Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Ayr to Cairnryan
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ayr to Cairnryan among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $22.
Distance: 37 miles (60 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $23 Average price | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 2m Average total duration 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ayr to Cairnryan:
A bus is $8 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ayr to Cairnryan costing on average $23 (€19).
Other travel options to Cairnryan take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 32m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Ayr to Cairnryan Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Stagecoach West Scotland | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 11:39AM | Duration 2h54 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Stagecoach West Scotland | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 11:16AM | Duration 2h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Stagecoach West Scotland | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 01:16PM | Duration 2h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Stagecoach West Scotland | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 02:41PM | Duration 2h51 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Stagecoach West Scotland | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 03:16PM | Duration 2h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Stagecoach West Scotland | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 05:54PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Stagecoach West Scotland | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 05:16PM | Duration 2h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Stagecoach West Scotland | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 07:16PM | Duration 2h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Stagecoach West Scotland | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Compare prices and tickets Ayr to Cairnryan by bus or train
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Ayr to Cairnryan
Buses from Ayr to Cairnryan run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 09:00, the last at 19:27. The fastest bus covers the 37 miles (60 km) distance in 2h 26m.
Distance 37 miles (60 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 26m |
First bus 9:00 AM |
Last bus 7:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 days |
Bus providers: Stagecoach West Scotland from Ayr to CairnryanYou can travel by bus between Ayr to Cairnryan with Stagecoach West Scotland for as low as $15 (€12). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Stagecoach West Scotland
FAQs: Bus from Ayr to Cairnryan
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ayr to Cairnryan by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cairnryan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Cairnryan Ferry Terminal, a key transport hub offering ferry services to Northern Ireland
- Loch Ryan, a scenic sea loch known for its natural beauty and opportunities for birdwatching
- Cairnryan Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse providing picturesque views of the surrounding coastline
- Glenapp Castle, a luxury hotel and historic castle set in beautiful gardens
- Castle of St. John, a historic tower house in nearby Stranraer offering insights into medieval life.
- Walk along Loch Ryan, a tranquil loch ideal for leisurely walks and birdwatching
- Discover Glenapp Castle, a luxury hotel and gardens offering afternoon tea and guided tours
- Visit Stranraer, a nearby town with attractions like the Stranraer Museum
- Explore the Galloway Forest Park, a vast area of natural beauty perfect for hiking and stargazing
- Enjoy a coastal walk along the Ayrshire Coastal Path, offering stunning views of the coastline.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Ayr to Cairnryan
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