Chaine Memorial Tower
See Larne’s distinctive harbour landmark, built in memory of James Chaine and closely associated with the town’s maritime history.
County Antrim · Northern Ireland
Larne Ferry &
Larne Ferry &
Destination Guide
Explore Larne and the Antrim coast, then cross the Irish Sea directly to Cairnryan in Scotland with frequent P&O Ferries sailings.
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Discover Larne
A practical Irish Sea gateway at the start of the Causeway Coastal Route
Larne is one of Northern Ireland’s principal ferry gateways, set on the east coast of County Antrim where the town opens onto Larne Lough and the North Channel. It is especially useful for travellers arriving with a vehicle and heading towards Belfast or the coast.
The harbour gives quick access to the Causeway Coastal Route, with dramatic sea views beginning almost immediately north of town. Glenarm, Carnlough, Cushendall and the Glens of Antrim can all be worked into an onward road trip.
Within Larne, the Chaine Memorial Tower is the town’s best-known maritime landmark, while Olderfleet Castle and the waterfront reflect the area’s long seafaring history.
Carnfunnock Country Park sits just north of town and combines gardens, woodland, coast views and family facilities. Farther along the coast, attractions such as The Gobbins and Glenarm Castle add good day-trip options.
P&O Ferries operates the direct Larne–Cairnryan route across the Irish Sea. In August 2026 the published timetable shows several sailings per day, with a normal crossing time of about two hours, making Larne one of the quickest sea gateways between Northern Ireland and Scotland.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Larne
Larne works best as a gateway destination: spend time around the harbour and coast, then use it as the starting point for Antrim, Belfast or a wider Northern Ireland road trip.
Causeway Coastal Route
Start one of Northern Ireland’s great scenic drives directly from Larne and follow the coast north through the Glens of Antrim.
Carnfunnock Country Park
Enjoy gardens, woodland walks, coast views and family facilities just north of the town.
Olderfleet Castle
Visit the atmospheric ruins beside Larne Lough, a reminder of the harbour’s long strategic importance.
Glenarm & the Antrim Glens
Continue north for coastal villages, castle gardens and the landscapes of the nine Glens of Antrim.
The Gobbins
Combine Larne with the dramatic cliff-path attraction on Islandmagee, reached by a short drive south along the coast.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Larne
Browse Belfast, Antrim Coast, Giant’s Causeway and Northern Ireland experiences that can be combined with a ferry arrival through Larne.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Larne Ferry Terminal
The harbour is well placed for onward road travel: Belfast is reached via the A8/M2 corridor, while the Causeway Coastal Route begins immediately north of Larne. Rail services also connect the harbour area with Larne Town and Belfast.
The crossing is normally around two hours, and the 2026 timetable provides multiple daily departures in each direction. Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and foot passengers can travel, subject to the conditions of the booked sailing.
Larne Harbour is the Northern Ireland terminal for P&O Ferries’ direct route to Cairnryan in south-west Scotland. The operator lists the port as Larne Harbour, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1AW.
Terminal address P&O Ferries Larne, Larne Harbour, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1AW
Directions to Larne Harbour Open Larne Ferry Terminal in Google Maps
Main route Direct Larne–Cairnryan passenger and vehicle ferry
Crossing time Around 2 hours on the normal scheduled service
Vehicle travel Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and touring vehicles are accepted subject to booking conditions
Onward travel Belfast, the Antrim Glens and Causeway Coastal Route are straightforward by road
Plan your stay
Getting around Larne
Larne is compact around the harbour, while rail, buses and the A8 make onward travel to Belfast and the Antrim coast straightforward.
Walk the harbour and town centre
The waterfront, town centre and Chaine Memorial area are close enough to combine on foot if you have time between journeys.
Use rail for Belfast
Rail services connect Larne Harbour and Larne Town with Belfast, providing a useful alternative to driving.
Find Northern Ireland rail tickets here...Drive the coast
A car is the best way to explore Glenarm, the Glens of Antrim, The Gobbins and the full Causeway Coastal Route.
Stay in Larne
Find Larne Accommodation
Stay in Larne or along the Antrim coast
Larne is convenient for an early or late ferry; coastal villages north of town suit travellers who want scenery and a quieter base.
Common planning questions
Larne ferry & destination FAQs
Where is Larne Ferry Terminal?
P&O Ferries lists the terminal at Larne Harbour, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1AW.
Where does the ferry from Larne go?
The principal scheduled route is the direct P&O Ferries service from Larne to Cairnryan in Scotland.
How long is the Larne to Cairnryan ferry?
The normal crossing takes about two hours.
Can I take a car on the Larne ferry?
Yes. The Larne–Cairnryan route carries cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and other booked vehicles as well as passengers.
Can I travel as a foot passenger from Larne?
Yes on normal passenger sailings, subject to the operator’s current check-in and booking conditions.
Is Larne a good starting point for the Causeway Coastal Route?
Yes. The scenic coastal route begins at Larne and continues north through the Glens of Antrim.
Can I reach Belfast by train from Larne?
Yes. Rail services connect Larne with Belfast; check current schedules before travelling.
How early should I arrive at Larne Ferry Terminal?
Follow the check-in time shown on your P&O Ferries booking, allowing extra time if travelling with a vehicle, pet or during busy periods.
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