Stena Line runs the ferry between Fishguard, on the north Pembrokeshire coast, and Rosslare in County Wexford, the shortest and fastest sea crossing between South Wales and Ireland. The crossing typically takes around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, with usually one or two sailings a day in each direction, more at busier times. From Monday 28 September 2026, everyone travelling on this route needs to show an actual passport at check-in; a driving licence or other photo ID is no longer accepted, a change worth knowing about well before you turn up at the port. Fishguard Harbour itself is a working ferry terminal rather than a place to spend time, so it’s worth planning your onward journey before you arrive.

The New Passport Requirement (from 28 September 2026)

This is the single most important thing to know before booking. According to Stena Line, from Monday 28 September 2026, every passenger travelling between Fishguard and Rosslare, or between Holyhead and Dublin, must present a valid passport or passport card at check-in. No other form of identification is accepted: a UK or Irish driving licence, which many travellers on this route have relied on for years under the Common Travel Area, will no longer get you on board.

Who this applies to: Everyone, regardless of age or nationality, including babies and children, and including Irish citizens travelling on a route that has historically not required a passport at all. Irish passport cards are accepted; other national ID cards are not.

Why: Stena Line says the change meets UK Border Force requirements around the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.

What you need: A passport valid on the day of travel; no minimum remaining validity beyond that is required. You don’t need to provide passport details when booking, only at check-in, where staff scan the document.

Children with a different surname: Not compulsory, but government advice recommends carrying evidence such as a birth certificate, and a letter of permission from anyone with parental responsibility who isn’t travelling with the child.

If you’ve made this crossing before on a driving licence, don’t assume that still works. Check you and everyone travelling with you has a valid passport well before your sailing date.

Crossing Time and Schedule

Duration: Sources close to the operator put the crossing at 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, covering roughly 52 nautical miles (97km) between the two ports. It’s a conventional ferry crossing rather than a high-speed catamaran, so allow the full window rather than the shortest figure quoted.

Frequency: Typically one or two direct sailings a day in each direction, all year round, with Stena Line’s own marketing describing ‘a choice of sailings daily’ at busier times; exact departure times vary by season, so check the live timetable on Stena’s website before booking rather than relying on a fixed daily pattern.

No day trips: With a one-way crossing of at least 3.5 hours and typically only one or two sailings a day, a same-day return isn’t realistic. Plan to stay at least one night in Rosslare, Wexford, or further afield in Ireland’s south-east.

Check-in: Vehicle check-in typically opens around 3 hours before departure and closes 30 minutes before; foot passengers can usually check in from about 1.5 hours before. Confirm exact times on your booking confirmation, since these can vary.

Fares: Foot Passenger vs Car

Foot passengers: The cheapest way to make the crossing, with fares starting from around £35 to £40 one way, though prices rise with demand and season, since Stena Line uses dynamic pricing similar to airlines.

With a car: Significantly more, and priced by vehicle length rather than a flat fee, so give accurate dimensions when booking, especially for a motorhome or a car with a trailer. There’s no separate luggage charge for those travelling by car.

Fare types: Stena Line offers Economy, Flexi and Premium fares. Economy is the cheapest but effectively non-refundable, with a fee to rebook. Flexi allows free rebooking and cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a small charge deducted from any refund. If your travel dates aren’t fixed, the extra cost of Flexi can be worth it.

Book early: As with most ferry operators, prices generally rise as the departure date approaches and demand builds, so booking ahead tends to get a better fare than booking at the last minute.

Children and pets: Under-4s travel free without an individual seat or cabin berth; older children usually travel at a reduced rate. Pets are welcome, either in your vehicle where permitted, in a free kennel, or in a bookable pet-friendly cabin, generally up to two animals.

Getting to Fishguard Harbour

Fishguard Harbour is genuinely a working ferry port, not a town in its own right, and understanding its geography avoids a lot of confusion.

Where it actually is: The ferry terminal and adjoining Fishguard Harbour railway station sit in Goodwick, a small community about 15 minutes’ walk from the terminal, not in Fishguard’s own town centre, which is a further walk or short bus ride beyond that. Don’t expect to step off the ferry into a high street.

By train: Fishguard Harbour station sits right next to the ferry terminal, and Transport for Wales times a number of its services specifically to connect with sailings, making it genuinely convenient for foot passengers. The station has no ticket office or ticket machine, so buy your rail ticket in advance or online. There’s no car parking at the station itself.

By car: Fishguard is reached via the A40 from the M4 corridor, or the A487 along the coast from the north. Vehicle passengers drive straight into the port’s own check-in area.

By bus: Local bus routes, including the 410, connect Goodwick and Fishguard town to Haverfordwest, St Davids and other Pembrokeshire towns, useful if you’re arriving or leaving without a car and heading further into the county.

Nothing much at the port itself: There’s little beyond the ferry terminal building and station at Fishguard Harbour. If you have time before a sailing, walk into Goodwick or Fishguard town for food and facilities rather than expecting much at the port.

Arriving at Rosslare

Rosslare Europort grew up specifically around cross-channel ferry traffic from the early 20th century, and Ireland’s south-east is worth treating as a destination in its own right rather than just a gateway: Wexford Town’s Viking heritage, the historic Hook Head lighthouse, and the cities of Kilkenny and Waterford are all within relatively easy reach for anyone breaking their journey rather than driving straight through.

Fares, times and the passport requirement last checked: September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport for the Fishguard to Rosslare ferry?

Yes, from Monday 28 September 2026. Stena Line requires every passenger, regardless of age or nationality, to show a valid passport or passport card at check-in; driving licences and other photo ID are no longer accepted on this route.

How long is the ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare?

Around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, covering roughly 52 nautical miles across the Irish Sea. It’s a conventional ferry crossing, not a fast catamaran service.

How many ferries run from Fishguard to Rosslare each day?

Typically one or two direct sailings a day in each direction, with more at busier times. Check Stena Line’s live timetable before booking, since the exact schedule varies by season.

Is Fishguard Harbour in Fishguard town?

Not quite. The ferry terminal and railway station sit in Goodwick, about 15 minutes’ walk from Fishguard’s own town centre. There’s little at the port itself beyond the terminal building.

Can you do a day trip from Fishguard to Rosslare?

Not realistically. With a one-way crossing of at least 3.5 hours and usually only one or two sailings a day, plan to stay at least one night in Ireland rather than attempting a same-day return.

Fishguard sits at the northern tip of the Pembrokeshire coast, within reach of St Davids and, further south, Barafundle Bay. Browse more Plan Your Trip guides, or visit the Wales hub.