Ferry from Larne to Cairnryan

When planning your trip on the Larne to Cairnryan 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.

The Larne to Cairnryan ferry route is served by conventional ferries, such as the European Highlander and European Causeway, with many modern amenities and services. Onboard, you can expect:

• 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 Larne to Cairnryan 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, as the journey is short, cabins are not available on the ferry from Larne to Cairnryan in Scotland.

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 on the Larne - Cairnryan 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?

If you live in Northern Ireland and are travelling directly to Scotland with your dog, cat or ferret, make sure they are microchipped; you do not need a pet passport, health certificate or PTD for this journey or your direct return home.

If you live in Great Britain and plan to travel back to Northern Ireland, you will need to arrange a free PTD and carry a digital or printed copy.

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

• The port in Larne 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 Scotland for a short trip, book your return tickets on the Cairnryan - Larne ferry well in advance, for peace of mind. For more travel options, there is also the Cairnryan - Belfast ferry route.

Where to take the ferry from Larne to Cairnryan

Ferries to Cairnryan normally depart from the P&O Ferries terminal at Larne Harbour in County Antrim. The terminal is around 2 km from Larne town centre and around 38 km north of Belfast and Belfast International Airport.

Inside the terminal, you’ll find a coffee shop selling snacks and souvenirs, waiting areas and toilets. Short- and long-stay parking is available in the port’s car parks. Larne Harbour railway station is beside the terminal, while more shops, restaurants and accommodation are available around the harbour and in the town centre.

How to get to the port of Larne?

• On foot: allow approximately 20-25 min from central Larne.
• By car: from Belfast, follow the M2 and A8 towards Larne, then the signs for the harbour and P&O Ferries. The ride takes around 40 min.
• By train: take a Translink Larne Line train to Larne Harbour, the final stop beside the ferry terminal. Direct journeys from Belfast Grand Central generally take around 1 hr.
• By bus: Goldliner services 256 and 256a connect Belfast Laganside Bus Station with Larne Bus Station in around 55 min, and from there, continue to the ferry terminal by taxi or on foot.
• From the airport: the drive from Belfast International Airport to the port takes 30-40 min by car or taxi. Alternatively, take the Airport Express 300/300a into Belfast, then connect with a Larne-bound train or bus; allow around 2 hr or more, including transfers.

Check-in and boarding at Larne

The check-in for the Larne to Cairnryan ferry crossing opens about 2 hr before departure and closes 45 min before departure for foot passengers and travellers with pets, and 30 min for passengers with vehicles. Have your booking reference and identification ready, and follow any specific instructions on your booking confirmation.

• Foot passengers: head into the passenger terminal, where staff direct you to the boarding area. A shuttle bus takes you to the ship, so allow time for the transfer and follow staff instructions for loading and collecting luggage.
• Passengers with vehicles: drive to the P&O check-in booths, then follow directions to your allocated waiting lane. When boarding begins, crew guide you onto the car deck. Once you have parked on board, you leave your vehicle and head to the passenger decks.

Where does the ferry arrive in Cairnryan?

Ferries from Larne typically dock at the P&O Ferries terminal at the Port of Cairnryan, on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan in south-west Scotland. The port is beside the A77, near Cairnryan village and around 10 km north of Stranraer.

The terminal has seating, toilets and parking. Cairnryan village offers a small selection of accommodation, while nearby Stranraer has more cafés, restaurants, shops and hotels.

Onward travel from Cairnryan

• By car or taxi: the drive along the A77 to central Stranraer 10-15 min. Head north to reach Ayr in just over 1 hr, Glasgow in about 2 hr and Edinburgh in around 3 hr. For Dumfries, Carlisle and connections towards northern England, head south to join the A75 eastbound.
• By local bus: Stagecoach services 358 and 360 serve stops by the P&O terminal on the A77. The journey south to Stranraer takes around 15-20 min.
• By train: Cairnryan has no railway station, so you need to take a bus or taxi to Stranraer station. From there, ScotRail has services to Ayr (1 hr) and Glasgow Central (2.5 hr).