What is the cheapest way to get from Cairnryan to Islay?

The cheapest way to get from Cairnryan to Islay is to bus and ferry via Ayr which costs £35 - £100 and takes 11h 42m.

What is the fastest way to get from Cairnryan to Islay?

The fastest way to get from Cairnryan to Islay is to train and fly which takes 5h 53m and costs £120 - £240.

How far is it from Cairnryan to Islay?

The distance between Cairnryan and Islay is 173 miles.

How do I travel from Cairnryan to Islay without a car?

The best way to get from Cairnryan to Islay without a car is to Bus and ferry which takes 10h 35m and costs .

How long does it take to get from Cairnryan to Islay?

It takes approximately 5h 53m to get from Cairnryan to Islay, including transfers.

Where can I stay near Islay?

There are 48+ hotels available in Islay.

Cairnryan to Islay - 5 ways to travel via train, plane, Bus, ferry, and car

There are 5 ways to get from Cairnryan to Islay by train, plane, bus, ferry, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Train, train to Glasgow Airport, fly
best
1. Take the train from Stranraer to Ayrtrain
2. Take the train from Ayr to Paisley Gilmour Streettrain
3. Fly from Glasgow Airport (GLA) to Islay (ILY)plane GLA - ILY
5h 53m
£120–238
Bus, ferry via Ayr
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Old Pier to Henrietta Streetbus 358 / ...
2. Take the bus from Henrietta Street to Ayr Bus Stationbus 60 / ...
3. Take the bus from Ayr Bus Station to Buchanan Bus Stationbus X77
4. Take the bus from Buchanan Bus Station to Argyll Arms Hotelbus 926
5. Take the ferry from Kennacraig Ferry Terminal to Port Askaig Islay Ferry Terminalferry Cm9
11h 42m
£37–96
Bus, ferry
1. Take the bus from Cairnryan Stena Terminal to Glasgow Buchananbus 923
2. Take the bus from Buchanan Bus Station to Argyll Arms Hotelbus 926
3. Take the ferry from Kennacraig Ferry Terminal to Port Askaig Islay Ferry Terminalferry Cm9
10h 35m
Drive, ferry
1. Drive from Cairnryan to Campbeltowncar
2. Take the ferry from Campbeltown to Ballycastleferry
3. Take the ferry from Ballycastle to Port Ellenferry
8h 4m
£211–233
Drive to Campbeltown, fly
1. Drive from Cairnryan to Campbeltown (CAL)car
2. Fly from Campbeltown (CAL) to Islay (ILY)plane CAL - ILY
11h 2m
£121–303

Glasgow Airport (GLA) to Islay (ILY) flights

12Weekly Planes

45 minAverage Duration

£85Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cairnryan to Islay.

Launch map view

Distance: 172 mi
Duration: 5h 53m

What companies run services between Cairnryan, Scotland and Islay, Scotland?

There is no direct connection from Cairnryan to Islay. However, you can take the line 358 bus to Port Rodie, walk to Stranraer, take the train to Ayr, take the train to Paisley Gilmour Street, walk to New Sneddon Street, take the bus to Sanderling Road, walk to Glasgow Airport (GLA) airport, then fly to Islay (ILY). Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cairnryan Stena Terminal to Port Askaig Islay Ferry Terminal via Glasgow Buchanan, Buchanan Bus Station, Argyll Arms Hotel, Ferry Terminal, and Kennacraig Ferry Terminal in around 10h 35m.

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