- Recommended
Castle of St John Museum
Main local museum in the historic castle, presenting Stranraer’s history, crime and punishment, and views over Loch Ryan.
Cheapest price
$82
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
4 h
Average duration
4 h
Trains per day
1
Distance
164 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Stranraer is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Stranraer will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.
Of the 1 trains that leave Edinburgh for Stranraer on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 4 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 4 h 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Stranraer among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $56. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $56, and a flight costs an average of $42.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price | $290 Average price | $56 Average price Cheapest | $89 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 25m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Stranraer:
A bus is $14 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Stranraer costing on average $70 (€57).
A bus is $234 (€191) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Stranraer costing on average $290 (€236).
Other travel options to Stranraer take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 30m.
Flight takes on average 5h 25m.
Tickets start at around $70 (€57) compared to roughly $89 (€73) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $20 (€16). The journey takes 3h 28m versus 3h 3m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Stranraer trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:57 AM Edinburgh | 4h00 | 12:57 PM Stranraer | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, flight, and bus 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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Stranraer run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€32) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:52, the last at 19:40. The fastest train covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 4h 0m.
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average train duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€32) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 4h 0m |
First train 5:52 AM |
Last train 7:40 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Stranraer — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stranraer trip today.
Main local museum in the historic castle, presenting Stranraer’s history, crime and punishment, and views over Loch Ryan.
Museum on wartime flying boat operations at nearby Wig Bay, featuring aviation artifacts and a remarkable hidden history.
Volunteer-run heritage centre sharing local social history, archives, and displays about the Rhins and Stranraer communities.
Scenic waterfront promenade around Loch Ryan, ideal for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying some of the town’s best views.
Central public park with mature trees, flowerbeds, and event space, popular for relaxed walks close to the town centre.
Pleasant marina and harbour area offering boats, waterside views, and a strong sense of Stranraer’s maritime identity.
Cullen skink is a rich smoked haddock, potato and onion soup, a classic Scottish coastal dish loved for its warming flavor.
Scotch broth is a traditional soup of lamb, barley and root vegetables, long associated with home cooking across southwest Scotland.
Haggis is Scotland’s famous savory pudding of minced offal, oats and spices, often served with neeps and tatties.
Popular local Italian restaurant with pizzas, pasta and a friendly family atmosphere in central Stranraer.
Established harbourside restaurant known for fish and chips, seafood and relaxed casual dining near the waterfront.
Well-known town centre venue serving Scottish and British pub meals, steaks and drinks in a traditional setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels are often cheaper than major cities, while dining and local transport are fairly typical for small tourist towns.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Stranraer Railway Station -> Stranraer Harbour, Stranraer
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Stranraer 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 Stranraer, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Stranraer trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Stranraer station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Stranraer train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
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 storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: 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.
Stranraer has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Stranraer.
Ticket office support is available at Stranraer. Information desks are 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stranraer: Parking, WC.
Available at Stranraer: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stranraer: 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 both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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