- 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 trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 23
Cheapest price on Sep 23
$50
Average ticket price on Sep 23
$63
Fastest journey on Sep 23
2 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 23
3 h
Trains on Sep 23
10
Distance
158 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Cairnryan will cost around $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan without transferring at least 2 times.
L88253 · L87404 · L8697912:57 PM3h04Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)4:01 PMGirvan station (GIR)$501One-way2 transfers- L88236 · L87372 · L869608:57 AM3h05Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:02 PMGirvan station (GIR)$501One-way2 transfers
- L88241 · L87379 · L869659:59 AM2h55Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:54 PMGirvan station (GIR)$501One-way2 transfers
- L88248 · L87395 · L8697311:56 AM3h00Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2:56 PMGirvan station (GIR)$501One-way2 transfers
- L87801 · L87364 · L86956+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central8:00 AM2h57Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:57 AMGirvan station (GIR)$501One-way3 transfers
- L88241 · L87379 · L869659:59 AM2h55Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:54 PMGirvan station (GIR)$501One-way2 transfers
- L87801 · L87364 · L86956+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central8:00 AM2h57Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:57 AMGirvan station (GIR)$501One-way3 transfers
- L88248 · L87395 · L8697311:56 AM3h00Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2:56 PMGirvan station (GIR)$501One-way2 transfers
- L87831 · L87372 · L86960+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central9:00 AM3h02Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:02 PMGirvan station (GIR)$501One-way3 transfers
- L88253 · L87404 · L8697912:57 PM3h04Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)4:01 PMGirvan station (GIR)$501One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Edinburgh to Cairnryan
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Cairnryan among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $49 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $49, while a flight costs an average of $609.
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price Cheapest | $609 Average price | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is a train with an average price of $49 (€40).
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Cairnryan:
A train is $560 (€459) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Cairnryan costing on average $609 (€499).
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is by train with an average journey time of 2h 50m.
Other travel options to Cairnryan take longer:
Flight takes on average 2h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Cairnryan including taking a train and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $49 (€40) compared to roughly $87 (€71) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $38 (€31). The journey takes 2h 50m versus 2h 50m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Cairnryan train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cairnryan trains for today, Tuesday, September 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L87801 · L87364 · L86956+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | Delayed 7:00 AM 8:00 AMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h57 | 10:57 AM Girvan station (GIR) | 3 transfers | |
| L88256 · L87411 · L86990 | On time 1:56 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h01 | 6:57 PM Stranraer station (STR) | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, September 23 | |||||
| L87801 · L87364 · L86956+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | 8:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h57 | 10:57 AM Girvan station (GIR) | 3 transfers | |
| L88236 · L87372 · L86960 | 8:57 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h05 | 12:02 PM Girvan station (GIR) | 2 transfers | |
| L88236 · L87372 · L86960 | 8:57 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h00 | 12:57 PM Stranraer station (STR) | 2 transfers | |
| L87831 · L87372 · L86960+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | 9:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h57 | 12:57 PM Stranraer station (STR) | 3 transfers | |
| L87831 · L87372 · L86960+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | 9:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h02 | 12:02 PM Girvan station (GIR) | 3 transfers | |
| L88241 · L87379 · L86965 | 9:59 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h55 | 12:54 PM Girvan station (GIR) | 2 transfers | |
| L88248 · L87395 · L86973 | 11:56 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h00 | 2:56 PM Girvan station (GIR) | 2 transfers | |
| L88253 · L87404 · L86979 | 12:57 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h59 | 4:56 PM Stranraer station (STR) | 2 transfers | |
| L88253 · L87404 · L86979 | 12:57 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h04 | 4:01 PM Girvan station (GIR) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Cairnryan 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.
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Sep 23
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Why should you book Edinburgh to Cairnryan trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Scotrail offer trains services from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Scotrail to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Scotrail to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:19, the last at 21:06. The fastest train covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 2h 7m.
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
Distance 98 miles (158 km) |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 7m |
First train 6:19 AM |
Last train 9:06 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: Scotrail, CrossCountry from Edinburgh to Cairnryan trainsScotrail, CrossCountry trains will get you between Edinburgh and Cairnryan 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 Scotrail Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
$39 (€32)
Scotrail frequency
5 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
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 20m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$38 (€31)
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.50
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Cairnryan Ferry Terminal -> Stranraer Town Centre
- Distance
- 9 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Most local buses are limited; check Stagecoach timetables before arrival. Services are coordinated with ferry traffic only on some routes.
- Contactless card payment is commonly accepted on Stagecoach buses in Scotland, but carry a backup payment method in case of connectivity issues.
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Cairnryan 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 Cairnryan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Edinburgh to Cairnryan can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $38 (€31), while the average price is around $49 (€40).
The train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan takes 2h 7m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is 98 miles (158 km).
The first train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan leaves at 6:19 AM.
The last train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan leaves at 9:06 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
There is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Cairnryan is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), which connects to Girvan station (GIR).
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is by train, with a cost of around $38 (€31).
There is no direct train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan; however, the journey involves a train to Stranraer with a scenic route through the rolling hills and countryside of southwestern Scotland, offering picturesque views along the way.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 7m each way, despite being 98 miles (158 km) apart. There are 10 trains per day.
In Cairnryan, you can enjoy a walk along Loch Ryan for a peaceful experience and birdwatching, discover the luxurious Glenapp Castle with its gardens and afternoon tea, and visit the Cairnryan Ferry Terminal for ferry services to Northern Ireland. Nearby, you can explore Stranraer with attractions like the Stranraer Museum and Castle of St. John, or venture into Galloway Forest Park for hiking and stargazing. Additionally, a coastal walk along the Ayrshire Coastal Path offers stunning views of the coastline.
Cairnryan is a small village primarily known for its ferry services to Northern Ireland. A day or two is typically sufficient to explore its offerings, including enjoying the scenic views and visiting nearby attractions.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
Since neither Edinburgh 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.
Popular day trips by train from Cairnryan include Ayr, Irvine.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
Most Edinburgh to Cairnryan trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Girvan station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cairnryan train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Cairnryan
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
BusUk090 · 12m · $1 · every ~32 min
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cairnryan and Edinburgh
Most popular train connections to Cairnryan
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