- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cairnryan to Edinburgh
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£30
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£35
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 1 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 24 m
Trains on 18 Sept
6
Distance
158 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cairnryan to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cairnryan to Edinburgh will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £30.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 6 trains from Cairnryan to Edinburgh, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 158 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 45 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.
13:054h07Cairnryan17:12Edinburgh£301One-way0 changes- 13:573h28Cairnryan17:25Edinburgh£341One-way0 changes
- 18:033h45Cairnryan21:48Edinburgh£361One-way0 changes
- 9:013h01Cairnryan12:02Edinburgh£361One-way0 changes
- 19:033h45Cairnryan22:48Edinburgh£361One-way0 changes
- 9:013h01Cairnryan12:02Edinburgh£361One-way0 changes
- 8:013h01Cairnryan11:02Edinburgh£361One-way0 changes
- 13:573h28Cairnryan17:25Edinburgh£341One-way0 changes
- 19:033h45Cairnryan22:48Edinburgh£361One-way0 changes
- 18:033h45Cairnryan21:48Edinburgh£361One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, flight and train for Cairnryan to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cairnryan to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £33 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 18m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £33, while a flight costs an average of £177.
Distance: 158 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £177 Average Price | £64 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 56m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cairnryan to Edinburgh is a train with an average price of £33.
This is compared to other travel options from Cairnryan to Edinburgh:
A train is £144 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cairnryan to Edinburgh costing on average £177.
The fastest way to travel from Cairnryan to Edinburgh is by train with an average journey time of 2h 48m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 5m.
Flight takes on average 5h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cairnryan and Edinburgh including taking a coach, flight and train.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 5m faster (2h 48m by train vs 2h 53m by car) and roughly £32 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£33 vs £64). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cairnryan to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Cairnryan to Edinburgh 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L86966 · L87378 · L87095 | 9:00 Stranraer station (STR) | 4h01 | 13:01 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| L86939 · L87369 · L88247 | 9:01 Girvan station (GIR) | 3h01 | 12:02 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| L86966 · L87378 · L87095 | 9:52 Girvan station (GIR) | 3h09 | 13:01 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| L86951 · L87386 · L88254 | 11:02 Girvan station (GIR) | 3h12 | 14:14 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L86951 · L87386 · L87945+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 11:02 Girvan station (GIR) | 3h01 | 14:03 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
| L86962 · L87402 · L88263 | 12:59 Girvan station (GIR) | 3h15 | 16:14 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| L86962 · L87402 · L87977+Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 12:59 Girvan station (GIR) | 3h08 | 16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
| L86958 · L87410 · L88266 | 13:05 Stranraer station (STR) | 4h07 | 17:12 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| L86958 · L87410 · L87994+Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 13:05 Stranraer station (STR) | 3h58 | 17:03 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cairnryan to Edinburgh by coach, flight or train
Compare coach, flight 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
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
22 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Cairnryan to Edinburgh trains with Omio?
Scotrail operates all trains services from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
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, flight and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, flight and train to find the ideal travel option from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cairnryan to Edinburgh run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £14 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:52, the last at 20:58. The fastest train covers the 158 km distance in 2h 57m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £14
Distance 158 km |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 2h 57m |
First train 5:52 |
Last train 20:58 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £14
Train companies: Scotrail from Cairnryan to Edinburgh trainsScotrail trains will get you between Cairnryan and Edinburgh from £14. 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
2h 57m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
£30
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 Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
- Recommended
Fruitmarket
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
- Recommended
Princes Street Gardens
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
- Vegetarian
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
The Kitchin
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Whiski Rooms
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Cafe Royal
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Bus & Tram
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless works on trams with Tap On, Tap Off. Use the same card or device all day to benefit from the city day cap of £5.70.
- On trams, buy, validate or activate your ticket before boarding. If you use contactless on trams, remember to tap off when you leave.
Trains from Cairnryan to Edinburgh
There is no railway station in the coastal village of Cairnryan. Visitors wishing to travel by rail from Cairnryan to Edinburgh must first take the bus to Stranraer, six miles to the north. The bus takes around 20 minutes. There are no direct trains to Edinburgh from Stranraer; all services require between one and three changes. The first service of the day leaves Stranraer at 7:02 a.m. and arrives into Edinburgh at 10:51 a.m. The last service departs Stranraer at 7:03 p.m. and arrives into Edinburgh at 11:14 p.m. Services take between 3 hours 38 minutes and 4 hours 11 minutes to complete the journey to Edinburgh.
FAQs: Cairnryan to Edinburgh train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cairnryan to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cairnryan to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £30, while the average price tends to be around £33.
The train journey from Cairnryan to Edinburgh covers a distance of 158 km and takes approximately 2h 57m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from Cairnryan to Edinburgh is 158 km.
The first train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh leaves at 5:52.
The last train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh departs at 20:58.
Trains from Cairnryan to Edinburgh run approximately 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
To get from Cairnryan to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including coach, flight and train.
There is no night train service from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
The train station in Cairnryan that goes to Edinburgh is Girvan station (GIR), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Cairnryan to Edinburgh is by flight, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Cairnryan to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh by train is quite scenic, offering views of the picturesque Scottish countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of the coastline, providing a pleasant and visually appealing travel experience.
A day trip from Cairnryan to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 57m each way. However, there are 12 trains operating per day.
In Edinburgh, you can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket with its pubs, shops, and street performances, or enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults. Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for beautiful landscapes. Discover hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market. Must-see sights include Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views and housing the Crown Jewels, Arthur's Seat for hiking and city views, The Royal Mile lined with shops and landmarks, Holyrood Palace with its stunning gardens, and the National Museum of Scotland showcasing diverse exhibits.
To fully experience Edinburgh's historic sites, cultural attractions, and local cuisine, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cairnryan and Edinburgh
Most Cairnryan to Edinburgh trains use the Girvan to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Cairnryan and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
BusUk090 · 12m · £0.90 · every ~32 min
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
HaymarketHaymarket station, Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH12 5EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Haymarket from Edinburgh city centre
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Train3m · £0.90
BusN44, N25, 26, 31, 33, 44, 25, 3, 4 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~114 min
N107, N113 · 7m · £0.90
TramT50 · 6m · £4 · every ~30 min
Haymarket train station facilities and services
Haymarket 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 Haymarket.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. 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, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, 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.
SlatefordSlateford station, Meggetgate, off A70 Slateford Road, Slateford, City of Edinburgh, EH14 1BX
City-centre transport
Getting to Slateford from Edinburgh city centre
Slateford is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainEdinburgh - Glasgow Central, Edinburgh - Motherwell, Edinburgh - Carfin, Edinburgh - West Calder · 8m · £2 · every ~2 min
BusN44, 34, 44, 4 · 18m · £2 · every ~40 min
44, 4, 34, N44 · 21m · £2 · every ~40 min
Slateford train station facilities and services
Slateford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Slateford.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, 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 Slateford: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Slateford: Bike Parking.
Most popular train connections from Cairnryan
More options for your journey from Cairnryan to Edinburgh
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Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Cairnryan
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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