Belfast Port

dystrophydad

03 Dec 2025

Belfast port

3

3

Date of visit: February 2025

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.

I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair

Overall Rating

Average

I arrived at Belfast Port after a two hour bus ride from Glasgow’s Buchanan Street Bus Station and a subsequent two and a half hour ferry crossing. It is safe to say that after all that travelling I was relieved to have reached my final stop. The ferry terminal is much like Cairnryan, well equipped though it also lacks a Changing Places toilet. As there isn't a Changing Places toilet in on the ferry, this is particularly frustrating.

Disabled Access In and Around

Average

From the accessible parking spaces at the entrance there is a short tarmac ramp with rails on either side and a zebra crossing with tactile paving on each side. The entrance has two sets of automatic sliding doors. Through the second set of doors you will find a small waiting area and a help desk to the right. The desk does not have a lowered section and I did not notice signage for a hearing loop. The check in desk does have a lowered counter but again I did not see signage for a hearing loop. I did not spend much time at the terminal when I arrived but due to a delayed crossing on my return I spent an extra two hours there. While waiting I took the lift up to the café area. The lift had a tactile button on the outside and braille buttons on the inside. It was just about big enough for a powerchair user and a second person. It does not have a handrail or a mirror. The café has pastries, crisps (Tayto of course), magazines and a large waiting area with a variety of seats. Power sockets are available to charge phones or mobility devices in the seating area. To board the ferry I left the café area and was shown to the access corridor that leads to the ramp. There are handrails on either side of the ramp. It is long with level sections and single seats along the route, and a landing at the top.

Accessible facilities: Lift to some areas, Seating at regular intervals, Step-free entrance, Step-free access to most areas

Parking & Transport

Good

I travelled to this place by boat

I arrived on the Ferry from Cairnryan, after a pleasant and smooth crossing. The car park at the Port has over 300 standard parking spaces and 10 accessible parking spaces, located just near the entrance. To the left of the entrance, there are several bus bays, for those taking the shuttle from the town centre and other locations, a taxi can be found nearby with some accessible taxis parked during my visit. To the right of the main door, there is a drop-off point. I didn't spot any EV charging facilities.

Accessible facilities: Drop-off or pick up point, Dedicated on-site parking

Accessible Toilets

Poor

I was disappointed with the access in the accessible toilet I used during my visit. This toilet is located near the arrivals lounge. The toilet has a contrasting seat and contrasting grab rails on either side but the right side transfer space is taken up by two bins which makes it useless. The red cord is on the left when seated and hangs between the toilet and the bins which makes it difficult to reach if you fall to the floor. The sink has a small basin and a lever style tap with rails on either side and a mirror above. The hand dryer is on the wall to the left. The door does not need a RADAR key and opens outward. The toilet is small but has enough room for a manual wheelchair or powerchair user. It also has a baby change.

Facilities: Accessible toilet

Staff

Good

The staff were pleasant, and very helpful.