Rome2Rio

How to get fromHolyhead to Cairnryanby train, bus, ferry, car ferry, or car

Find Transport to Cairnryan

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from Holyhead to Cairnryan by train, bus, ferry, car ferry, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Train, bus

    best
    1. Take the train from Holyhead to Warrington Bank Quaytrain train
    2. Take the train from Warrington Bank Quay to Carlisletrain train
    3. Take the train from Carlisle to Dumfriestrain train
    4. Take the bus from Dumfries station to Port Rodiebus bus 500
    10h 16m

  2. Ferry, train, car ferry

    cheapest
    1. Take the ferry from Holyhead Ferry to Dublin Ferryport B+Iferry ferry 0
    2. Take the train from Dublin Connolly to Belfast Grand Centraltrain train Ic
    3. Take the train from Belfast Grand Central to Larne Harbourtrain train Re
    4. Take the carferry from Larne to Cairnryancarferry car ferry
    10h 39m
    £78–298

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Bangor station to Corwen Bus Stationbus bus T10
    2. Take the bus from Corwen Bus Station to Railway Stationbus bus T8
    3. Take the bus from Chester Bus Interchange to Buchanan Bus Stationbus bus 830
    4. Take the bus from Glasgow Buchanan to Cairnryan Stena Terminalbus bus 923
    15h 20m

  4. Drive  321.9 mi

    1. Drive from Holyhead to Cairnryancar car 321.9 mi
    5h 38m
    £80–116

  5. Train

    1. Take the train from Holyhead to Warrington Bank Quaytrain train
    2. Take the train from Warrington Bank Quay to Carlisletrain train
    3. Take the train from Carlisle to Kilmarnocktrain train
    4. Take the train from Kilmarnock to Stranraertrain train
    10h 59m
    £141–235

  6. Ferry, bus, train, car ferry

    1. Take the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin Ferryport B+Iferry ferry
    2. Take the bus from Dublin Airport T1 to Grand Central Station Stand 11bus bus X1 / ...
    3. Take the train from Belfast Grand Central to Larne Harbourtrain train Re
    4. Take the carferry from Larne to Cairnryancarferry car ferry
    11h 19m
    £102–535

Holyhead to Cairnryan by ferry, foot, tram, train, and car ferry

Calendar39Weekly Services
Duration10h 39mAverage Duration
Ticket£78Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Holyhead to Cairnryan.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 335.4 mi
  • Duration: 10h 16m

What companies run services between Holyhead, Wales and Cairnryan, Scotland?

You can take a train from Holyhead to Cairnryan Stena Terminal via Bangor (Gwynedd), Bangor station, Corwen Bus Station, Railway Station, Chester Bus Interchange, Buchanan Bus Station, and Glasgow Buchanan in around 15h 20m. Alternatively, you can take a train from Holyhead to Old Pier via Warrington Bank Quay, Carlisle, Kilmarnock, Stranraer, and Port Rodie Ferry Terminal in around 10h 59m.

Train operators
Bus operators
Ferry operators

Want to know more about travelling around United Kingdom

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Booking & Getting There