Larne - Cairnryan
Ferries to Scotland
Larne - Cairnryan
Ferries to Scotland
On the Larne Cairnryan route, fares generally fall between $47* and $860*. On average, a Larne Cairnryan ferry ticket costs around $631*, with the lowest Larne Cairnryan fares starting at $47*. Foot passengers pay an average of $134*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $723*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Larne Cairnryan sailings usually begin with a departure from Larne at approximately 04:00, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 23:59.
Given the length of the crossing, a trip between Larne and Cairnryan tends to work better as a weekend getaway or longer stay, so you can get the most out of the journey.
Yes, P&O Irish Sea operates car-friendly sailings between Larne and Cairnryan. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Larne to Cairnryan crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Yes, P&O Irish Sea welcomes bicycles on the Larne to Cairnryan crossing. Bikes are accepted by most ferry operators, though it's worth confirming the specific policy in advance so there are no surprises at the terminal.
Yes, P&O Irish Sea accepts foot passengers on sailings between Larne and Cairnryan.
Good news for pet owners — P&O Irish Sea allows pets on board sailings between Larne and Cairnryan. Traveling with a pet on this route costs an average of $480.
Figures reflect fares searched over the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last updated August 26.
When you bring a pet on board, you'll typically need to have the following ready:
This varies by operator — on some ferries, pets must stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing, while others provide dedicated pet zones, pet-friendly cabins, or lounge areas. Check our Deal Finder to compare the pet arrangements on offer and choose the crossing that suits you and your pet best.
A few things are worth knowing before you travel with a guide or assistance dog. We'd suggest letting our customer service team know, or flagging it with the ferry operator when you book, that you'll be travelling with an assistance animal.
Bring along any relevant certification and paperwork too, since you may need to show it at boarding or at some point during the crossing.
Even on sailings where pets generally aren't permitted, different rules often apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs. Get in touch with our customer service team to confirm the specific policy for your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for general guidance.
Overnight sailings on the Larne to Cairnryan route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Larne to Cairnryan crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Larne to Cairnryan ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Larne - Cairnryan Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $134 | |
| Average Price with Car | $723 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $145 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $459 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $530 | |
| Larne - Cairnryan Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Northern Ireland |
| Destination | Scotland |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | P&O Irish Sea |
| Average Price | $631 |
| Average Pet Price | $480 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 6 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 38 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 2 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 2 h |
| First Ferry | 04:00 |
| Last Ferry | 23:59 |
| Distance | 47 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
Larne is Northern Ireland's busiest passenger and car ferry port, handling around one million people and 200,000 vehicles every year. The town itself is located on the east coast of County Antrim, with its maritime history dating back over 1,000 years.
The port’s passenger facilities include excellent lounge areas, a restaurant, cash machines, shops, tourist information and a rail and bus station. The main ferry boat service operating out of the port to mainland Britain is to Cairnryan, run by P&O Irish Sea, with a crossing time of around two hours, while there is also ferry operating between Larne and Fleetwood, in the north west of England.
The town is only around 25 miles from the Scottish mainland, lying on the western side of a narrow inlet linked to the sea. The eastern side is the Magee Peninsular, and to the west is the ancient volcanic formation of Antrim Plateau. Due to Larne’s proximity to Scotland, there are magnificent views to be had towards the Mull of Kintyre, Rhins of Galloway, Islay and Paps of Jura.
Cairnryan is a small Scottish port village sitting on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan in Dumfries and Galloway. The harbour has two ferry terminals providing services to and from Larne and Belfast: the Larne terminal, opened in 1973 and now operated by P&O Ferries, and the second is run by Stena Line, taking ferries from Belfast.
The village can trace its origins back to 1701 when it was established to house the workers on the Lochryan Estate, which has a deer park and bowling green. The village has a long and important seafaring history and today is home to one of the most popular ferry routes in the United Kingdom.
There isn't a great deal of things to do and see in the village and its facilities include a hotel, some bed and breakfast guest houses, a caravan site which has been built on the site of an old war camp area, a village shop and the Merchant's House Restaurant.
