Most people that go to Ardrossan are only transiting through to get to the Isle of Arran.
By plane
The nearest airport is Prestwick International Airport. This is less than an hour away by the 585 bus and there is a train station with a change at Kilwinning station required to reach Ardrossan.
Also convenient is Glasgow International Airport. A bus link take travellers to Paisley Gilmour Street Station where a Ardrossan/Largs train can be taken to Ardrossan.
By ship
From the harbour, you can catch the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, MV Caledonian Isles, to the Isle of Arran. This leaves several times a day and there are trains from Glasgow Central that connect with these sailings. The journey time is around 55 minutes though this can change depending on the weather conditions.
In Summer June to August an additional ship is used for the route, this is the MV Isle of Arran. Train services do not specifically connect with its sailings, although some do.
For private vessels and pleasure cruisers there is the Clyde Marina at Ardrossan Harbour which offers superb shelter from the elements and competitive rates. As well as this it is also situated next to an excellent restaurant and a large ASDA supermarket.
By train
Good train service from Glasgow, with stops at all of the town's 3 railway stations - Ardrossan South Beach, Ardrossan Town and Ardrossan Harbour.
Trains from Glasgow usually depart at quarter to the hour and quarter past but this changes at peak times. Trains leaving at quarter to the hour will only stop at Ardrossan South Beach and continue on to Largs whereas trains leaving at quarter past will carry straight on to Ardrossan Town and Ardrossan Harbour.
If you are looking to only go as far as South Beach then Largs trains at quarter to the hour are faster as these stop at fewer stations.
By car
From the south, the A78 now by-passes Irvine, Stevenston and Saltcoats so Ardrossan is a lot easier to get to. A recommended route avoiding the traffic lights is to stay on the bypass until you pass Ardrossan, turn left and then turn right at a public toilet, following the coast. Stay on this road and then turn right at the crossroads at Princes Street.
From Glasgow, the M8 takes you to Glasgow Airport and at the Airport, the A737 signposted Irvine and going through Dalry is the best route.
Even though the bypass has been built, the main roads around the town centre can be clogged with ferry traffic, especially in the summer, so watch out. Extensive long term parking is available at the Harbour.
By bus
A variety of bus services run here from all over the area.
The number 11 bus from Kilmarnock runs frequently Monday to Saturday and every 20 minutes on Sunday.
The 'Clyde Coast' 585 service runs from Ayr and Glasgow Prestwick International Airport in the south and Greenock, Weymss Bay for the Isle of Bute and Largs (for Cumbrae in the north every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 2 hours on Sunday.
The X36 express bus runs from Glasgow every hour Monday to Saturday and every 2 to 4 hours on Sunday. Other express buses are available Monday to Friday during peak times, see this website (http://www.stagecoachbus....) for more details.