Cairnryan – Larne
Ferry to Northern Ireland
Cairnryan – Larne
Ferry to Northern Ireland
The Cairnryan to Larne ferry route is provided by 1 operator and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Cairnryan to Larne takes approximately 2 hours on ferries servicing this route. Cairnryan to Larne ferry duration can range between 2 hours and 2 hours 20 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.
There are around 38 weekly sailings from Cairnryan to Larne. P&O Ferries provide up to 7 sailings per day. Please note that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry leaves Cairnryan port at approximately 04:00 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 23:59. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.
The fastest ferry from Cairnryan to Larne is with P&O Ferries in 2 hours.
A fast ferry from Cairnryan to Larne usually costs around £269.
There are ferries that sail overnight from Cairnryan to Larne. The first overnight sailing from Cairnryan usually departs at 04:00.
Yes, pets are allowed onboard ferries from Cairnryan to Larne with P&O Ferries. Please ensure that your dog remains on a leash throughout the journey. Other animals like cats, rabbits and birds must be transported in a cage. However, we advise contacting the operator directly for more information.
Passengers travelling with P&O Irish Sea can take as much luggage as they please for no additional cost. With no luggage restrictions, you can bring camping equipment and your bicycle onboard.
The price of a ferry from Cairnryan to Larne can vary between £50 and £400 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is £100, prices can range from £50 and £168. The average price with a car is £326. Car prices can range from £174 and £415. Prices may vary for other vehicle types. All ferry prices can change from season to season.
Prices subject to change, pricing representative of searches over last 30 days. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees.
Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. We suggest that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability on the Larne ferry.
With 5 sailings per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there are alternative ferries to Northern Ireland if you require additional flexibility.
Cairnryan port is a small port situated in the north west of Scotland and is easy to travel to from via motorway or A road from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Larne is 23 miles south of Belfast which is around a 25 minute drive. Translink buses operate from the port to a variety of destinations and Translink trains operate from Larne Harbour to Belfast and Carrickfergus.
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| Cairnryan - Larne Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | UK | |
| Destination Country | UK | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | P&O Irish Sea | |
| Average Price | £322* | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 5 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 35 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 2h 0m | |
| First Ferry | 04:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:59 | |
| Distance | 47 nautical miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.
"Rough journey "
"First time on this ferry crossing"
"PO FERRY "
"Excellent service"
Cairnryan is a Scottish port village located in Dumfries and Galloway, lying on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan. Important in maritime history, Cairnryan has two ferry terminals connecting Scotland to Northern Ireland. The first opened in 1973, originally operated by Townsend Thoresen and now by P&O Ferries, links Scotland with the port of Larne. The second Cairnryan ferry terminal is located at Old House Point, operated by Stena Line, linking to the Port of Belfast.
The village can trace its origins back to 1701 when it was established for workers employed on the Lochryan Estate which features a deer park and bowling green. Facilities in Cairnryan include the Lochryan Hotel, a few guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments, a caravan site built on the site of an old war campsite, a village shop and The Merchant's House Restaurant.
Larne is a town and seaport located in Country Antrim in Northern Ireland and lies on the western side of a narrow inlet linking Larne Lough to the sea. The port of Larne regular receives ferries from Cairnryan of Scotland, operated by P&O Irish Sea.
The area around the town has been inhabited for over a thousand years and is believed to have been one of the earliest inhabited areas in Ireland, with the settlers thought to have arrived from Scotland via the North Channel.
In Larne’s slightly more recent history, the Scots-Irish Bissett family built Olderfleet Castle at Curran Point in the 13th century and in 1315 Edward the Bruce of Scotland, who was Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland's brother, arrived in Larne with his army on his way to conquering Ireland.
Cairnryan and Larne are both ports located on the Irish Sea, serving as gateways between Scotland and Northern Ireland. The choice between the two depends on several factors.
Cairnryan offers more ferry options and is well-connected to major cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It has two ferry terminals, operated by P&O Ferries and Stena Line, providing frequent sailings to Belfast and Larne. The journey from Cairnryan to Belfast takes around 2 hours, while the journey to Larne takes approximately 1 hour. Larne, on the other hand, is closer to Belfast, making it a convenient choice if your destination is in or around the capital city of Northern Ireland. The port in Larne is operated by P&O Ferries, offering services to Cairnryan. The crossing from Larne to Cairnryan takes about 1 hour.
In terms of facilities, both ports have amenities such as parking, waiting areas, cafes, and restrooms. However, Cairnryan has a wider range of facilities due to its larger size and higher passenger volume.
Overall, the choice between Cairnryan and Larne depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize more ferry options and easy access to Glasgow or Edinburgh, Cairnryan is a better choice. However, if you are heading to Belfast or prefer a shorter journey from Larne, then that port is the more suitable option.
The number of days needed to explore Larne depends on individual preferences and the desired activities. Larne, a coastal town in Northern Ireland, offers a range of attractions and natural beauty.
For a quick visit, one or two days can be sufficient to enjoy the main highlights. Visitors can explore the picturesque Antrim Coast Road, which offers stunning views of the coastline. They can also visit attractions like the Larne Museum and Arts Centre, where they can learn about the town's history and culture.
However, those looking to delve deeper into Larne's offerings may want to spend more time. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Gleno Waterfall, hike in the scenic Glenarm Forest Park, or visit the Sallagh Braes, which provide panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, a day trip to the nearby Giant's Causeway or Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge can enhance the Larne experience. These iconic attractions are within driving distance and offer unique natural wonders. Ultimately, it is recommended to spend at least three to four days in Larne to fully appreciate its beauty, explore the surrounding areas, and immerse oneself in its rich history and culture.
