Larne Cairnryan ferry
Larne to Cairnryan ferry times, tickets and route guide
Check the Larne to Cairnryan ferry between Northern Ireland and Scotland. The route is operated by P&O Ferries, takes about 2 hours and covers roughly 40 miles across the North Channel.
Use this page for the ferry timetable, today’s sailing direction, ticket prices, port information, weather and route alternatives. Start with the live timetable, then check prices and tickets, compare crossings, cheapest crossing and the weather forecast.
40 miles
The ferry crossing links Larne in Northern Ireland with Cairnryan in south-west Scotland.
About 2 hours
The sailing time is usually about 2 hours. Add check-in, boarding and unloading time.
£ prices vary
Ticket prices depend on date, vehicle type, passengers and flexibility. Check the prices page.
Everything about the Larne to Cairnryan crossing
This site is built around one route: Larne to Cairnryan and Cairnryan to Larne. The most important parts are the sailing times, the ports, check-in, ticket prices, weather and possible alternatives.
Prices and tickets
Check what changes the £ fare, including cars, foot passengers, vans and flexible tickets.
Weather forecast
Check wind, rain and general conditions before travelling across the North Channel.
This crossing in a nutshell
Travelling between Scotland and Northern Ireland? The Larne Cairnryan ferry is the direct P&O Ferries route across the North Channel. It is used by cars, vans, freight traffic and passengers heading between Northern Ireland and Scotland.
| Route detail | Information | Useful page |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Larne to Cairnryan and Cairnryan to Larne | Timetable |
| Operator | P&O Ferries | Prices and tickets |
| Distance | Roughly 40 miles across the North Channel | Weather forecast |
| Typical crossing time | About 2 hours | Compare routes |
| Cheapest option | Depends on date, sailing time, vehicle and ticket type | Cheapest crossing |
Larne Port and Cairnryan Port
The two ports matter as much as the sailing time. Larne is on the Northern Ireland side. Cairnryan is on the Scottish side. Check access roads, check-in details and onward travel before leaving.
Larne Port
Useful if you start in Northern Ireland or need check-in and access information before departure.
Cairnryan Port
Useful if you are arriving in Scotland or planning your onward route after the ferry.
Webcams
Check current route and port conditions before travelling, especially on busy or windy days.
Ferry prices and tickets
There is no single fixed Larne Cairnryan ferry price. The final £ fare depends on the date, sailing time, vehicle type, passenger number, ticket flexibility and demand.
| Ticket type | What changes the £ price | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Foot passenger | Date, time, availability and passenger rules | Prices and tickets |
| Car and driver | Vehicle fare, sailing time, demand and return date | Cheapest crossing |
| Van or campervan | Height, length, vehicle class and extras | Vehicle price guide |
Before you book the ferry
Do not only look at the sailing time. The best crossing depends on the full route: drive to the port, check-in time, ticket price, departure time, weather and where you need to be after arrival.
- Check today’s ferry times. Use the live timetable before leaving for the port.
- Compare prices before booking. Vehicle type, passengers, date and ticket flexibility can all change the £ fare.
- Look at the weather. Strong wind and poor sea conditions can affect ferry travel on this route.
- Compare Larne with Belfast. Belfast to Cairnryan can be worth checking if Belfast is closer to your start or end point.
- Use your booking confirmation as final source. Check-in time, vehicle rules and sailing updates can change.
Ferry updates today
If you are searching for Larne to Cairnryan ferry updates today, check both the live timetable and the operator’s latest sailing information. Weather, port conditions and operational changes can affect individual departures.
Compare crossings
If your route is flexible, compare Larne with Belfast and longer alternatives.
Alternative ferry crossings
Larne to Cairnryan is the direct P&O route. The main nearby alternative is Belfast to Cairnryan. Belfast to Liverpool is a longer alternative for England focused journeys.
| Route | Best for | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Larne to Cairnryan | Short direct crossing between Northern Ireland and Scotland. | Time, price and port access. |
| Belfast to Cairnryan | Travellers closer to Belfast than Larne. | Drive to port and available departure time. |
| Belfast to Liverpool | Trips focused on England rather than Scotland. | Longer ferry time versus less driving. |
Book the Larne Cairnryan ferry
When you are ready to book, compare the live timetable, check the final £ price and make sure the sailing time fits your full journey.
Check cheapest option
Compare dates, ticket type and route logic before paying.
About Larne-Cairnryan.com
Larne-Cairnryan.com helps travellers understand the ferry crossing before booking. We focus on the practical details: timetable, check-in, ports, prices, weather, webcams and route alternatives.
If this is your first crossing, start with the timetable, then check the Larne Port and Cairnryan Port pages.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Larne to Cairnryan ferry?
The crossing usually takes about 2 hours. The full journey takes longer once check-in, boarding, unloading and onward driving are included.
Where can I check Larne to Cairnryan ferry times today?
Use the live timetable. It shows a standard 3 day view where available.
Who operates the Larne Cairnryan ferry?
The direct route is operated by P&O Ferries.
Is Larne to Cairnryan the same as Belfast to Cairnryan?
No. Larne to Cairnryan is the P&O route. Belfast to Cairnryan is a nearby alternative and can be useful if Belfast is closer to your journey.
Where can I check ferry updates today?
Start with the live timetable, then check the latest operator updates and the weather forecast if conditions look poor.
How do I find the cheapest Larne Cairnryan ferry?
Compare nearby dates, early and late sailings, ticket flexibility, vehicle type and the Belfast alternative. The cheapest crossing page explains this in more detail.