Manchester, Greater Manchester to Cairnryan, Dumfries and Galloway from $55: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$55 by busBest price

247.8 kmDistance

3h 58m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Manchester 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.

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Manchester - Cairnryan operators

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

Train

Contact phone

+44 345 600 1671

Website

https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Oxford Road to Glasgow Central

Average Duration

3h 15m

Estimated price

$45-120

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Preston

Average Duration

38m

Estimated price

$13-35

Train from Preston to Glasgow Central

Average Duration

2h 36m

Estimated price

$40-110

Contact phone

+44 344 811 0141

Website

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/

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

+44 800 200 6060

Website

https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Preston

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

$8-11

Contact phone

00 44 345 528 0253

Website

https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Preston

Average Duration

48m

Estimated price

$14-80

Train from Preston to Glasgow Central

Average Duration

2h 20m

Estimated price

$90-230

Bus

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

Website

https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$22-35

Plane

Website

easyjet.com

Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Belfast (Aldergrove) (BFS)

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

$35-210

Website

ryanair.com

Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Belfast (Aldergrove) (BFS)

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

$29-270

Ferry

Contact phone

+44 844 770 7070

Website

https://www.stenaline.co.uk/

Ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan

Average Duration

2h 22m

Estimated price

0-0

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

Traveling between Manchester 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 scenic road trip from Manchester to Cairnryan, covering a driving distance of 365.3 km. 💷 Explore the flexibility of travel options as the prices for the road trip from Manchester to Cairnryan range from £55 to £87. 🌊 Arrive at Cairnryan after approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes of driving, where you can unwind and appreciate the coastal beauty of this port town.

Average price

£54 - £85

🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Manchester to Cairnryan spanning approximately 6 hours and 56 minutes. 💷 Ticket prices for the train ride from Manchester to Cairnryan can range from £80 to £170, offering flexibility to travelers based on their budget and preferences.

🛫 The quickest way to travel from Manchester to Cairnryan by plane is to take a direct flight from Manchester Airport to Belfast Airport. This flight usually takes around 55 minutes. 🌊 Once you arrive at Belfast Airport, you can then continue your journey to Cairnryan via land transportation such as a bus or rental car. This leg of the journey will take you through the scenic landscapes of Northern Ireland. 🚗 Cairnryan is a port town known for its ferry services to Northern Ireland. From Belfast, you can easily reach Cairnryan by ferry, enjoying a picturesque voyage across the Irish Sea.

Departure Point

Manchester Airport

Arrival Point

Belfast (Aldergrove) Airport

🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Manchester to Cairnryan, you can take services with transfers at Glasgow Buchanan. The journey, with transfers, will take approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes. 🛣️ Route options from Manchester to Cairnryan vary in duration and transfers, with the shortest route taking around 9 hours and 59 minutes. The routes involve transfers in cities like Glasgow, Ayr, and Stranraer before reaching the destination. 💰 The prices for a bus ticket between Cairnryan and Manchester can range from £43 to £61, depending on the route and operator chosen.

Departure Point

Manchester Shudehill Interchange station

Arrival Point

Cairnryan Stena Terminal station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Manchester to Cairnryan.

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The distance between Manchester and Cairnryan is approximately 247.8 km, with a road distance of 364.5 km. Travel times by various modes of transportation vary. It takes approximately 8 hours and 4 minutes to reach Cairnryan from Manchester by train, and a similar time of 8 hours and 3 minutes by taking a train and then a bus. The quickest mode of transportation is by car, which takes approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes, while traveling by bus takes approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Manchester to Cairnryan is by bus, with tickets costing between £40-£63. This journey typically takes around 7 hours and 40 minutes. However, if time is a priority, driving is the fastest option, taking approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes. Keep in mind that the cost of driving will be between £56-£87, considering fuel and other expenses.

The cost of traveling between Manchester and Cairnryan can vary depending on the mode of transportation. The prices for a train ticket range from £92 to £229. On the other hand, taking a bus from Cairnryan to Manchester can cost between £41 and £60.

To travel from Manchester to Cairnryan without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 365.3 km, and it takes about 3 hours and 58 minutes to drive. Depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle type, the cost of the journey can range from £56 to £87.

To travel from Manchester to Cairnryan without a car, the most convenient option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes and the bus fare ranges from £40 to £63.

No, there is no direct link between Manchester and Cairnryan. However, there are bus services operated by Megabus UK and Scottish Citylink that connect the two cities with a journey time of approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes. The buses depart from Shudehill Interchange in Manchester and arrive at Stena Terminal in Cairnryan, with transfers at Buchanan Bus Station.

The flight time between Manchester and Cairnryan is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes on a direct flight from Manchester Airport to Belfast City Airport. However, it's important to note that Cairnryan does not have its own airport, and the closest airport is Belfast City Airport.

There are many options for accommodation near Cairnryan. With over 134 hotels available, there is a wide range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices start at £48 per night, offering affordable options for travelers.