By Air:
Regular train services are available from both Glasgow airports. A shuttle bus from Glasgow International (GLA) Airport can take you directly to Paisley Gilmour Street train station, where trains will connect with the ferry terminal at Ardrossan or with the buslink at Troon (potentially from September 2022). Alternatively, taxis are relatively inexpensive and readily available. Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) Airport has its own rail station with services via Kilwinning, where you can change for Ardrossan Harbour. The same rail link takes you through Troon en route to Kilwinning.
By Train:
There are excellent rail links east, west, north and south between Glasgow and most parts of the UK. There is a direct and frequent train service between Glasgow Central and Ardrossan Harbour and also Troon (potentially from Sept 2022), where a bus link will take you to the port. For further information contact www.scotrail.co.uk and www.calmac.co.uk
For more travel details check out the Traveline Scotland journey planner: www.travelinescotland.com
By Car:
The UK’s network of motorways, and other major roads means that Ardrossan (or Troon) can easily be reached by car, possibly via the M6/M74 (from London to Glasgow) and M77/A77 (from Glasgow to Ardrossan/Troon). Remember if you are bringing a car over to the island, you must book in advance with CalMac – www.calmac.co.uk – foot passengers are also advised to book.
Typical journey times by car to Ardrossan Harbour from:
- London – about 7.5 hours
- Birmingham – about 5.5 hours
- Manchester – about 4.5 hours
- Edinburgh – about 2 hours
- Glasgow – about 45 minutes
- Inverness – about 4 hours