- Must visit
Dean Castle
Medieval castle with period interiors, collections, and musical instruments set in a large country park. It is Kilmarnock’s standout heritage attraction.
Cheapest price on 30 Oct
£6
Average ticket price on 30 Oct
£8
Fastest journey on 30 Oct
23 m
Average journey duration on 30 Oct
46 m
Trains on 30 Oct
5
Distance
19 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ayr to Kilmarnock is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ayr to Kilmarnock will cost around £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £6.
On Fri 30 Oct, we found 5 trains from Ayr to Kilmarnock, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 19 km distance in an average of 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 23 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 16 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.
C14581
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L87026
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L86962
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L86939
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L87402 · L87727
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L87026
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C14581
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L86962
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L86939
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L87402 · L87727
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Trains from Ayr to Kilmarnock run on average 7 times per day, taking around 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:22, the last at 22:32. The fastest train covers the 19 km distance in 23m.
Distance 19 km |
Average train duration 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 23m |
First train 5:22 |
Last train 22:32 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 6 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Ayr to Kilmarnock.
The table below shows live departures for Ayr to Kilmarnock trains for today, Thursday 29 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L86962 | On time 13:28 Ayr station (AYR) | 0h24 | 13:52 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 0 changesdirect | |
L87402 · L87727 | On time 13:35 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h16 | 15:51 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
| Friday 30 October | |||||
C14581 | 8:29 Ayr station (AYR) | 0h24 | 8:53 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 0 changesdirect | |
L86939 | 9:30 Ayr station (AYR) | 0h24 | 9:54 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 0 changesdirect | |
L87026 | 11:23 Ayr station (AYR) | 0h23 | 11:46 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Kilmarnock — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kilmarnock trip today.
Medieval castle with period interiors, collections, and musical instruments set in a large country park. It is Kilmarnock’s standout heritage attraction.
Town-centre museum gallery presenting local history, changing exhibitions, and cultural displays. A useful introduction to Kilmarnock and East Ayrshire.
Small museum in the Burns Monument Centre exploring the life and influence of poet Robert Burns in Ayrshire. A rewarding stop for literature enthusiasts.
Large country park with woodland walks, play areas, ponds, and the castle. It is ideal for an easy half-day visit combining nature and heritage.
Victorian park with broad paths, mature trees, and a pond near the town centre. It is a pleasant place for a walk and local people-watching.
Pedestrianised central street lined with shops and historic buildings. It is useful for seeing everyday town life and exploring the heart of Kilmarnock.
A famous Ayrshire soft drink made with citrus oils and secret flavourings. It was first produced in Kilmarnock and remains the town’s best-known local drink.
Traditional Scottish broth of lamb or mutton, barley and root vegetables. It is a hearty staple long associated with Ayrshire farm cooking.
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onion and milk or cream. It is a classic west coast comfort dish served across Ayrshire.
Stylish Indian restaurant known for curries, grilled dishes and attentive service in a polished but relaxed setting.
Long-established Italian venue serving pizza, pasta and classic mains in a busy, family-friendly town-centre setting.
Popular steakhouse and grill with burgers, ribs and mixed grills, offering a lively casual atmosphere for groups and families.
Moderate for the UK. Meals, lodging and local travel are usually cheaper than in Glasgow or Edinburgh, but costs are above many smaller towns.
Service is often included only at some restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Cafe tipping is optional.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Kilmarnock.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ayr to Kilmarnock by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Kilmarnock, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ayr to Kilmarnock trains use the Ayr to Kilmarnock station pair. Use this guide to compare Ayr and Kilmarnock train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ayr has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ayr.
Wi-Fi is available at Ayr. ATMs are available at Ayr.
Ticket office support is available at Ayr. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ayr: Parking, WC.
Available at Ayr: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ayr: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category B station. Level to platforms 1,2 & 3 - connecting footbridge with stairs or access from street to platform 4. Alternative route is available by going outside the station over the roadbridge Blue Badge parking bays: 7, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Kilmarnock has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Kilmarnock.
Wi-Fi is available at Kilmarnock.
Ticket office support is available at Kilmarnock. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kilmarnock: Parking, WC.
Available at Kilmarnock: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kilmarnock: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. Level to platforms 1,2&3 underpass with lifts connecting platform 4. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 6, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Check train stations information for Ayr and Kilmarnock, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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