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Can I get from Oban Scotland to Belfast in one day via surface public transportation?

I am planning a trip around the UK and Ireland soon and the part I am currently focusing on is my travels from Oban Scotland to N. Ireland. I would like to take a train or bus from Oban to Troon, or Cairnryan Scotland, then take a ferry over to the Belfast area. Is it realistic to plan to do the trip in one day, or should I plan to stay overnight in Glasgow, Troon or Cairnryan before going on to Ireland? Ideally, I think I would like to catch the ferry at Cairnryan, which would make the ferry ride shorter (I tend to get seasick). I welcome any suggestions.

Posted by
1640 posts

It is doable. However it is not an easy route. I would recommend the break in Glasgow.

Going over to Ireland we use Cairnryan. However from Cairnryan up to Ayr the route can be slow depending on when you hit it.

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you. I will search for a place to stay one night in Glasgow. Might you have recommendations for a nice hotel? Also, which mode of transportation do you recommend for getting to Cairnryan from Glasgow the bus or train?
I very much appreciate your help.

Posted by
3 posts

I've also considered taking a flight from Glasgow to Belfast. I suppose it might be faster, but then if I flew, I might be missing out on some nice scenery. Any thoughts on this?

Posted by
1640 posts

I would take the train, but that is a personal choice and you might need to go into Stranrear for it. In Glasgow for hotels it depends on the budget, but there are ones next to the bus station.

Posted by
1209 posts

Sent you a PM.
Train is faster to Cairnryan, 2 hours some mins,v 3 hours plus on bus.
The scenery from Oban down is "better" than the route to Cairnryan,.so a flight might he a wise choice.