- Must visit
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Birthplace museum dedicated to Robert Burns, with manuscripts, objects and family home interiors that bring the poet's life and work into focus.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£27
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£27
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 15 m
Buses on 18 Sept
1
Distance
60 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cairnryan to Ayr is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cairnryan to Ayr will cost around £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £27.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 buses from Cairnryan to Ayr, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 60 km distance in an average of 1 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 1 h 15 m 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 Cairnryan to Ayr among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, while a train costs an average of £17.
Distance: 60 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£17 Average Price Cheapest | £17 Average Price | £12 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 2m Average total duration 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cairnryan to Ayr:
A coach is £0.18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cairnryan to Ayr costing on average £17.
Other travel options to Ayr take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 32m.
Tickets start at around £17 compared to roughly £12 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-4.44. The journey takes 1h 32m versus 1h 9m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Cairnryan to Ayr coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:56 Cairnryan | 2h52 | 12:48 Ayr | 1 change | |
![]() | 11:56 Cairnryan | 2h52 | 14:48 Ayr | 1 change | |
![]() | 13:56 Cairnryan | 2h52 | 16:48 Ayr | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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.
Buses from Cairnryan to Ayr run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £17 by train.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 09:00, the last at 21:41. The fastest coach covers the 60 km distance in 1h 54m.
Distance 60 km |
Average bus duration 1h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 54m |
First bus 9:00 |
Last bus 21:41 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Ayr — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ayr trip today.
Birthplace museum dedicated to Robert Burns, with manuscripts, objects and family home interiors that bring the poet's life and work into focus.
Purpose-built gallery and museum with changing exhibitions, local history displays and family-friendly interpretation in Ayr's cultural quarter.
Country house galleries within Culzean Country Park, showing art, furnished rooms and estate history in an impressive clifftop setting.
Long sandy beach and promenade popular for walks, sunsets and sea air. It is a classic Ayr outing close to the town centre.
Large public park with gardens, woodland paths, a café area and access to museums. It is ideal for a quieter stroll away from the seafront.
Broad riverside green space and harbour-side walking area where the River Ayr meets the sea. Good for local views, fresh air and a quieter stroll.
A rich beef mince stew topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. A long-standing Ayrshire and Scottish comfort dish found in homes and pubs.
Smoked haddock poached in milk, often served with poached egg and buttery bread. A classic west coast breakfast dish tied to Scottish fishing traditions.
Oats mixed with suet, onion and seasoning, traditionally cooked in a sheep’s stomach. Scotland’s signature savoury dish with a strong Burns Night link in Ayrshire.
Well-known Indian restaurant in Ayr offering classic curries, tandoori dishes and warm service in a comfortable dining room.
Stylish seafront restaurant in the Marine Troon hotel, known for Scottish produce, seafood and grill dishes in a polished setting.
Established harbour-side venue in nearby Troon with seafood, steaks and Scottish dishes, plus marina views and a smart casual atmosphere.
Ayr is moderate by UK standards, with fairly priced hotels, casual dining, and local transport. Costs are usually lower than in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Ayr Sandgate -> Ayr Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cairnryan to Ayr by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ayr, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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