- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
Showing times and prices for 23 Aug
Cheapest price
£37
Average price
£49
Fastest journey
3 h 1 m
Average duration
3 h 22 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
158 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Cairnryan will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.
Fast trains
To travel from Edinburgh to Cairnryan you need to make at least 2 changes.
W84187 · L87472 · L8693112:266h04Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)18:30Girvan station (GIR)£371One-way2 changes- L87820 · W69580 · L869228:303h01Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)11:31Girvan station (GIR)£371One-way2 changes
- W84207 · L87460 · L8694310:275h04Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)15:31Girvan station (GIR)£371One-way2 changes
- W69140 · W69599 · L86943+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central12:093h22Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)15:31Girvan station (GIR)£371One-way3 changes - L87880 · W69587 · L86950+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central10:303h01Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)13:31Girvan station (GIR)£371One-way3 changes
- L87820 · W69580 · L869228:303h01Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)11:31Girvan station (GIR)£371One-way2 changes
- L87880 · W69587 · L86950+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central10:303h01Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)13:31Girvan station (GIR)£371One-way3 changes
- W69140 · W69599 · L86943+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central12:093h22Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)15:31Girvan station (GIR)£371One-way3 changes
- C15094 · W69587 · L86950+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central10:063h25Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)13:31Girvan station (GIR)£371One-way3 changes
- L87820 · W69580 · L869228:304h01Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:31Stranraer station (STR)£611One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Edinburgh to Cairnryan
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Cairnryan among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £29, and a flight costs an average of £30.
Distance: 158 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £212 Average Price |
3h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 16m Average total duration 8h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Cairnryan train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cairnryan trains for today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L88249 · L87396 · L86972 | On time 11:56 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h00 | 14:56 Girvan station (GIR) | 2 changes | |
| C14756 · L87396 · L86972+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | On time 12:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h56 | 14:56 Girvan station (GIR) | 3 changes | |
| L88252 · L87403 · L86980 | On time 12:56 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h05 | 16:01 Girvan station (GIR) | 2 changes | |
| L88252 · L87403 · L86980 | On time 12:56 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h00 | 16:56 Stranraer station (STR) | 2 changes | |
| L87939 · L87403 · L86980+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | On time 13:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h56 | 16:56 Stranraer station (STR) | 3 changes | |
| L88257 · L87412 · L86989 | On time 13:55 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h02 | 18:57 Stranraer station (STR) | 2 changes | |
| Sunday 23 August | |||||
| L87820 · W69580 · L86922 | 8:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h01 | 11:31 Girvan station (GIR) | 2 changes | |
| L87820 · W69580 · L86922 | 8:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h01 | 12:31 Stranraer station (STR) | 2 changes | |
| C15094+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+W69587 · L86950 | 10:06 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h25 | 13:31 Girvan station (GIR) | 3 changes | |
| C15094+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+W69587 · L86950 | 10:06 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h25 | 14:31 Stranraer station (STR) | 3 changes | |
| W84207 · L87460 · L86943 | 10:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h04 | 16:31 Stranraer station (STR) | 2 changes | |
| W84207 · L87460 · L86943 | 10:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h04 | 15:31 Girvan station (GIR) | 2 changes | |
| L87880+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+W69587 · L86950 | 10:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h01 | 14:31 Stranraer station (STR) | 3 changes | |
| L87880+Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+W69587 · L86950 | 10:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h01 | 13:31 Girvan station (GIR) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Cairnryan by train or flight
Compare train and flight 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.
Sun
23 Aug
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25 Aug
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Wed
26 Aug
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27 Aug
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28 Aug
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29 Aug
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Why should you book Edinburgh to Cairnryan trains with Omio?
Scotrail operates all trains services from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
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 train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £30 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:19, the last at 21:06. The fastest train covers the 158 km distance in 2h 55m.
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 £30
Distance 158 km |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 6:19 |
Last train 21:06 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
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 £30
Train companies: Scotrail from Edinburgh to Cairnryan trainsScotrail trains will get you between Edinburgh and Cairnryan from £30. 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 Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest Price
£29
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 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
Cairnryan Ferry Terminal -> Stranraer
- Distance
- 10 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Bus links from Cairnryan are limited and timed around ferry arrivals, so check the Traveline Scotland journey planner before you travel.
- Contactless payment may be available on some operators in Scotland, but availability on Cairnryan services is not confirmed on the official sources checked.
FAQs: Edinburgh to Cairnryan train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Cairnryan 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 Cairnryan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Edinburgh to Cairnryan can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £33.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Cairnryan covers a distance of 158 km and takes approximately 2h 53m. Trains run 11 per day.
The train distance from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is 158 km.
The first train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan leaves at 6:19.
The last train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan departs at 21:06.
Trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan run approximately 11 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
To get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan, you can choose from several travel options including train and flight.
There is no night train service from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Cairnryan is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), and it arrives at Girvan station (GIR).
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is by flight, costing approximately £30.
Booking trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is not directly possible as there is no direct train service connecting these locations. However, travellers may take a train to Stranraer and then a bus or taxi to Cairnryan. The train journey to Stranraer offers scenic views of the Scottish countryside, including rolling hills and coastal vistas, making it a visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Cairnryan is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 53m. There are 10 trains per day.
In Cairnryan, you can enjoy a walk along Loch Ryan, a tranquil loch perfect for birdwatching. Discover Glenapp Castle with its luxury hotel, gardens, and guided tours. Nearby, visit Stranraer to explore attractions like the Stranraer Museum. For nature enthusiasts, the Galloway Forest Park offers hiking and stargazing opportunities. You can also enjoy a coastal walk along the Ayrshire Coastal Path. Key sights include the Cairnryan Ferry Terminal, Loch Ryan, the historic Cairnryan Lighthouse, Glenapp Castle, and the Castle of St. John in Stranraer.
For a relaxing visit, spending one to two days in Cairnryan is usually sufficient to explore its ferry port and enjoy the scenic coastal views.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Cairnryan
Most Edinburgh to Cairnryan trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Girvan station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cairnryan train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Cairnryan
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.
Edinburgh ParkEdinburgh Park station, Cultins Road, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH11 4DF
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Park from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainEdinburgh - Dunblane, Edinburgh - Helensburgh Central, Edinburgh - Bathgate, Edinburgh - Milngavie, Edinburgh - Garscadden, Edinburgh - Stirling, Edinburgh - Airdrie, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dalmuir · 4m · £2 · every ~9 min
Edinburgh - Dunblane, Edinburgh - Helensburgh Central, Edinburgh - Bathgate, Edinburgh - Milngavie, Edinburgh - Garscadden, Edinburgh - Stirling, Edinburgh - Airdrie, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dalmuir · 8m · £3 · every ~9 min
Bus2 · 24m · £2 · every ~10 min
TramT50 · 18m · £4 · every ~30 min
Edinburgh Park train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
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 Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cairnryan and Edinburgh
Most popular train connections to Cairnryan
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