (with table seating adjacent).
* free Wi-fi
* Internet terminal (pay for) and 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).
Check-in: is at the Stena Line desk on the ground floor. Unaccompanied luggage may also be placed in the luggage "train" which departs from the front of the terminal building. Tag(s) are acquired at the time of check-in.
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.
Embarkation:
The Stena Nordica is the ship assigned to the Rosslare to Fishguard sea route and foot passengers embark via shuttle bus from the front of the terminal building (previously embarkation was more user-friendly - via the first floor of the terminal building and the ship (midship on deck 7) via the covered elevated walkway).
Onboard the Stena Nordica - lots to do and enjoy ...
Stena Europe at Rosslare Pier
update in progress
The guest services (information) and luggage room are both adjacent midship on Deck 7.
A stand with tourist information leaflets is nearby.
Also midships is Stena Shopping, 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 area.
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 (Internet@Sea) 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.
The guest services (information) and luggage room are both adjacent midship on Deck 7.
A stand with tourist information leaflets is nearby.
Also midships is Stena Shopping, 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 area.
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 (Internet@Sea) 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.
Guest Services - Bureau de Change Desk
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Metropolitan Bar & Grill
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Oodles of deck space
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Stena Line's onboard shopping brochure. One can pick up a copy from the Travel Centre in Rosslare Europort or at Guest Services (information desk) onboard the Stena Europe.
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Disembarkation & terminal facilities at Fishguard Harbour:
The facilities listed hereunder are to be found in the Ferry Terminal - railway station building unless otherwise stated:
* luggage trolleys.
* Stena Line desk.
* Fishguard Harbour Café (open noon till 2pm daily).
* 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).
* toilets.
* seating (including table seating in the café). TV in the café.
* vending machines: hot drinks (all drinks are £1.20), soft drinks, crisps & bars.
* recycling bins - plastic & glass bottles & paper.
The nearest ATM is located outside the Goodwick Tesco express 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 next station along the line from 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 next station along the line from Fishguard Harbour) is approximately a three minute walk from the store.
Easy side-by-side under cover transfer between ship and train:
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 and the ship's gangway and train platform are moments rather than minutes apart with no cumbersome shuttle bus transfers.
The route in Wales & England:
The first map below shows in dark blue the route followed from Fishguard Harbour to Swindon whereas the second map does likewise for the route traversed between Didcot Parkway and London (Paddington). 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 sea crossing forecast for "Rosslare to South Wales" is available here on the Met Éireann (Irish Meteorological Service) website.
* Which trains offer catering?
Most Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) trains on the Dublin - Rosslare line offer catering between Dublin and Wexford. The catering is provided as an at-seat trolley service.
An at-seat trolley service is available on the daytime boat train from Fishguard. One can sample a welsh cake as the scenery goes by!
Intercity Express trains to London Paddington also offer catering in the form of an at-seat trolley service.
* 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 and also includes use of the First Class lounge (if required) at Paddington station. The price of upgrading to First Class depends on the number of zones one is passing through in the course of their journey e.g. Cardiff to London is £20; Carmarthen to London is £25. Passengers choosing to upgrade must retain both their original ticket as well as the upgrade ticket.
Only standard class accommodation is available on Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) trains on the Dublin to Rosslare line and
on Transport for Wales Rail trains from Fishguard Harbour.
The Stena Nordica is equipped with stabilisers and handles windy weather quite well. The current sea crossing forecast for "Rosslare to South Wales" is available here on the Met Éireann (Irish Meteorological Service) website.
* Which trains offer catering?
Most Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) trains on the Dublin - Rosslare line offer catering between Dublin and Wexford. The catering is provided as an at-seat trolley service.
An at-seat trolley service is available on the daytime boat train from Fishguard. One can sample a welsh cake as the scenery goes by!
Intercity Express trains to London Paddington also offer catering in the form of an at-seat trolley service.
* 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 and also includes use of the First Class lounge (if required) at Paddington station. The price of upgrading to First Class depends on the number of zones one is passing through in the course of their journey e.g. Cardiff to London is £20; Carmarthen to London is £25. Passengers choosing to upgrade must retain both their original ticket as well as the upgrade ticket.
Only standard class accommodation is available on Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) trains on the Dublin to Rosslare line and
on Transport for Wales Rail trains from Fishguard Harbour.
Can I buy 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) Ireland and Britain.
* 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 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 Fishguard Harbour?
Fishguard Harbour railway station neither has a ticket office nor ticketing vending machine. Therefore passengers without tickets are required to purchase them at the first opportunity from the conductor onboard the train.
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) Ireland and Britain.
* 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 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 Fishguard Harbour?
Fishguard Harbour railway station neither has a ticket office nor ticketing vending machine. Therefore passengers without tickets are required to purchase them at the first opportunity from the conductor onboard the train.
Stena Plus Quiet Area Lounge aboard Stena Europe
Complimentary papers & magazines and a waiter service are available in Stena Plus.
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Computers in Stena Plus aboard Stena Europe
Two berth cabin on the Stena Europe
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Onward connections:
If upon arriving at your destination station you are continuing your journey in the local area by bus 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.
To purchase your Plusbus ticket please visit the ticket office at your destination station and show your SailRail ticket.
To purchase your Plusbus ticket please visit the ticket office at your destination station and show your SailRail ticket.
Example of a Plusbus ticket.
Buses & taxi in London.
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* TRAVELLING TO HEATHROW AIRPORT? One has a number of options as follows:
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For travelling around London one can either use an Oyster card smartcard or a Travelcard.
Both can be purchased from the ticket office in Paddington tube station.
Both can be purchased from the ticket office in Paddington tube station.
Travelling from Britain to Ireland?
Please see this website's separate page.
