What is the difference between driving via Comber and the Strangford car ferry?

Comber is on the road network north of Strangford Lough, while the Strangford–Portaferry ferry crosses the narrow channel at the southern end.

For journeys between the Ards Peninsula and the Downpatrick side, the ferry can avoid driving around the whole lough, but only if its sailings suit your trip. A journey via Comber uses roads rather than a vessel and can be more predictable when ferries are disrupted. Check the final destination, time and current ferry status before deciding.