Ferry from Cairnryan to Larne in Ireland
The Cairnryan to Larne ferry connection is operated by P&O Ferries. The service connects the east of Northern Ireland with the south west of Scotland. It departs up six times each day from Cairnryan and depending on your ship, you can be in Ireland within 1 hour.
Cairnryan to Larne
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The ferry route is served by three ships. The European Causeway and The European Highlander carry out the majority of crossing and the journey will take 2 hours on these ships. The final vessel serving this Scotland to Ireland route is The P&O Express fastcraft which only takes an hour to speed you across the sea between Larne and Cairnryan.
If you are planning a self drive holiday to Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland or even if you are just one of the many people who need to commute home or to work, then the Cairnryan to Larne connection really is an excellent and cost effective way of travelling.
The P&O Cairnryan to Larne ferries can take you wherever you need to get to Ireland, when you land in Larne you are just a 40 minute drive from the Northern Ireland capital, Belfast or a 90 minute drive from Derry.
From Belfast you can reach Dublin and Southern Ireland within 2 hours. If you are travelling further on to places like Galway, Limerick or Cork then you will need to factor in about an extra 2 hours driving after reaching Dublin.
Midweek Motorhome Offer with P&O Ferries
With this fantastic motorhome offer you can travel across the Irish Sea on a P&O ferry from Cairnryan to Larne midweek for the same price as a car.
Take your family and friends on an adventure to Northern Ireland by travelling on our Cairnryan to Larne route on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, and enjoy the freedom that taking your motorhome can give you as you explore this stunning country.
Have a look at our P&O Special Offers – Midweek Motorhome Offers page for all the details.
*Offers are valid for bookings made from now – 31st December 2021, for travel from now – 31st December 2021.
Cairnryan to Larne By Ferry
- Operated by po
- Served By The Ships: European Highlander, European Causeway
- Sailing Time: 2 hours | Up To 6 Sailings Per Day
- Foot passengers from just £28 one way
On-board Facilities
- WiFi Available
- Food Court
- Shopping Onboard
Traveling With Dogs
- Dogs allowed to travel
Accessible Travel
- Disabled Toilets Available
- Lifts Available
Traveling With Children
- Childrens Entertainment
Getting To Port (Cairnryan )
By Train: Stranraer is the closest train station to Cairnryan Ferry Terminal, approximately four miles away. There are taxis available outside the station.
By Bus: There is also a local bus service, the 350 from Stanraer, which runs Monday-Saturday.
Walking: This journey is too far to walk.
Dog passports. The current requirements under the EU Protocol (Jan 2021), namely that these are required are disputed by the Northern Ireland government and on April 2021 the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots confirmed that he would delay implementation of the regulations until July whilst negotiations continued to have them withdrawn since no agreement could be reached he has extended the grace period until 1st October 2021. In the light of this do P&O still require this?
Hi Clifford
Thank you for getting in touch. P&O Ferries require the following documentation, for your dogs to travel.
When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, owners should visit their vet at least one month before travel and make sure their pet has:
A microchip for identification.
A valid rabies vaccination – there are different requirements for pets entering from certain third countries, such as a rabies blood test.
An animal health certificate unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland.
Tapeworm treatment for dogs. A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it in the animal health certificate if you’re travelling directly to: Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, Norway. Note: Your dog must be treated for tapeworm to enter or return to the UK from an EU country – unless travelling from the above mentioned countries. This must be done no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering GB.
These requirements also apply to assistance and guide dogs.
Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.
I have linked the requirements page above for you. I hope this helps.
Can single passengers travel on this route without a vehicle? Cost?
Hi Paul. Thank you for getting in touch with us. Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. When you click on the “Get a quote now” button, it will re-direct you to P&O Ferries website, where you will have the option to select all relevant information specific to your journey. As you scroll through the options you will visit the following pages:
First page: My Journey. Here you choose your ports and dates.
Second page: Who’s Travelling. Here you select the number of passengers.
Third Page: Add vehicles. Here you can select foot passenger, car, caravan etc.
Page 4: Times of Journey’s. On this page it will show you all the ferry times for the crossing and the ticket prices associated with each ticket.
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide a cost for you. This will depend on the dates you travel on and the times at which you get the ferry. Why not have a look at our How To Get The Cheapest Ferry Prices Guide for some hints and tips on how to get the cheapest deal. I hope this helps.
Can you bring a cat on when you are a foot passenger.
Hi Jackie
Cats are welcome on almost all of the routes available. They have have to be left in either the onboard kennels or in your vehicle. Unfortunately you will not be able to visit them without a crew member escorting you. They will require a passport and all relevant vaccinations depending on which country you are heading to. I hope this helps.
Are we allowed to stay with our dogs in the car?
Hi Chrisie
Unfortunately you will not be able to wait with your dog in the car. Passengers are required to wait on the main decks whilst sailing. Sorry for the inconvenience.
We will be foot passengers, can we bring a cat on and if so at what cost?
Thank you.
Cats are welcome on almost all of the routes available. They have have to be left in either the onboard kennels or in your vehicle. Unfortunately you will not be able to visit them without a crew member escorting you. They will require a passport and all relevant vaccinations depending on which country you are heading to. There is no cost for this service. I hope this helps.
We will be travelling to Northern Ireland to pick up our new car. Will there be any problem travelling there in one car and back in another? They are both within the same size band.
Hi Ruth
This won’t be a problem at all. Just under where you enter the dates, times and passenger details of where you want to travel to, select “Different passenger or vehicles out/return” and follow the instructions from there. I hope this helps.
Can we travel cairnryan to larne in Ireland and book a return from Dublin to Holyhead as one package.?
Hi Judith
Unfortunately this is not possible. Cairnryan to Larne is operated by P&O Ferries whereas Dublin to Holyhead is operated by Stena Line. It would have to be booked as two separate journeys. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Do you have facilities for invalids My husband cannot climb stairs He walks(not very far ) with two walking sticks
Hi Mrs Dore
If you have any special requirements or mobility issues, P&O Ferries will do everything they can to make your journey as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Wheelchair access is available on our sailings between Cairnryan-Larne, including on board lifts and disabled toilets. If you travel as a foot passenger, a wheelchair-accessible Minibus will take you from the foot passenger terminal to the ship. There are also disabled toilets located in both Cairnryan and Larne ports.
How to let P&O Ferries know of your accessibilty requirements:
If you are booking online you can let us know you require special assistance by selecting the ‘Special assistance required’ icon when inputting your passenger numbers during the booking process. Simply select the icon, and a statement from the drop down menu that appears, before continuing with your booking details.
If you are booking via our Mobile App, the same applies as if you are making a booking on our website, please select the ‘Special assistance required’ icon during the booking process.
If you are booking via the phone with our contact centre, please advise us when making your booking.
I hope this helps
travelling from Cairnryan to Larne with dogs is there any passport required
Hi Mel
Yes your dog will require a passport and all relevant vaccinations. Please see our guide for Travelling with a Dog – Passports and Vaccinations for more details. I hope this helps.
Can I leave my car at Cairnryan whilst visiting Belfast and be a walk on passenger?
Hi Sean
Yes, you can leave your car at Cairnryan and be a walk on passenger onto the ferry.
There is a large car park with over 300 spaces in front of the terminal building, with large spaces for blue badge holders. Payment for the car park may be made in cash through the pay stations or by credit card at the travel centre. You may also pay onboard at the guest services desk prior to arrival.
Car Parking Tariff
• First 30 minutes FREE
• 30 mins – 1 hour £0.50
• 1 – 2 hours £1.00
• 2 – 4 hours £2.00
• 4 – 6 hours £3.00
• 6 – 8 hours £4.00
• 8 – 24 hours £5.00
then £5 per day (or part thereof)
I have mobility problems is there a lift on board
Hi Helena
Yes, there are lifts onboard this route. I hope this helps.
I am planning a cycle trip .. for next July (before school holidays)… wish to travel Cairnryan to Larne and return. One adult with bike .. can I just turn up and travel .. being unable to forecast when I will arrive at the port ? What will it cost ?
Hi Laurence
Unfortunately, all journeys must be booked in advance. Travelling outwith the school holidays will definitely help to bring the price down. As will travelling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (usually the cheapest days). I would need exact dates to give you an accurate price. Sorry I cannot be of more help.
Can we take a dog on board to Belfast?
Yes dogs can travel either in your car or be booked into the on-board kennels.
dear sir/madam I am just enquiring are we permitted to carry our pet dog properly caged and food supplied in our car whilst sailing? do we have to let your ferry know that we have a dog inside our car?
Hi Hazel
Dogs have to be pre-booked onboard. So you will have to state at the time of booking if your dog is going to go into the onboard kennels or will remain in your car.
By car
Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge or if you prefer, your pet can remain in the vehicle for the duration of the crossing. You can pre-book a kennel on the “Stena Plus & Onboard Extras” step of the booking process. Please note that we have a limited number of kennels available. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book.
By foot
Kennels can be pre-booked at no extra charge. You can pre-book a kennel on the “Stena Plus & Onboard Extras” step of the booking process. Please note that we have a limited number of kennels available. You must advise us that you intend to bring a pet in advance of travel when you book.
Guide, hearing and autism assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the port and onboard our vessels. Please visit our Guest Services desk when you board in order to show the relevant documentation for your dog to allow access to all areas onboard.
It may be possible to arrange to visit your car mid-voyage to check on your dog – the car deck is not accessible to passengers once the ship has sailed so you would need to be escorted, so visits depend on the availability and discretion of the crew – but it is highly unlikely that he/she will be allowed to leave your vehicle. You therefore need to prepare in such a way which ensures he/she is comfortable and happy during the journey. It may also be possible to arrange a visit to your dog in the kennels during the crossing.
Any food or water your pet will require during the crossing you will have to take with you. I hope this helps.