Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price
28/08/2025
Magic K, Pexels
Wigtown, Scotland, does not have its own train station or major airport. The closest major transport hubs include Glasgow Prestwick Airport, with train connections at Barrhill and Dumfries, and bus connections primarily through Newton Stewart. Ferries from Ireland arrive at Cairnryan.
By Air:
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) is the closest major airport, offering flights from destinations such as London Stansted, Dublin, Belfast, and Bournemouth. The airport provides bus and train connections via Ayr.
From Glasgow International Airport (GLA), travelers can take connecting buses to Glasgow City Centre, including Glasgow Central Station, for onward train travel to Stranraer.
Belfast City (BHD) is another nearby airport option.
By Train:
From the south, ScotRail operates daily services from Carlisle to Dumfries.
From the north, ScotRail services run daily from Glasgow to Stranraer via Ayr, with a necessary stop at Barrhill for a bus connection to Wigtown.
Traveling from Edinburgh or Glasgow by train typically involves reaching Glasgow Queen Street, transferring to Glasgow Central, and then taking a train to Barrhill (approximately 2 hours). From Barrhill, a 20-minute walk leads to Barrhill town, where the #359 bus goes to Newton Stewart (about 40 minutes). From Newton Stewart (Dashwood Square), the #415 bus reaches Wigtown in about 15 minutes.
It is advisable to purchase train tickets out of Barrhill in advance, as the station is unmanned.
By Bus/Coach:
National Express coach services from the south offer a pick-up and drop-off point in Newton Stewart, which is approximately 6 miles from Wigtown.
From the north, Stagecoach operates daily services from Glasgow to Newton Stewart via Ayr, utilizing services such as the X77 to Ayr, Service 58 to Girvan, and Service 359 to Newton Stewart/Wigtown.
Local Stagecoach services (415 or 416) connect Newton Stewart to Wigtown, running frequently throughout the day (every 15-30 minutes) and taking approximately 15 minutes. The main bus stop in Wigtown is on North Main St.
Bus tickets are generally purchased on board, so having exact change or small bills is recommended as credit card payments may not be accepted.
By Car:
Wigtown is situated in Southwest Scotland, roughly 55 miles west of Dumfries and 90 miles south of Glasgow.
From the south, travelers can follow the M6 onto the M74, exit at Gretna (Junction 22), and proceed on the A75 towards Stranraer (approximately 1.5 hours to Newton Stewart roundabout). From there, take the first left exit for Wigtown.
From Glasgow, the route involves following the A77 to Ayr, then taking the A713 to Castle Douglas, and at New Galloway, turning onto the A712 'Queens Way' to Newton Stewart, before continuing to Wigtown. An alternative from Ayr is the A77 to Girvan, then the A714 to Newton Stewart via Barrhill.
From Edinburgh, travelers can take the M8 to Glasgow and then the A77. Alternatively, head south on the A702 to Abington, join the M74, exit at Moffat (Junction 15), and follow the A701 to Dumfries. From Dumfries, follow signs for the A75 Stranraer, and at the Newton Stewart roundabout, take the first left exit for Wigtown.
Car rental options are available in Wigtown and nearby towns such as Newton Stewart, Stranraer, and Ayr, with daily prices starting from around £34.
By Ferry:
Ferry services from Ireland operate to Cairnryan, connecting from both Larne and Belfast.
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