- Recommended
Stranraer Museum
Local history museum in Stranraer covering Loch Ryan, the port, wartime stories, and everyday life in southwest Scotland.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Liverpool to Cairnryan
Showing times and prices for Aug 24
Cheapest price
€254
Average price
€254
Fastest journey
11 h 15 m
Average duration
11 h 19 m
Ferries per day
2
Distance
219 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Liverpool to Cairnryan is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Cairnryan will cost around €254 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €254.
Fast ferries
It's difficult to get from Liverpool to Cairnryan without transferring at least once.
10:30 AM11h15Liverpool9:45 PMCairnryan€2541One-way1 transfer- 10:30 PM11h22Liverpool9:52 AMCairnryan€2541One-way1 transfer
- 10:30 AM11h15Liverpool9:45 PMCairnryan€2541One-way1 transfer
- 10:30 PM11h22Liverpool9:52 AMCairnryan€2541One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare ferry, train, and flight for Liverpool to Cairnryan
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Cairnryan among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €39, and a ferry costs an average of €254.
Distance: 118 nautical miles (219 km)
Compare ferry with
| Ferry | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€254 Average price | €73 Average price | €70 Average price Cheapest | €69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 19m Average total duration 11h 19m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Liverpool to Cairnryan is a train with an average price of €70.
This is compared to other travel options from Liverpool to Cairnryan:
A train is €3 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Liverpool to Cairnryan costing on average €73.
A train is €184 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Liverpool to Cairnryan costing on average €254.
The fastest way to travel from Liverpool to Cairnryan is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 5m.
Other travel options to Cairnryan take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 37m.
Ferry takes on average 11h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Liverpool and Cairnryan including taking a ferry, train, and flight.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Liverpool to Cairnryan among Omio's users.
Liverpool to Cairnryan Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 09:52AM | Duration 11h22 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 11h15 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Live departures
Liverpool to Cairnryan ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Cairnryan ferries for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 PM Liverpool | 11h22 | 9:52 AM Cairnryan | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
| 10:30 AM Liverpool | 11h15 | 9:45 PM Cairnryan | 1 transfer | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Liverpool to Cairnryan by ferry, train, or flight
Compare ferry, train, and flight 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: Ferry from Liverpool to Cairnryan
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Ferries from Liverpool to Cairnryan run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 19m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at €254 but you can travel from only €39 by train.
The earliest ferry runs at 10:30, the last at 22:30. The fastest ferry covers the 118 nautical miles (219 km) distance in 11h 15m. Ferries from Liverpool to Cairnryan are available to foot passengers.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €39
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 118 nautical miles (219 km) |
Average sailing duration 11h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price €254 |
Ferries per day 1 |
Fastest ferry 11h 15m |
First ferry 10:30 AM |
Last ferry 10:30 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €39
Ferry operators: Stena Line from Liverpool to CairnryanYou can travel by ferry between Liverpool to Cairnryan with Stena Line for as low as €39. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Stena Line
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 15m
Cheapest Price
€254
Stena Line frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Cairnryan
Things to do in Cairnryan
Discover the best of Cairnryan — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cairnryan trip today.
- Recommended
Mull of Galloway Broch Trust Visitor Centre
Compact heritage centre interpreting one of Scotland’s most important Iron Age brochs, with strong archaeological displays.
- Recommended
Mull of Galloway Lighthouse Exhibition
Small museum at Scotland’s southernmost point with lighthouse and maritime interpretation, ideal with the clifftop visit.
- Must visit
Portpatrick Harbour
Main harbour village near Cairnryan, known for pretty seafront walks, colourful houses, and an appealing coastal atmosphere.
- Must visit
Mull of Galloway
Scotland’s southernmost headland, prized for cliff paths, seabirds, sea views, and one of the area’s best natural viewpoints.
- Recommended
Loch Ryan Shoreline
Large sea loch beside Cairnryan with shoreline views, birdlife, and strong ferry and maritime connections to the region.
Scotch Broth
A hearty lamb and barley broth long linked to south-west Scotland. It is prized as a warming, traditional farmhouse soup.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
Smoked haddock poached in milk, often with onion and butter. A classic Scottish coastal dish valued for its rich flavour and fishing heritage.
Haggis
A savoury pudding of oats, onion, suet, and spices, usually cooked inside sheep offal. It is Scotland’s best-known national dish.
Henrys Bay House Restaurant
Popular casual stop in Cairnryan serving breakfasts, sandwiches, home baking, and coffee in a friendly setting near the ferry route.
The Merchant's House Hotel
Well-known traditional hotel dining room in Cairnryan with pub-style Scottish meals, seafood options, and a relaxed village atmosphere.
North West Castle Hotel
Established harbour-side hotel restaurant in nearby Stranraer known for seafood, grills, and broad menus in a polished but comfortable setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a rural ferry port. Lodging can be limited and pricier in peak periods, while pub meals and local transport are broadly in line with similar small UK destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for an upscale meal.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical for good service if not already added. Round up in cafes and taxis or leave a small tip.
FAQs: Ferry from Liverpool to Cairnryan
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool to Cairnryan by ferry. 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 ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cairnryan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Liverpool to Cairnryan can start from as little as €254 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Liverpool to Cairnryan is €254 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Liverpool to Cairnryan is 11h 15m to travel the 136 miles (219 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Liverpool to Cairnryan leaves at 10:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Liverpool to Cairnryan leaves at 10:30 PM.
There are 1 ferries a day from Liverpool to Cairnryan which require at least one change with Stena Line. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Liverpool to Cairnryan with Stena Line
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Liverpool to Cairnryan is possible with Stena Line.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Liverpool to Cairnryan is possible with with Stena Line. We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot but please check specific times for each route. If you need book your travel to the departure port check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Liverpool to Cairnryan, you can count on Stena Line for the best way to get you to Cairnryan. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Liverpool and Cairnryan and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Cairnryan from Liverpool is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Liverpool and Cairnryan including taking a ferry, train, and flight.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cairnryan are:
- 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.
The best things to do in Cairnryan include:
- 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.
Since neither Liverpool nor Cairnryan are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Liverpool to Cairnryan among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Cairnryan, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially around busy ferry terminals and parking areas. It's important to use official ticket vendors to avoid scams related to fake or inflated transportation tickets. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Liverpool to Cairnryan
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