Cairnryan to Edinburgh train with ScotRail

Fri, Dec 19
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cairnryan to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Dec 21

Cheapest price

$41

Average price

$46

Fastest journey

3 h 16 m

Average duration

3 h 43 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

158 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cairnryan to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cairnryan to Edinburgh will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Cairnryan for Edinburgh on Sun, Dec 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Dec 21 the direct trains cover the 158 km distance in an average of 3 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 16 m .

On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest trains will take 4 h 9 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

ScotRail
11:41AM4h09
Cairnryan
03:50PMEdinburgh
$411One-way
0 transfers
ScotRail
12:34PM3h16
Cairnryan
03:50PMEdinburgh
$511One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and flight for Cairnryan to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cairnryan to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €32, and a flight costs an average of €31.

Distance: 98 miles (158 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight

€38

Average price

Cheapest

€74

Average price

3h 10m

Average total duration

2h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 50m

Average total duration

Fastest

50m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cairnryan to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Cairnryan to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Sunday, December 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:23 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
scotrail11:41 AM Cairnryan
4h09
3:50 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
scotrail12:34 PM Cairnryan
3h16
3:50 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cairnryan to Edinburgh by train or flight

Compare 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.

Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27

Why should you book Cairnryan to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

ScotRail operates all train services from Cairnryan to Edinburgh. Omio is the only official third party seller for ScotRail tickets.

Why book with Omio vs ScotRail?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare ScotRail with all available travel options, which are train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: ScotRail tickets can only be bought on Omio or ScotRail's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for ScotRail tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell ScotRail tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cairnryan to Edinburgh run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€32) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 05:52, the last at 20:58. The fastest train covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 2h 57m.

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
Flight from $38 (€31)
Distance
98 miles (158 km)
Average train duration
2h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
$40 (€32)
Trains per day
12
Fastest train
2h 57m
First train
05:52
Last train
20:58
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
Flight from $38 (€31)

Train companies: ScotRail from Cairnryan to Edinburgh trainsScotRail trains will get you between Cairnryan and Edinburgh from $38 (€31). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

ScotRail

About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 57m
Cheapest Price
$40 (€32)
ScotRail frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Cairnryan to Edinburgh

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cairnryan to Edinburgh by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
A day trip from Cairnryan to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 57m. Trains run 12 times per day.
For a fulfilling experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Edinburgh allows you to explore its historic sites, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, enjoy cultural attractions, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
The distance by train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh is 98 miles (158 km).
There is no direct train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh; travelers typically take a ferry to Stranraer and then a train. The route from Stranraer to Edinburgh offers scenic views of the Scottish countryside, including rolling hills and coastal landscapes.
In Edinburgh, visitors can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, enjoy a ghost tour of the haunted streets, attend shows at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden. Discover hidden gems at the Stockbridge Market. Key sights include Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, The Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and The National Museum of Scotland.
The first train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh leaves at 5:52 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
The last train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh leaves at 8:58 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
Train ticket prices from Cairnryan to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $40 (€32), while the average price is around $48 (€38).
Yes, you can take the train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
The cheapest way to get from Cairnryan to Edinburgh is by flight, with a cost of around $38 (€31).
The train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh takes 2h 57m and runs 12 per day.
The train station in Cairnryan that goes to Edinburgh is Girvan station (GIR), which connects to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cairnryan to Edinburgh

Cairnryan
Edinburgh
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
Lockers
  • You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
Dining
  • Bagel Factory
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Costa Coffee
  • JD Wetherspoon
  • The Pasty Shop
  • The Beer House
  • M&S
  • Pret a Manger
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
  • Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Waverley Hotel
  • Jurys Inn Edinburgh
  • The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information booths are located on the concourse.
Public transit options for Edinburgh Waverley
  • Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
  • Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
  • Metro: No metro available.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Haymarket
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
  • Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Slateford
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Slateford Road at Platform 2 stair exit

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