United Kingdom
Cairnryan to Larne Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Cairnryan
Scotland
Arrives
Larne
Northern Ireland
P&O FerriesAt a glance
The Cairnryan to Larne ferry takes about 2h–2h 5m, with 6 sailings a day between 04:00 and 23:59. It is operated by P&O Ferries. Fares start from £27.
- First sailing
- 04:00
- Last sailing
- 23:59
- Sailings / day
- 6
- Crossing
- from 2h
Cairnryan to Larne ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:00 | — | 2h | P&O Ferries | Daily |
| 08:00 | — | 2h | P&O Ferries | Daily |
| 12:00 | — | 2h | P&O Ferries | Daily |
| 16:00 | — | 2h | P&O Ferries | Daily |
| 20:00 | — | 2h | P&O Ferries | Daily |
| 23:59 | — | 2h 5m | P&O Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Cairnryan – Larne crossing
A 2-hour crossing is the fastest scheduled travel time on the 21-nautical-mile route across the North Channel of the Irish Sea. This domestic United Kingdom service is operated solely by P&O Ferries. The operator lists up to six sailings in its daily timetable, connecting the port of Cairnryan in Scotland with Larne in Northern Ireland. Slower sailings on the route are scheduled for 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Timetable and Pricing
P&O Ferries runs this service every day of the week. The first scheduled departure from Cairnryan is at 04:00, with subsequent sailings spread throughout the day until the final crossing at 23:59. Passengers should check specific dates for exact timings, as schedules can be subject to change. The port of Larne is located approximately 23 miles north of Belfast city centre.
Fares for the crossing start from £27. Pricing is variable and depends on factors such as the season of travel, the time of day, and the type of vehicle being transported. Cairnryan is one of two ferry ports serving Northern Ireland from the southwestern coast of Scotland; the other serves Belfast directly.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Cruise-ferry cabins
- Battery-hybrid ships
- Vehicle & freight decks
- Lounges & dining
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Who runs this ferry crossing?
P&O Ferries.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within United Kingdom.
Is there a ferry back from Larne?
Yes — see the Larne to Cairnryan ferry for the return schedule.
How many times a day does it sail?
6 sailings a day.
When's the first ferry of the day?
The first sailing leaves at 04:00.
What's the price for this crossing?
From £27, one-way.
How long is the ferry ride?
Around 2h, depending on sea conditions.
What's the fastest crossing option?
The quickest option takes about 2h. Crossing time depends on the operator and vessel — compare sailings from P&O Ferries above.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 2h and several sailings a day (first 04:00, last 23:59), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Yes — P&O Ferries carries vehicles on this route. Book your car space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific sailing for size limits.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with P&O Ferries, so declare your pet when booking.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 24, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
£27
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Cairnryan on the map
Travelled the Cairnryan → Larne ferry?
Rate this crossing to help fellow travellers.
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.