The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
- Cheapest price on Nov 07
- €33
- Average ticket price on Nov 07
- €36
- Fastest journey on Nov 07
- 3 h 4 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 07
- 3 h 48 m
- Trains on Nov 07
- 4
- Distance
- 158 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Cairnryan will cost around €36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €33.
On Sat, Nov 07, we found 4 trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan, including 4 direct services.
On Sat, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 158 km distance in an average of 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 4 m .
On Sat, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 5 h 2 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.

12:56 PM 4h00 Edinburgh 4:56 PM Cairnryan €33 1 One-way 0 transfers
1:55 PM 5h02 Edinburgh 6:57 PM Cairnryan €33 1 One-way 0 transfers
7:58 AM 3h04 Edinburgh 11:02 AM Cairnryan €37 1 One-way 0 transfers
8:58 AM 3h04 Edinburgh 12:02 PM Cairnryan €40 1 One-way 0 transfers

8:58 AM 3h04 Edinburgh 12:02 PM Cairnryan €40 1 One-way 0 transfers
7:58 AM 3h04 Edinburgh 11:02 AM Cairnryan €37 1 One-way 0 transfers
12:56 PM 4h00 Edinburgh 4:56 PM Cairnryan €33 1 One-way 0 transfers
1:55 PM 5h02 Edinburgh 6:57 PM Cairnryan €33 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
Trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €32 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:19, the last at 21:06. The fastest train covers the 158 km distance in 2h 7m.
Distance 158 km |
Average train duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price €32 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 7m |
First train 6:19 AM |
Last train 9:06 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Cairnryan train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cairnryan trains for today, Friday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L87801 · L87364 · L86956+ Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | Delayed 8:00 AM 8:00 AMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h57 | 10:57 AM Girvan station (GIR) | 3 transfers | |
L87831 · L87372 · L86960+ Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | Delayed 9:01 AM 9:00 AMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h02 | 12:02 PM Girvan station (GIR) | 3 transfers | |
L87831 · L87372 · L86960+ Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | Delayed 9:01 AM 9:00 AMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h57 | 12:57 PM Stranraer station (STR) | 3 transfers | |
L88256 · L87411 · L86990 | On time 1:56 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h01 | 6:57 PM Stranraer station (STR) | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, November 7 | |||||
![]() | 7:58 AM Edinburgh | 3h04 | 11:02 AM Cairnryan | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:58 AM Edinburgh | 3h04 | 12:02 PM Cairnryan | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:56 PM Edinburgh | 4h00 | 4:56 PM Cairnryan | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:55 PM Edinburgh | 5h02 | 6:57 PM Cairnryan | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Edinburgh to Cairnryan trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Scotrail, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
- 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?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Cairnryan.
- 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.
Train companies: Scotrail, CrossCountry from Edinburgh to Cairnryan trainsScotrail, CrossCountry trains will get you between Edinburgh and Cairnryan from €32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Scotrail
CrossCountry
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Edinburgh and Cairnryan
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Cairnryan
Most Edinburgh to Cairnryan trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to 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.
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
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.
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

