Reid777

Hi everyone - Our group of 24 is planning on taking the ferry from Scotland to Larne, Northern Ireland next Sept. Haven't decided on which city to depart from - Cairnryan or Troon. What is the approximate drivetime for a bus (private) from Edinburgh to each of these towns? I am trying to figure out if we would be better off getting to the departure city the night before, or how early in the morning we would have to leave Edinburgh to catch a 10:00am ferry. Also, what are the seating arrangements on the ferries? Do they have food or drink available? Thanks in advance for all responses, Reid777

sheila

Approximate drive time to Troon 2 hours; to Stranraer/Cairnryan 2 1/2

Approx sailing time from Troon 2 hours; from Cairnryan/Stranrae 2-3 hours depending on which sailing.

There are check in times for all sailings in advance.

I've only used the Cairnryan one and there a range of seating options. Food and drink are sold on board

Gordon_R

You mean you are hiring a bus with a driver? If so, tell the bus company concerned when you need to arrive, and they will work out what time you need to depart.

Reid777

Thanks - we have decided to spend the night in Edinburgh and leave early in the AM to mke the 10:00 ferry from Troon to Larne.

alihutch

You'd be better staying at least in Glasgow, if not a tad nearer to Troon, or even in Troon. The M8 can be a pain if the traffic is bad in the mornings...

alanRow

"The M8 can be a pain if the traffic is bad in the mornings..."

IF? Don't you mean "when"?

alihutch

Aye, alright Alan...very true, and there's just no way to drive round it easily!

caroline_edinburgh

Yes, you want to be the other side of Glasgow before the rush hour, so I'd leave Edinburgh by 6am at the very latest, or even 5.30. And even then I'm not sure I'd risk it - for a 10am sailing I think I'd stay the night somewhere in Ayrshire.

Have you checked the check-in time ?

Reid777

No, I'm not sure what the check-in time is yet....but am checking into staying in or somewhere closer to Troon the night before. If we stayed in Troon the night before, are there taxis or some sort of transport to get us to the ferry in the morning? I am trying not to have to hire two busses unless I absolutely have to.

alihutch

http://www.troononline.net/

and this hotel

http://www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk/hote...n-marine-hotel

is a good location

caroline_edinburgh

Ah - so you are not hiring this bus to drive yourself and taking it to Northern Ireland with you - it is a taxi type bus ? The check-in time will be shorter for foot passengers.

Of course there are taxis in Troon, just ask the hotel to book them.