Is there a direct train?

No, you must take a train to a port and then a ferry.

How long is the ferry?

The ferry journey from Holyhead to Dublin is about 3.5 hours.

There are no tolls on the route from Merthyr Tydfil to the ferry port.

Yes, flying is the most practical way to travel to Derry.

What is the best way to travel?

Flying is the most practical and fastest way.

Merthyr Tydfil

Derry

Flight Ship

Merthyr Tydfil to Derry

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Merthyr Tydfil to Derry involves crossing the Irish Sea. You can take a train to a port city like Liverpool or Holyhead, then catch a ferry to Belfast and travel to Derry. Alternatively, you can fly from Cardiff or Bristol to Belfast or Derry. This is a multi-modal journey. Expect a travel time of roughly 10 to 12 hours by train and ferry, or 5 hours by flight.

Total Distance: 500 km total distance including ferry, 350 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying is the fastest, taking about 5 hours including airport time.

Cheapest Way

Advance flight tickets are often the cheapest and fastest way to travel.

Compare Merthyr Tydfil to Derry Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Connecting
Duration	5 hours	12 hours
Avg Price	80-200 GBP	100-200 GBP
Operator	Aer Lingus, EasyJet	Stena Line
Route	Travel to Cardiff or Bristol airport, then fly to Belfast/Derry.	Train to Holyhead, ferry to Belfast, then bus/train to Derry.
Tip	Flying is significantly faster than the train and ferry combination.	Book your ferry in advance for the best prices.

Travel Tips

Booking
Use the Stena Line website for ferry bookings and airline websites for flights.
Passport
While not strictly required for UK citizens, it is recommended to carry a photo ID.
Traffic
Derry city center is walkable, but public transport is available.
Currency
Northern Ireland uses the British Pound.
Dining
Try local Northern Irish dishes in the city center.