Fares set to increase for Strangford ferry users

Fares set to increase for Strangford ferry users

6 December 2023

THE cost of using the Strangford ferry is to increase.

The Department for Infrastructure has announced fares will rise at the end of the year following a 30-day statutory notice period which began last Wednesday.

Confirming details of the planned rise, the government department said fares have remained at the same level since November 2009, with an increase necessary due to current budgetary pressures and the increased running costs of the ferry since that time.

But it says current discounts available on fares for children and Strangford Ferry SmartCard holders will remain in place.

Adult fares will increase to £1.30 for a single and £2.60 for a return journey, while a top up SmartCard costs £16.

Children under five travel free while the fare for those aged between 5 and 15 are 70p for a single and £1.40 for a return journey. The SmartCard cost is £7.30.

Concessionary tickets are 70 pence for a single and £1.30 for a return, with the so-called group warrant adult tickets 80 pence and £1.60 return. Group warrant child fares are 40 pence and 80 pence respectively.

Vehicle charges are £7.70 for a single for those up to six metres in length and £13.30 for a return, with the SmartCard price £66.70. The cost for a single and return journey for vehicles between six and eight metres in length is £13.30 and £24 respectively. The SmartCard fee £160.10.

The cost for motorcycles is £4.70 for a single journey and £7.30 return, with the SmartCard fee £41.40.

Blue bade holders pay £3.10 for a single journey and £5 for a return.