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

The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is to bus via Port Rodie which costs £21 - £35 and takes 6h 10m.

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

The fastest way to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is to drive which takes 2h 26m and costs £29 - £45.

Is there a direct bus between Edinburgh and Cairnryan?

No, there is no direct bus from Edinburgh to Cairnryan. However, there are services departing from Princes Street and arriving at Cairnryan Stena Terminal via Glasgow Buchanan. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4h 41m.

How far is it from Edinburgh to Cairnryan?

The distance between Edinburgh and Cairnryan is 128 miles. The road distance is 119.7 miles.

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

The best way to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan without a car is to train and Bus which takes 4h 17m and costs .

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

It takes approximately 4h 17m to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Edinburgh to Cairnryan bus from?

Edinburgh to Cairnryan bus services, operated by FlixBus, depart from Princes Street station.

Train or bus from Edinburgh to Cairnryan?

The best way to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is to train which takes 6h 23m and costs £50 - £120. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs and takes 4h 41m.

Where does the Edinburgh to Cairnryan bus arrive?

Edinburgh to Cairnryan bus services, operated by FlixBus, arrive at Buchanan Bus Station.

Can I drive from Edinburgh to Cairnryan?

Yes, the driving distance between Edinburgh to Cairnryan is 120 miles. It takes approximately 2h 26m to drive from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.

Where can I stay near Cairnryan?

There are 205+ hotels available in Cairnryan.

Edinburgh to Cairnryan - 6 ways to travel via train, Bus, and car

There are 6 ways to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan by train, bus, 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, Bus
best
1. Take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Streettrain Edinburgh - Glasgow Queen Street
2. Take the bus from Glasgow Buchanan to Cairnryan Stena Terminalbus 923
4h 17m
Train, bus via Ayr
cheapest
1. Take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Centraltrain
2. Take the bus from West Regent Lane to Ayr Bus Stationbus X77
3. Take the bus from Ayr Bus Station to Old Pierbus 358 / ...
5h 48m
£22–55
Train
1. Take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Centraltrain
2. Take the train from Glasgow Central to Ayrtrain
3. Take the train from Ayr to Stranraertrain
6h 23m
£54–118
Drive 119 mi
1. Drive from Edinburgh to Cairnryancar 119 mi
2h 26m
£30–43
Bus
1. Take the bus from Princes Street to Buchanan Bus Stationbus Uk090
2. Take the bus from Glasgow Buchanan to Cairnryan Stena Terminalbus 923
4h 41m
Bus via Port Rodie
1. Take the bus from Shandwick Place to Buchanan Bus Stationbus 900
2. Take the bus from Buchanan Bus Station to Port Rodiebus 923
6h 10m
£22–31

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.

Launch map view

Distance: 127.5 mi
Duration: 4h 17m

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

You can take a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Old Pier via Glasgow Central, Ayr, Stranraer, and Port Rodie Ferry Terminal in around 6h 23m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Princes Street to Cairnryan Stena Terminal via Buchanan Bus Station and Glasgow Buchanan in around 4h 41m.

Train operators

Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United Kingdom

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.