Ferry from Cairnryan to Larne

When planning your trip on the Cainryan - Larne ferry, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. Typically, children under 16 are entitled to 50% off regular ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free.

P&O Ferries operates the Cairnryan - Larne ferry route with conventional ferries, including the European Highlander and European Causeway. These vessels feature a range of onboard amenities and services, such as:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and seating on outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Restaurants, cafés and bars serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals (including vegan, vegetarian and child-friendly options)
• Onboard entertainment, including children’s play areas and arcade games
• Duty-free shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts and travel essentials
• Wi-Fi hotspot with a free option and data bundles to suit your needs

Accessibility

The Cairnryan - Larne ferries are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, accessible dining and shopping areas, and adapted toilets on board.

P&O Ferries offers boarding and disembarkation assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

No, the ferries from Cairnryan to Larne do not have cabins. You can spend the short crossing in the indoor seating areas and lounges, or head outside for some fresh air.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, on P&O Ferries, you can usually upgrade your standard ticket to Club Lounge. This premium lounge offers comfortable seating, sea views, free Wi-Fi and charging points, as well as complimentary snacks and drinks.

Upgrades for the Club Lounge usually cost about €20.

Luggage

When travelling with P&O Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight, at no extra cost.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet with you on the Cairnryan - Larne ferry, provided you are travelling with a vehicle and include it in your booking. If you are travelling as a foot passenger, you cannot bring a pet onboard.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, as well as tickets and pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On P&O Ferries, you can keep your pet in your vehicle. The ferries do not have onboard kennels or pet-friendly cabins, nor are pets allowed in ordinary passenger lounges.

What pet travel documents do I need?

You will need a free Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD), however this is not required for Northern Ireland residents returning directly from Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales). Microchip identification is required for dogs, cats and ferrets.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Cairnryan to Larne:

• The port in Cairnryan can get a bit busy, so plan your arrival at least 1 hr before the ferry’s departure, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle or pets.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness tablets before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• If you are travelling to Northern Ireland for a short trip, book your return tickets on the Larne - Cairnryan ferry well in advance, as car deck spaces are limited.
• From Cairnryan, you can also travel by ferry to Belfast in Northern Ireland. For more details, check out the Cairnryan - Belfast ferry route.

Where to take the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne

Ferries to Larne depart from the P&O Ferries terminal at the port of Cairnryan, on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan, around 8 km north of Stranraer, around 95 km from Glasgow Prestwick and 150 km from Glasgow Airport.

At the P&O terminal, you’ll find basic amenities such as seating areas, toilets, and accessible facilities. Paid short- and long-stay parking is also available at the terminal. For a wider choice of cafés, shops and accommodation before your crossing, stop in Stranraer.

How to get to the port of Cairnryan?

• By car: from Glasgow and the north, follow the A77 south towards Cairnryan. From England, take the M6/A74(M) towards Gretna, then the A75 west towards Stranraer before joining the A77 north. The ride takes 2-2.5 hr from Glasgow.
• By bus: Stagecoach services 358 and 360 connect Port Rodie in Stranraer with the Cairnryan P&O Ferry Terminal stop in around 10-15 min.
• By train: the nearest railway station is Stranraer, with ScotRail connections towards Ayr and Glasgow. From the station, you can reach the terminal by taxi in about 15 min or you can make your way to Port Rodie for the bus.
• By taxi: you can book a local taxi from Stranraer town centre or railway station.

Check-in and boarding at Cairnryan

For the Cairnryan - Larne ferry, we recommend arriving at P&O’s terminal at least 1 hr before departure, allowing extra time during busy periods. Have your booking confirmation ready and follow the signs for vehicle or foot-passenger check-in.

• Foot passengers: check-in closes 45 min before departure. Check in inside the passenger terminal, then follow staff instructions for transfer to the ferry. P&O normally uses a shuttle bus for boarding, so allow time for this rather than heading directly to the ship.
• Passengers with vehicles: check-in closes 30 min before departure. After checking in at the vehicle booths, join your assigned lane and wait for staff to direct you aboard. Once parked, take your valuables and anything you need during the crossing to the passenger deck.
• Passengers travelling with pets: the earlier 45-min check-in deadline applies, including when travelling by car. Allow time for your pet’s microchip and travel-document checks.

Where does the ferry arrive in Larne?

Ferries from Cairnryan arrive at the P&O Ferries terminal at Larne Harbour, at the entrance to Larne Lough in County Antrim. The terminal is approximately 1-1.5 km from Larne town centre.

At the terminal, there are basic amenities such as waiting areas, toilets and accessible facilities, and nearby you will find the Larne Harbour railway station. There are also cafés, restaurants and shops in the town centre, while the Redlands retail area, near the port’s southern entrance, offers a supermarket and places to eat.

Onward travel from Larne port

• On foot: Larne’s Main Street is around a 15-20 min walk from the port.
• By car: follow the A8 towards Belfast, joining the M2 for the city centre. The drive takes around 40 min in normal traffic. For the Antrim Coast, follow signs towards the A2 Causeway Coastal Route.
• By train: from Larne Harbour station, beside the ferry terminal, you can get to Belfast Grand Central via Carrickfergus in about 1 hr.
• By taxi: a transfer to Larne town centre takes approximately 5 min.