Is Derry the same as Londonderry?

Yes, they are the same city; the name is a subject of local debate.

How long is the ferry?

The crossing takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

You can take a train from Belfast to Derry, but not from Scotland.

Is there a direct flight?

No, there are no direct flights from Inverness to Derry.

What is the best time to visit?

Summer offers the best weather for walking the city walls.

Derry

Bus Driving

Strathpeffer to Derry

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling to Derry from Strathpeffer requires crossing the Irish Sea. The most practical route is driving to Cairnryan, taking the ferry to Belfast, and then driving or taking a bus to Derry. The drive from Belfast to Derry takes approximately 90 minutes via the A6 road. Total travel time is roughly 9 to 10 hours including ferry transit.

Total Distance: 450 km driving + 100 km ferry, 320 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving your own vehicle via the Cairnryan ferry.

Cheapest Way

Coach travel using advance booking discounts.

Compare Strathpeffer to Derry Routes

	Bus Connecting	Driving Connecting
Duration	12 hours	9 hours
Avg Price	90 GBP - 150 GBP	180 GBP (fuel + ferry)
Operator	Citylink, Translink	Stena Line
Route	Bus to Glasgow, bus to Belfast, Goldline bus to Derry.	A9, M8, A77 to Cairnryan, ferry to Belfast, A6 to Derry.
Tip	Use the Translink journey planner for seamless bus connections in Northern Ireland.	The A6 road from Belfast to Derry has been significantly upgraded recently.

Travel Tips

Ferry Port
Arrive at Cairnryan at least 60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure.
Road Signs
Northern Ireland uses miles per hour for speed limits, consistent with the rest of the UK.
Booking
Book your ferry and bus tickets separately to find the best prices.
Packing
Bring layers, as the weather in Derry can change rapidly throughout the day.
Connectivity
Check your mobile roaming plan, though most UK networks cover Northern Ireland at no extra cost.

Safety Tips

Driving
Be careful on the A77 coastal road; it can be winding and narrow.
Ferry
Secure your vehicle properly on the ferry deck.
City Safety
Derry is generally safe, but stick to well-lit areas at night.
Emergency
Keep a physical map in your car in case of GPS failure in rural areas.