Approaching Larne on the ferry from Cairnryan

Irish Ferries · 2h

Cairnryan to Larne Ferry

Compare every Cairnryan to Larne sailing. From £27.74 one way, 3 times a day, crossing in about 2h.

  • 2h crossing
  • 22 sailings a week
  • Foot passengers

Cairnryan to Larne sailings on Saturday 31 October

3 departures found. Prices update live and are shown as a total.

Empress of Normandie
06:45Cairnryan
1h 59m
⚡ Fastest
08:44Larne
£36.80
total · free changes
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Empress of Normandie
13:45Cairnryan
2h 8m
Foot passenger
15:53Larne
£43.79
total
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Empress of Normandie
20:45Cairnryan
2h 7m
★ Cheapest
22:52Larne
£35.54
total · free changes
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About the Cairnryan to Larne ferry

The Cairnryan to Larne ferry is operated by Irish Ferries, sailing 3 times a day with a typical crossing time of 2h. Book ahead and you will normally pay closer to the £27.74 end; last-minute summer sailings are where prices climb hardest.

This is a foot-passenger service, so you will need to travel without a vehicle. Foot passengers are welcome on board.

Cairnryan to Larne ferry timetable

There are around 22 sailings a week on this route, 3 times a day. The table below shows how this crossing compares with the other services Cairnryan and Larne are connected to.

RouteOperatorsDurationSailings / weekFromAverageVehicle
Cairnryan – Larne Irish Ferries2h22 £27.74£89.39 Foot only
Cairnryan – Belfast P&O Ferries2h 15m8 £13.60£35.82 Foot only
Douglas – Larne Red Funnel7h 55m45 £50.94£213.39 Yes
Fleetwood – Larne Wightlink7h 25m42 £48.09£195.74 Yes
Troon – Larne Condor Ferries6h33 £39.30£145.58 Yes

How much is the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne?

One-way fares start at £27.74. Across all booking types the average paid on this route is about £89.39. That figure includes vehicles, multiple passengers and peak-season departures, which is why it sits well above the headline price.

Which operators sail this route?

Irish Ferries operates the Cairnryan – Larne crossing. As the sole operator, availability tightens quickly in peak season, so book early.

Taking a vehicle

This service carries foot passengers only. If you need to bring a car, check the alternative crossings listed below for a vehicle-carrying route between the same regions.

Getting to Cairnryan

Check in opens around 90 minutes before departure for vehicles and 45 minutes for foot passengers, and closes 30 to 60 minutes before sailing depending on the operator. Read our Cairnryan port guide for terminal facilities, parking and directions, and the Larne guide for the other end.

Cairnryan to Larne ferry: your questions answered

How long is the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne?

The Cairnryan to Larne ferry takes approximately 2h. Actual crossing time varies a little by operator, vessel and sea conditions.

How much is the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne?

One-way fares start from £27.74. The average booking on this route comes to around £89.39 once vehicles, extra passengers and peak dates are taken into account.

Who sails from Cairnryan to Larne?

Irish Ferries operates this crossing. We compare all of them in a single search.

How often does the Cairnryan to Larne ferry run?

There are around 22 sailings a week on this route, which works out at 3 times a day. Frequency is usually higher in summer and over school holidays.

Can I take a car on the Cairnryan to Larne ferry?

No, this route carries foot passengers only. If you need to bring a vehicle, search nearby ports for a car-carrying alternative.

What is the cheapest day to sail from Cairnryan to Larne?

Midweek departures, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday, are typically the cheapest, along with the earliest sailing of the day. Friday and Saturday crossings in July and August are the most expensive.

How far in advance should I book?

Prices on this route rise as departure approaches. Booking more than six weeks ahead usually secures the lowest fare; inside a week you can expect to pay substantially more, especially in peak season.

Do I need a passport for the Cairnryan to Larne ferry?

Carry valid photo ID for every passenger. International crossings require a passport valid for the whole of your trip, and non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area are now subject to biometric registration at the border. Check the operator's requirements before you travel.