London to Dublin by Ferry and Rail

If you’re considering a trip from London to Dublin without the hassle of airports, this independent 4-day touring option might catch your eye. It combines train and ferry travel with hotel accommodations, giving you the freedom to wander Dublin at your own pace. We’ve looked into the experience to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your travel style.

What we really like about this tour is how it simplifies the logistics—no airport stress, just straightforward train and ferry rides. The included hotel in Dublin and breakfasts add value, especially for those who want a hassle-free setup. Plus, the self-guided exploration options mean you can tailor your days to your interests.

That said, there are some considerations. The lengthy train journey from London to Holyhead can be a bit tiring, and some travelers mentioned the train seats aren’t the most comfortable. Also, the hotel locations might be less central, which could mean extra walking or transport costs. The tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy a bit of independence, scenic routes, and relaxed city visits.

This tour works well for those wanting an affordable and flexible way to see Dublin without the typical group tours. If you’re comfortable planning your own daily activities and enjoy scenic travel, this might be a good choice.

Key Points

• Flexibility: You get to explore Dublin on your own terms with a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus ticket.
• Convenience: Travel arrangements, including hotel stays and transport, are organized, reducing stress.
• Travel Experience: The train and ferry routes offer scenic views and a different way to arrive in Dublin.
• Cost-Value: Priced around $1,089, the package includes hotel, transport, and breakfast, offering decent value for those who prefer self-guided exploration.
• Traveler Feedback: Many reviews praise knowledgeable guides, the comfort of the hotel, and the fun ferry ride.
• Potential Drawbacks: Long train trips and hotel locations might not suit everyone, especially those seeking ultra-central accommodations.

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Journey to Dublin

The adventure kicks off at London Euston Station with an early morning check-in for the 09:02 train to Holyhead. This train ride lasts about 3 hours and 40 minutes, taking you through England and North Wales. As train travel goes, this is a comfortable way to see some scenic countryside, and the train itself features a snack car/bar and even a two-screen cinema—little touches that make the journey more pleasant.

One thing to note from reviews is that reserved seats aren’t always guaranteed, which can be a bit frustrating. Several travelers mentioned that sometimes they had to shift seats as the train filled up, and seats weren’t always assigned at booking. If you prefer guaranteed comfort, this might be a minor inconvenience.

The Ferry Across the Irish Sea

Once at Holyhead, there’s a short bus transfer to the ferry terminal, where you’ll hop onto the Irish Ferries Ulysses. The ferry ride takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes, offering a relaxing voyage across the Irish Sea. Onboard, you’ll find restaurants, bars, and even a cinema, so you can settle in comfortably.

Many reviews emphasize the ferry as a highlight—“the Ulysses alone is worth the trip,” some say. The views of the sea and the ship’s amenities make the crossing feel like part of the experience rather than just transit.

Arriving in Dublin and Your Hotel

Upon arrival in Dublin, a transfer whisks you to your 3- or 4-star hotel in the city, with some guests praising the nice rooms and good locations. However, a few reviewers noted that the hotel was a bit tired or not as centrally located as they hoped, which might mean extra effort to reach main attractions.

Your hotel stay includes breakfast each morning, a perk that makes mornings easier and helps set you up for full days of sightseeing.

Explore Dublin at Your Own Pace

The 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus ticket is a fan-favorite feature. It comes with both live and multilingual commentary, and drivers are well-regarded for their storytelling. With this, you can visit key sights like the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, the Old Jameson Distillery, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Book of Kells exhibit at Trinity College.

Many reviews highlight how helpful the bus drivers are, with some saying, “they’re great storytellers” and full of local tips. The flexibility to hop on and off means you can spend as much or as little time at each stop as you like.

Additional Tours and Attractions

While the hop-on-hop-off covers the main attractions, the trip also offers optional walking tours, which many travelers found enjoyable. The inclusion of free walking tours and the overall ease of movement around Dublin makes this a compelling choice for those who want a city experience without rigid schedules.

Returning to London

On the final day, your Railtours Ireland host will transfer you back to the Dublin ferry port for the return voyage. The ferry schedule varies by day, with options for departure around 8:05 am most days. The return trip mirrors the outbound journey: ferry crossing, bus transfer to Holyhead, train to London, and arrival at Euston Station in the late afternoon.

Many reviews mention the train back being crowded, but the ferry crossing remains a highlight, especially for those who enjoy the sea voyage.

Analyzing the Cost and Value

At around $1,089 per person, this tour packs quite a bit—hotel, transport, ferry, and breakfasts—into a manageable package. For travelers who prefer not to plan every detail, this is a solid value, especially considering the convenience of organized transfers and included accommodation.

However, some travelers commented that the train journey could be long and uncomfortable, and the hotel locations might not be ideal if you want to stay right in the heart of Dublin. Still, the included amenities and the scenic routes make it a worthwhile option for those who appreciate a mix of guided and independent exploration.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who:

• Love scenic travel and don’t mind long journeys
• Want a flexible way to explore Dublin on their own
• Appreciate organized transport and hotel arrangements
• Enjoy self-guided city trips with optional guided elements
• Are comfortable with a moderate pace and some walking
• Don’t mind hotel locations that might be a short walk or transit ride from main sights

If you’re someone who prefers a fully guided tour with minimal planning or seeks a centrally located hotel, this may not be your perfect fit. But if independence, scenic routes, and a relaxed pace appeal to you, this could be just the ticket.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and they cannot book independently. If you’re traveling with family, make sure to plan accordingly.

Does the tour include guided sightseeing in Dublin?
The main sightseeing is self-guided with the hop-on-hop-off bus ticket. Although guides meet you at the start and end, the city exploration itself is free to do as you wish.

Are meals included apart from breakfast?
No, food and drinks are not included unless specified. You might want to budget for meals during your free time.

Is the train journey comfortable?
Some reviews mention the train seats aren’t the most comfortable, and the journey can feel lengthy. Reserved seats aren’t always guaranteed, so be prepared for a potentially crowded ride.

What is the hotel like?
The hotel in Dublin is rated 3-4 stars, with positive comments about cleanliness and location. Still, some reviews note it’s a bit tired or outside the city center.

How flexible is the itinerary?
You are free to explore Dublin as you like during the hop-on-hop-off period. The tour schedule for travel and transfers is fixed, but your days in Dublin are yours.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than that are subject to partial or no refund.

What’s the overall value of this experience?
Considering the included transport, hotel, breakfast, and city tour, many reviews find it good value—particularly for those who want a relaxed, independent trip without the hassle of detailed planning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a straightforward way to hop from London to Dublin that combines scenic train and ferry rides with the freedom to discover the city at your own pace, this tour offers a lot of what you need. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy planning their days but appreciate an organized backbone to their trip.

While some might find the train journey long and the hotel locations a bit outside the prime sights, the overall experience provides a comfortable, scenic, and flexible Dublin introduction. The inclusion of hotel stays and a hop-on-hop-off bus makes it convenient, and many past travelers speak highly of the friendly guidance and enjoyable ferry crossing.

All things considered, this tour can be a practical and memorable way to see Dublin without the typical rush and rigid schedules. Perfect for independent travelers, city explorers, and those who want a relaxed pace with scenic travel.

Hope this helps you decide whether this London to Dublin ferry and rail experience fits your travel style. Feel free to ask if you want more info on specific aspects. Safe travels!