- Must visit
Castle of St John
Restored medieval tower with museum displays on Stranraer’s history, combining architecture, local artefacts, and family-friendly interpretation.
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Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Ballymena to Cairnryan
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Ferries from Ballymena to Cairnryan run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 13m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
There are 7 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 07:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest ferry covers the 43 nautical miles (81 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 43 nautical miles (81 km) |
Average sailing duration 2h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Ferries per day 7 |
Direct ferries Available |
Fastest ferry 2h 0m |
First ferry 7:30 |
Last ferry 23:30 |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Frequently asked questions about your Ballymena to Cairnryan trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Ballymena to Cairnryan.
Cheap ferry tickets from Ballymena to Cairnryan can start from as little as £40 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Ballymena to Cairnryan is £41; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest ferry from Ballymena to Cairnryan leaves at 7:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Ballymena to Cairnryan leaves at 23:30.
Yes, there are 7 direct ferries a day from Ballymena to Cairnryan with Stena Line, P&O Irish Sea. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Ferry operators: Stena Line, P&O Irish Sea from Ballymena to CairnryanYou can travel by ferry between Ballymena to Cairnryan with Stena Line, P&O Irish Sea for as low as £40. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
P&O Irish Sea
About
P&O Irish Sea was a ferry operator in the Irish Sea from 1998 to 2010, offering passenger and freight services between Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. The company operated routes such as Cairnryan–Larne and Liverpool–Dublin, utilizing vessels like the European Causeway and European Highlander. In 2010, P&O Irish Sea was rebranded as P&O Ferries, which continues to provide ferry services across the Irish Sea and other routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average P&O Irish Sea Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest P&O Irish Sea Price
£40
P&O Irish Sea frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
No luggage limits when traveling by ferry; pack as much as needed without baggage fees.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be taken without extra charges.
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in the vehicle during the crossing.
Cancellation Policy
If departure is delayed and journey is no longer purposeful, a full refund may be considered upon submission of reasonable supporting evidence.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors are not permitted on board.
Amenities on board the ferry
Food sold onboard
Onboard restaurants offer a variety of meals and snacks.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations may incur additional fees; availability and costs vary.
Toilets
Accessibility
P&O Ferries provides assistance to passengers with reduced mobility both in port and on board.
Bikes
Bicycles are permitted on board; booking in advance is recommended.
Pets
Pets can travel free of charge on the Cairnryan to Larne route; up to four pets per vehicle.
Cabin reservation
Cabin reservations are available; booking in advance is recommended.
Car on board
Stena Line
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Stena Line Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest Stena Line Price
£40
Stena Line frequency
4 a day
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Ballymena and Cairnryan
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
No, there are no cabins on ferries from Ballymena to Cairnryan.
No, there are no vehicle options on ferries from Ballymena to Cairnryan.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Ballymena to Cairnryan is possible with . We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses, and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Ballymena to Cairnryan, you can count on Stena Line, P&O Irish Sea for the best way to get you to Cairnryan. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Ballymena and Cairnryan and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
Complete guide to Cairnryan
Things to do in Cairnryan
Discover the best of Cairnryan — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cairnryan trip today.
- Recommended
Cairnryan Heritage Museum
Small village museum on local life, ferry links, and wartime stories from around Cairnryan and Loch Ryan, run by local volunteers.
- Recommended
Stranraer Museum
Regional museum and gallery with changing art shows plus objects on natural history, archaeology, and everyday life in Dumfries and Galloway.
- Must visit
Portpatrick Harbour
Well-known harbourfront walking area with colourful houses, boats, and easy access to the Southern Upland Way and coastal viewpoints.
- Recommended
Loch Ryan Shore
Long bay with a peaceful shoreline walk, views across Loch Ryan, and regular ferry movements that connect the village to its maritime setting.
- Recommended
Agnew Park
Woodland and coastal estate near Stranraer with waymarked trails, gardens, beach access, and good wildlife-watching opportunities.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with south-west Scotland’s fishing coast and valued for its warming, smoky flavour.
Haggis
Scotland’s classic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and suet, traditionally served at Burns suppers and deeply tied to national food culture.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Champit tatties
Mashed potatoes mixed with butter and spring onions. A traditional Scottish side, especially popular in colder months and with roast or fried meats.
Mermaid Restaurant
Casual harbour-area pub and restaurant known for reliable comfort food, seafood options and a relaxed stopover atmosphere near the ferry port.
North West Castle Hotel
Established waterside hotel restaurant in nearby Stranraer offering Scottish favourites, seafood and broad sea views in a comfortable setting.
The Crown Hotel
Traditional inn dining room serving hearty Scottish pub meals in a straightforward, welcoming setting convenient for travellers on the A77.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for rural Scotland. Food and lodging can cost more than in larger towns, while local transport options are limited and ferry travel adds to visitor costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for a simple meal or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a pub or restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for higher-end dining nearby.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés do not expect tips, but small change is welcome.
Traveline Scotland
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- : null
To the city centre
Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) -> Stranraer Harbour
- Distance
- 10 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Cairnryan is served mainly by scheduled coach and bus links tied to ferry sailings, so check the current operator timetable before travel.
- Contactless payment may vary by operator in this rural area. Carry a payment card and some cash in case onboard card payment is unavailable.
FAQs: Ballymena to Cairnryan ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ballymena to Cairnryan by ferry. 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 ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cairnryan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Yes, you can take a between Ballymena and Cairnryan.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Ballymena and Cairnryan
Most Ballymena to Cairnryan ferries use the to Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) port pair, with some services arriving at Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries). Use this guide to compare Ballymena and Cairnryan ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Ballymena
Arrival ports in Cairnryan
Which Cairnryan port do ferries from Ballymena arrive at?
Ferries from Ballymena to Cairnryan most often arrive at Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line). Some services arrive at Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cairnryan arrival port.
Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line)Stranraer DG9 8RG, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) from Cairnryan city centre
Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) is 1 km from Cairnryan city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus358, 360 · 5m · £2 · every ~2 min
Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) port facilities and services
Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line) has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility, WC and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line): WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line): Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Port of Cairnryan (Stena Line).
Port of Cairnryan (P&O Ferries)Stranraer DG9 8RF, UK
Most popular ferries to and from Cairnryan and Ballymena
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