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Inverness to Cairnryan from $48: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Inverness, United Kingdom
to
Cairnryan, United Kingdom

How to Get from Inverness to Cairnryan: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$48 by busBest price
284.3 kmDistance
4h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Inverness to Cairnryan with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
7h 
Estimated price
$48-69
Recommended
route map
Distance: 284.3 km
Duration: 4h 21m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  33m
Estimated price
$75-120
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
7h  4m
Estimated price
$81-159
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
7h  29m
Estimated price
$110-262
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  21m
Estimated price
$192-381
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Traveling From Inverness to Cairnryan

Travel from Inverness, known for its stunning highlands and rich history, to Cairnryan, a charming coastal village with a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful ferry access.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cairnryan

Cairnryan offers inviting neighborhoods that highlight its coastal charm.

Cairnryan Village
• Quaint streets lined with traditional Scottish architecture.
• Proximity to scenic coastal paths and stunning views.
Drumullan
• Peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxation and nature walks.
• Access to local attractions, such as beaches and restaurants.
Old Cairnryan
• Rich in history with remnants of the past to explore.
• Close to local amenities and welcoming community vibes.

Best Times To Visit Cairnryan's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience in Cairnryan.

Loch Ryan
Visit early morning or late afternoon for stunning sunsets and fewer crowds.
Cairnryan Beach
Weekdays in spring provide a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful blooms.
Ferry Terminal
Arrive before departure times to enjoy views and capture memorable photos.

Cairnryan Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cairnryan enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers that make it suitable for year-round visits; however, late spring and early autumn often bring the best weather for outdoor activities. Be prepared for unpredictable rain while exploring, as it can enhance the lush scenery and unique charm of this coastal destination.

Dining in Cairnryan: A Taste of Coastal Flavors

Try the fresh seafood chowder at The Crown Inn, where the flavors of the sea come alive, offering a vibrant contrast to the hearty Scottish dishes commonly found in Inverness. The cozy atmosphere combined with the use of locally sourced seafood creates a distinctive dining experience that highlights Cairnryan's coastal charm.

Inverness - Cairnryan operators

Explore transport companies operating between Inverness and Cairnryan, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Inverness Bus Station to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$19-26

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan to Cairnryan Stena Terminal

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$23-35
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Inverness to Glasgow

Average Duration
3h 55m
Estimated price
$24-35
Contact phone
+44 28 9066 6630
Website
https://www.translink.co.uk/

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan to Cairnryan Stena Terminal

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$23-35
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+44 344 811 0141
Website
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/

Train from Inverness to Glasgow Queen Street

Average Duration
3h 37m
Estimated price
$55-130

Train from Inverness to Stirling

Average Duration
2h 53m
Estimated price
$45-110

Train from Stirling to Glasgow Queen Street

Average Duration
36m
Estimated price
$9-20

Train from Glasgow Central to Ayr

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$15-35

Train from Ayr to Stranraer

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
$17-40
Contact phone
+44 345 722 5333
Website
https://www.lner.co.uk/

Train from Inverness to Stirling

Average Duration
2h 36m
Estimated price
$100-150
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.britishairways.com

Plane from Inverness to Glasgow

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$170-600
Website
https://www.easyjet.com

Plane from Inverness to Glasgow

Average Duration
4h 50m
Estimated price
$150-750
Website
https://www.loganair.co.uk

Plane from Inverness to Glasgow

Average Duration
3h 35m
Estimated price
$170-600
Website
https://www.klm.com

Plane from Inverness to Glasgow

Average Duration
5h 10m
Estimated price
$250-1500

Inverness to Cairnryan: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Inverness and Cairnryan offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from Inverness to Cairnryan, covering a distance of 389.5 km. 💷 Prices for this journey range from £59 to £95, offering flexibility to fit different budgets. ⏲️ Allow approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes for the drive, making occasional stops to stretch your legs and admire the stunning landscapes between these charming destinations.
Average price
£58 - £93
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Inverness to Cairnryan, spanning approximately 7 hours and 29 minutes. 💰 The ticket prices for trains between Inverness and Cairnryan typically range from £87 to £207, offering passengers flexibility in choosing their travel class and amenities.
✈️ The quickest flight option takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Glasgow Airport from Inverness Airport before continuing on to Cairnryan.
Departure Point
Inverness Airport
Arrival Point
Glasgow Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 30m and has one stopover
🚌 Starting from Inverness Bus Station, travelers can embark on a scenic journey to Cairnryan via Glasgow Buchanan. The route involves a total travel time of approximately 7 hours, including transfers. 🌍 The bus services from Inverness to Cairnryan, operated by Megabus UK and Translink UK, offer a cost-effective way to navigate the distance between these two charming destinations. Tickets typically range from £38 to £54, making it an affordable choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Departure Point
Inverness Bus Station
Arrival Point
Cairnryan Stena Terminal station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Inverness to Cairnryan.

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The distance between Inverness and Cairnryan is approximately 284.9 km by road, taking around 4 hours and 33 minutes to drive. By public transport, it takes around 8 hours and 9 minutes by train or 6 hours and 55 minutes by bus to travel from Inverness to Cairnryan. For a combination of train and bus, the travel time is approximately 8 hours and 4 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Inverness to Cairnryan is by bus, which takes approximately 6 hours and 55 minutes and costs £35-£78. This is a good choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving is the quickest option, taking around 4 hours and 33 minutes and costing £59-£94.
The prices for a train journey from Inverness to Cairnryan range from £59 to £87. Alternatively, taking a bus from Cairnryan to Inverness can cost anywhere between £35 and £75.
To travel from Inverness to Cairnryan without using public transportation, the best option would be to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 389.5 km, and it takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes to cover this distance by car. The prices for a car journey from Inverness to Cairnryan can vary between £59 and £94, depending on factors such as fuel costs and toll fees.
The recommended way to travel from Inverness to Cairnryan without a car is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 6 hours and 55 minutes and the ticket prices range from £35 to £78.
Yes, there is a direct link between Inverness and Cairnryan, although it involves a transfer. You can take a bus from Inverness Bus Station to Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow, and then transfer to another bus that will take you to the Stena Terminal in Cairnryan. The total journey time, including transfers, will be approximately 6 hours and 55 minutes.
There is no direct flight between Inverness and Cairnryan, as both places do not have their own airports. The closest airport to Inverness is Glasgow Airport, which offers flights to Campbeltown Airport. The quickest flight from Glasgow Airport to Campbeltown Airport takes approximately 45 minutes. As for the cost, it can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but typically flights from Glasgow to Campbeltown can cost around £100 to £150 per person.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Cairnryan. With over 134 hotels available, travelers can choose from a wide range of choices suitable for their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in the area start at £47, offering affordable options for visitors.

Trips from Inverness