- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cairnryan to Ayr
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£17
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£17
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 22 m
Trains on 18 Sept
4
Distance
60 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train 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 £17 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 4 trains from Cairnryan to Ayr, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 60 km distance in an average of 1 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 27 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.
L869669:001h20Stranraer station (STR)10:20Ayr station (AYR)£171One-way0 changes- L8695813:051h21Stranraer station (STR)14:26Ayr station (AYR)£171One-way0 changes
- L8698517:071h27Stranraer station (STR)18:34Ayr station (AYR)£171One-way0 changes
- L8699919:041h20Stranraer station (STR)20:24Ayr station (AYR)£171One-way0 changes
- L869669:001h20Stranraer station (STR)10:20Ayr station (AYR)£171One-way0 changes
- L8699919:041h20Stranraer station (STR)20:24Ayr station (AYR)£171One-way0 changes
- L8695813:051h21Stranraer station (STR)14:26Ayr station (AYR)£171One-way0 changes
- L8698517:071h27Stranraer station (STR)18:34Ayr station (AYR)£171One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cairnryan to Ayr
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
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£17 Average Price | £17 Average Price Cheapest | £12 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 2m Average total duration 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cairnryan to Ayr is a coach with an average price of £17.
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.
The fastest way to travel from Cairnryan to Ayr is by train with an average journey time of 1h 23m.
Other travel options to Ayr take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 32m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cairnryan and Ayr including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £17 compared to roughly £12 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-4.62. The journey takes 1h 23m versus 1h 9m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cairnryan to Ayr train times
The table below shows live departures for Cairnryan to Ayr trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L86958 | On time 13:05 Stranraer station (STR) | 1h21 | 14:26 Ayr station (AYR) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| L86966 | 9:00 Stranraer station (STR) | 1h20 | 10:20 Ayr station (AYR) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cairnryan to Ayr by coach or train
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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Cairnryan to Ayr trains with Omio?
Scotrail operates all trains services from Cairnryan to Ayr.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cairnryan to Ayr.
Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Scotrail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cairnryan to Ayr.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cairnryan to Ayr.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cairnryan to Ayr
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cairnryan to Ayr run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:04, the last at 21:38. The fastest train covers the 60 km distance in 1h 20m.
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
Distance 60 km |
Average train duration 1h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 20m |
First train 7:04 |
Last train 21:38 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: Scotrail from Cairnryan to Ayr trainsScotrail trains will get you between Cairnryan and Ayr from £17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Scotrail
About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Scotrail Duration
1h 20m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
£17
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Ayr
Things to do in Ayr
Discover the best of Ayr — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ayr trip today.
- Recommended
Rozelle House Museums and Galleries
Purpose-built gallery and museum with changing exhibitions, local history displays and family-friendly interpretation in Ayr's cultural quarter.
- Recommended
Culzean Castle
Country house galleries within Culzean Country Park, showing art, furnished rooms and estate history in an impressive clifftop setting.
- Must visit
Ayr Beach
Long sandy beach and promenade popular for walks, sunsets and sea air. It is a classic Ayr outing close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Rozelle Park
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.
- Recommended
The Low Green
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.
Mince and Tatties Pie
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.
Cullen Skink Style Smoked Haddock Breakfast
Smoked haddock poached in milk, often served with poached egg and buttery bread. A classic west coast breakfast dish tied to Scottish fishing traditions.
Haggis
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.
The Balgarth Pines
Well-known Indian restaurant in Ayr offering classic curries, tandoori dishes and warm service in a comfortable dining room.
The Rabbit
Stylish seafront restaurant in the Marine Troon hotel, known for Scottish produce, seafood and grill dishes in a polished setting.
Scotts Bar & Restaurant
Established harbour-side venue in nearby Troon with seafood, steaks and Scottish dishes, plus marina views and a smart casual atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Ayr is moderate by UK standards, with fairly priced hotels, casual dining, and local transport. Costs are usually lower than in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £40+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= £2.00
- Day pass
- >= £4.00
To the city centre
Ayr railway station -> Ayr Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses in Ayr. Buy single, return and day tickets on the Stagecoach Bus app.
- Ayr railway station is close to the town centre and Ayr Bus Station. Walking is often the quickest option for central Ayr.
FAQs: Cairnryan to Ayr train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cairnryan to Ayr 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 Ayr, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cairnryan to Ayr can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £17.
The train journey from Cairnryan to Ayr covers a distance of 60 km and takes approximately 1h 20m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Cairnryan to Ayr is 60 km.
The first train from Cairnryan to Ayr leaves at 7:04.
The last train from Cairnryan to Ayr departs at 21:38.
Trains from Cairnryan to Ayr run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cairnryan to Ayr.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cairnryan and Ayr. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Scotrail.
To get from Cairnryan to Ayr, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cairnryan to Ayr.
The train station in Cairnryan that goes to Ayr is Stranraer station (STR), and it arrives at Ayr station (AYR).
The cheapest way to get from Cairnryan to Ayr is by train, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Cairnryan to Ayr in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The journey from Cairnryan to Ayr is scenic, offering views of the rugged coastline, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside typical of southwestern Scotland.
Yes, a day trip from Cairnryan to Ayr is feasible. The journey takes 1h 20m and the distance is 60 km. The frequency is 3 times per day for trains.
To fully explore Ayr, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal, allowing time to visit its notable attractions like the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, the scenic Ayr Beach, and Culzean Castle.
Yes, you can take the train from Cairnryan to Ayr.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cairnryan and Ayr
Most Cairnryan to Ayr trains use the Stranraer to Ayr station pair. Use this guide to compare Cairnryan and Ayr train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cairnryan
Arrival train stations in Ayr
Which Ayr station do trains from Cairnryan arrive at?
Trains from Cairnryan to Ayr arrive at Ayr. Ayr is 1 km from Ayr city centre.
AyrAyr station, Smith Street, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA7 1TH+44 344 811 0141
City-centre transport
Getting to Ayr from Ayr city centre
Bus14, 347, 352, 52, 42A, 3, 6, 3B, 42, X42 · 8m · £2 · every ~31 min
Ayr 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
Food and drink options are available at Ayr.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ayr. ATMs are available at Ayr.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ayr: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ayr: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Cairnryan
More options for your journey from Cairnryan to Ayr
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Ayr and Cairnryan
Most popular train connections to Ayr
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