Kilmarnock travel guide

Kilmarnock Tourism | Kilmarnock Guide

You're Going to Love Kilmarnock

With a population of 42,904, Kilmarnock is a must-see destination in Scotland, United Kingdom. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Kilmarnock deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Kilmarnock

If you’re looking for affordable options, Fenwick Hotel (Ayr Road) and Blues – at the park (Rugby Park) are great picks. For delicious green meals, Rowallan Castle Glasshouse Restaurant (Rowallan Castle) and Kings Arms (89 Main Rd) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Kilmarnock.

When to visit Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock in May
Estimated hotel price
$80
1 night at 3-star hotel
Kilmarnock in May
Estimated hotel price
$80
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Kilmarnock

Plane

When flying to Kilmarnock, you’ll arrive at Glasgow Prestwick (PIK), which is located 13 km from the city centre.

Train

Avanti West Coast is the most popular train carrier serving Kilmarnock, followed by AccesRail. The train journey from Kilmarnock to Newcastle upon Tyne takes 2h 45m and costs around $125 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Manchester, expect to pay about $60 for a 3h 10m trip. Located 4 km from the city centre, Kilmarnock Kilmaurs, Strathclyde is the busiest station in Kilmarnock. Another popular train station is Kilmarnock, located 0.2 km from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Kilmarnock is to pick up a car hire from Manchester, which is about 278 km from Kilmarnock. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Hertz, among others, in Manchester.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Kilmarnock, including FlixBus, Megabus and National Express. From Edinburgh, the bus ride to Kilmarnock takes 113 km and will cost you around $18. From Dundee, the ticket costs about $18 for a journey of 193 km.

Plane

When flying to Kilmarnock, you’ll arrive at Glasgow Prestwick (PIK), which is located 13 km from the city centre.

Train

Avanti West Coast is the most popular train carrier serving Kilmarnock, followed by AccesRail. The train journey from Kilmarnock to Newcastle upon Tyne takes 2h 45m and costs around $125 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Manchester, expect to pay about $60 for a 3h 10m trip. Located 4 km from the city centre, Kilmarnock Kilmaurs, Strathclyde is the busiest station in Kilmarnock. Another popular train station is Kilmarnock, located 0.2 km from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Kilmarnock is to pick up a car hire from Manchester, which is about 278 km from Kilmarnock. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Hertz, among others, in Manchester.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Kilmarnock, including FlixBus, Megabus and National Express. From Edinburgh, the bus ride to Kilmarnock takes 113 km and will cost you around $18. From Dundee, the ticket costs about $18 for a journey of 193 km.

Airports near Kilmarnock

Airlines serving Kilmarnock

Lufthansa
Good (4,026 reviews)
KLM
Good (759 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,474 reviews)
British Airways
Good (3,802 reviews)
SWISS
Good (870 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,148 reviews)
Air France
Good (895 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,643 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,401 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (1,988 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,470 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (444 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (4,674 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Good (782 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (213 reviews)
Finnair
Good (941 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (736 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,055 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (776 reviews)
LOT
Good (652 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Kilmarnock

Average rates range from around $139 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $519 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kilmarnock

Most booked hotels in Kilmarnock

Western House Hotel
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$134+
Fairfield House Hotel
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$178+
Travelodge Ayr
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$65+
Horizon Hotel
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$134+
Mercure Ayr Hotel
Good (7.1, Good reviews)
$121+

Hiring a car in Kilmarnock

Expect to pay $3.05 per litre in Kilmarnock (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $36.49 and $48.65. The most frequently booked car type in Kilmarnock is Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Kia Picanto or similar) is, on average, 75% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $3.05 per litre in Kilmarnock (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $36.49 and $48.65. The most frequently booked car type in Kilmarnock is Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Kia Picanto or similar) is, on average, 75% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.