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Larne to Cairnryan is one of the shortest ferry crossings between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, with a sailing time of only 2h. It’s a special route that connects families for the holidays, friends for a quick visit, and adventurers on the first step of their journeys to Scotland. Tickets start at €25.00. The route is available all year round, with around 42 crossings running per week. Ready to learn more? Let's dive in.
Ferry companies serving Larne to Cairnryan
At present, Larne to Cairnryan is operated solely by P&O Ferries. Their crossings are sorted below by average ticket price.
Larne to Cairnryan ferry schedule
The ferry schedule from Larne to Cairnryan varies according to the company and season. Here's some key details!
Can I take a ferry from Larne to Cairnryan?
Absolutely! In fact, lots of passengers prefer this ferry route rather than a flight. The brevity of the crossing between Larne and Cairnryan is a genuine competitive advantage over air travel once you factor in airport check-in times, luggage, and accessibility for pets.
How long is the ferry from Larne to Cairnryan?
The ferry from Larne to Cairnryan is only 2h from port to port. Occasionally, the crossing will experience delays from weather conditions, especially in the winter. But don’t fret; when you book your ferry with us, you have an option to select a service where we send all important updates directly to your mobile phone by SMS.
Fastest ferry from Larne to Cairnryan
The fastest ferry from Larne to Cairnryan is the European Causeway, operated by P&O Ferries, which arrives in only 2 hours. Actually, any ferry ride that you take should get you there in the same amount of time, so don’t worry if you don’t book The Causeway.
Can you do a day trip to Cairnryan by ferry?
Absolutely! You can take a ferry departing Larne at 8:00, spend the day in Cairnryan, and catch a return ferry at 18:00 or even 20:00. There are plenty of crossings on this route, so you have lots of options for a quick jaunt to Scotland.
Are there overnight ferries from Larne to Cairnryan?
Yes, there is one ferry that departs from Larne at 23:59 and arrives into Cairnryan at 02:00. While there aren’t cabins available for this route, there are comfortable seats aboard for you to have a quick rest if you decide to take the red eye.
This summary for the Larne to Cairnryan route is based on recent data and is updated regularly. However, schedules may vary depending on seasonal changes, ferry companies, and availability. For the most accurate and detailed ferry timetable, including routes, stops, and pricing, check out our ferry search and booking system.
Book your return to Larne
Use this table to browse your options for returning to Larne after your adventure in Cairnryan.
Ferry ticket prices from Larne to Cairnryan
Ferry ticket prices from Larne to Cairnryan typically range from €25.00 to €33.00 for foot passengers and ~€170 for vehicles. We recommend booking this route in advance, as last minute rates spike considerably. If your schedule is flexible, you can travel midweek for cheaper fares.
Offers and deals
Special offers like early booking deals, promotional fares, or special rates for children are often available for this route. To stay up-to-date with deals, you can follow Ferryscanner on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, or download or mobile app and turn on notifications! We’re here to help you save.
Choose your ferry from Larne to Cairnryan
Boarding your ferry to Cairnryan, Scotland
Please arrive at the Port of Larne 1 hour before and no earlier than 2 hours before your ferry's departure. The check-in area is at P&O Ferries Terminal, Larne Harbour, Larne, BT40 1AQ. From Belfast, take the M2 northbound, which becomes the A8, and follow it directly into Larne Harbour. From Ballymena or the north, take the A36 south into Larne and follow signs to the ferry terminal.
Inside the terminal, staff will direct you through check-in and onto the ferry. The crossing to Cairnryan runs about 2 hours. You may leave your vehicle, but stay close so you're ready to unload!
Remember to bring your UK identifier, V5C, and insurance certificate. Rental or leased cars need a VE103.
A note on border checks: This is a domestic UK crossing between Northern Ireland and Scotland, so there is no passport control and no customs declarations for most passengers. Simply drive on and drive off.
For accessibility needs or adapted vehicles, notify our Customer Support team during booking so support is arranged in advance.
Foot passengers from Larne to Cairnryan
While it’s less common than traveling with a vehicle, some passengers choose to travel from Larne to Cairnryan by foot. If you don’t have a designated drop-off driver, Larne Harbour has its own stop on the Northern Ireland Railway. From there, pedestrians actually take a shuttle bus that drives directly on to the car deck. You’ll then hop off the bus and head upstairs to enjoy the amenities of the vessel–like the snack bar, gift shop, or even seasonal movies–for the 2 hours to Cairnryan.
Larne to Cairnryan with a vehicle
You can take your vehicle on all ferries serving Larne to Cairnryan. It’s the most popular choice for our passengers, many of which decide to drive their vans, campervans, motorbikes, or even buses filled with sports teams across the channel! Drive aboard both vessels, listed here:
- EUROPEAN HIGHLANDER- P&O Ferries
- EUROPEAN CAUSEWAY- P&O Ferries
The cost for traveling with a vehicle is ~€170 on average. It’s a small fee when you consider the perks: unlimited luggage, furry friends, and no airports!
Motorcycles, caravans and motorhomes
You can bring several types of vehicles aboard the ferries from Larne to Cairnryan. When booking with us, you can select your vehicle’s exact model from a dropdown menu to ensure a secure and easy confirmation.
Bicycles
Bicycles are allowed on all vessels from Larne to Cairnryan and are treated as foot passenger bookings. There’s typically no extra charge to bring your bike, and you should check in no later than 90 minutes before sailing. If you’re bringing your bike on your vehicle’s roof rack, be sure to include them in the total height and length of your vehicle when booking.
Luggage on board
There are not strict luggage allowances on ferries from Larne to Cairnryan. If you’re traveling with a vehicle, for example, you can bring aboard as much luggage as you can safely stow inside it. Foot passengers should bring only as much luggage as they can comfortably carry.
- European Causeway, European Highlander: Up to 50kg per passenger.
Please note there are no luggage lockers or storage areas on Larne to Cairnryan trips, so passengers are expected to have their luggage with them at all times, or leave it packed safely in their vehicles.
Cabins on board
Since the ferry ride from Larne to Cairnryan is only 2 hours long, our ferry partners do not currently offer cabins. But don’t worry, there is plenty of entertainment available aboard the vessels; you’re free to stroll around the gift shops, steal a bite at the snackbar, or watch one of the onboard entertainment films. Around the holidays, the vessels even have special Christmastime entertainment geared towards little ones.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, you can bring your pet on the ferry from Larne to Cairnryan! Here’s some important info to remember:
- Advanced booking is required for pets, they cannot be added last minute at the port.
- Service/assistance dogs are welcome in all passenger areas. Companion animals must remain in your vehicle during the crossing.
- Ensure you have all the necessary documents, tickets, and pet essentials for your trip.
Beginning June 4th, 2026, anyone returning to Northern Ireland from Great Britain requires a Pet Travel Document (PTD). Contact our customer service team for more info.
Why take the ferry from Larne to Cairnryan?
The Larne to Cairnryan ferry is a cosy, scenic crossing that features stunning views of the Scottish coastline on a clear day. It’s a pleasant trip that’s not only more affordable than flying, but also much faster!
- Onboard, you'll find plenty to keep you comfortable: a food court, bar, Club Lounge, open decks with fresh North Channel air, and even a free cinema with reclining seats.
- This is a practical crossing with beautiful road trips on both ends: disembark at Cairnryan and the Scottish Highlands are ahead of you; roll off at Larne and the Causeway Coast is within the hour.
- Many passengers come specifically to travel with things they couldn't bring on a plane — the family dog, a loaded boot, a caravan, or a bike. There's no luggage limit and pets travel free.
- Remember that Scotland and Northern Ireland both use Type G plug sockets; the same as the rest of the UK, so no adaptor needed if you're traveling between the two.
- You'll be driving on the left-hand side of the road on both sides of the crossing.
- Keep some pound sterling handy: this is a domestic UK crossing, so euros won't get you far on either shore.
Visit our blog for more tips and ideas to make the most of your trip to Cairnryan.
Accessing the Larne to Cairnryan ferry port
The Larne Ferry Port is located right at the edge of Larne town centre, approximately 32 km north of Belfast city centre. Here’s the Port of Larne on Google Maps.
You can reach the port by car via the M2 motorway from Belfast, which becomes the A8 and leads directly into Larne Harbour — just follow the ferry signs from there. The drive from Belfast takes around 25–30 minutes. Taxis are available and typically take around the same time from Belfast city centre.
You can also take the Translink train from Belfast Lanyon Place directly to Larne Harbour station, which is less than a 5-minute walk from the terminal. Trains run hourly, every day, and the journey takes around 55 minutes. Alternatively, Translink's Line 256 bus departs hourly from Bridge Street in central Belfast and takes around 49 minutes. In Cairnryan, Scotland, the ferry terminal sits right on the shore of Loch Ryan — it essentially is the village, so it's hard to miss. Taxis from nearby Stranraer (about 7 miles away) are the most practical onward option if you're not continuing by car. Remember, transportation options may change, so check current schedules before your trip!
Home to Cairnryan for the holidays
The festive season is one of the busiest times of year for this crossing. Families make their annual journey home to celebrate together, and the vessels rise to the occasion! Christmas trees, festive decorations, and holiday films make the 2 hour crossing feel even more special. Whether you're a Scot heading to Northern Ireland to see family, or a Northern Irish family making the trip to Scotland for the holidays, there's something deeply fitting about arriving by sea; it's the way people on these two coastlines have been connecting for centuries. Catch the Causeway Coast glittering in the winter light from the window while you're snug and warm inside. If you're traveling for the holidays, be sure to book your trip early. The seats sell fast!
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EUROPEAN CAUSEWAY P&O Ferries