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Ferries to the Hebrides

Ferries to the Hebrides

The Hebridean Islands consist of two groups: the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides are located further off the coast of mainland Scotland. There are numerous ferry services to the islands, most of which are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries (CalMac).

Lots of ferries

For a clear overview of all ferry routes, you can check the map with all crossings. We've also included the Firth of Clyde crossings, as they could be part of your trip to the Hebrides.

You can use the booking module and select Scotland as your destination to find all the crossings to and within Scotland and the Inner and Outer Hebrides for example

Ferry Map: ferry routes to all the Hebrides

Use the interactive map to find the right crossing and ferry company. You can zoom in and out and view the routes in the ports.

On the map, you can clearly see the locations of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The strip of islands in the northwest is part of the Outer Hebrides, where you'll find the longer ferry crossings. The Inner Hebrides are closer to the Scottish coast, with shorter and easily accessible ferry routes.

Further south, you'll find areas like the Kintyre Peninsula, Isle of Arran, and Isle of Great Cumbrae, which are part of the Firth of Clyde region.

You can click on the map for more information on specific routes or keep scrolling for additional details.

Crossings to the Hebrides, Scotland

Oban-Lochboisdale

CalMac Ferries
87 miles
5 Hours
Up to 5 times per week
From: £13.00

Oban-Craignure

CalMac Ferries
11 miles
48 minutes
Up to 7 times per day
From: £4.00
Fast Ferry
kintyre express

Ballycastle-Port Ellen

Kintyre Express
29 miles
1 Hour
Up to 5 times per week
From: £60.00

Oban-Castlebay

CalMac Ferries
85 miles
5h 15 mins.
Up to 8 times per week
From: £18.00

Uig-Tarbert

CalMac Ferries
31 miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: £8.00

Ullapool-Stornoway

CalMac Ferries
54 miles
2h 45 mins.
Up to 3 times per day
From: £12.00

Mallaig-Inverie

Western Isles Cruises
6 miles
30 minutes
Up to 6 times per day
From: £13.00

Mallaig-Rum

CalMac Ferries
17 Miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 4 times per week
From: £6.00

Lochaline-Fishnish

CalMac Ferries
2 miles
18 minutes
Up to 14 times per day
From: £3.00

Mallaig-Lochboisdale

CalMac Ferries
54 miles
3h 30 mins.
Up to 7 times per week
From: £13.00

Kilchoan-Tobermory

CalMac Ferries
5 Miles
36 minutes
Up to 7 times per day
From: £4.00

Kennacraig-Port Ellen

CalMac Ferries
30 miles
2h 12 mins.
Up to 3 times per day
From: £9.00

Guide ferries to the Hebrides

Ferries to the Outer Hebrides

Let's first explore the ferries to the Outer Hebrides.

The departure ports for the Outer Hebrides islands (Lewis, North Uist, South Uist, and Barra) are all reasonably easy to reach from the Scottish mainland. Ferries departing from the Isle of Skye can be accessed via a bridge to the island. The other major port is Oban, which is easily accessible from Glasgow by car or rail.

Oban-Lochboisdale

CalMac Ferries
87 miles
5 Hours
Up to 5 times per week
From: £13.00

Oban-Castlebay

CalMac Ferries
85 miles
5h 15 mins.
Up to 8 times per week
From: £18.00

Uig-Tarbert

CalMac Ferries
31 miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: £8.00

Ullapool-Stornoway

CalMac Ferries
54 miles
2h 45 mins.
Up to 3 times per day
From: £12.00

Mallaig-Lochboisdale

CalMac Ferries
54 miles
3h 30 mins.
Up to 7 times per week
From: £13.00

Leverburgh-Berneray

CalMac Ferries
11 miles
1 Hour
Up to 4 times per day
From: £5.00

Uig-Lochmaddy

CalMac Ferries
31 miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: £8.00

Ardmhor-Eriskay

CalMac Ferries
6 miles
40 minutes
Up to 5 times per day
From: £4.00

Ferries to the Inner Hebrides

The ferry routes in the Inner Hebrides can be divided into three regions, plus the Firth of Clyde, which, while not officially part of the Hebrides, is close enough to be relevant for those travelling by ferry in the area.

  • Skye and Raasay: These belong to the northernmost part of the Inner Hebrides.
  • The Small Isles: This group includes Eigg, Muck, Rum, and Canna, located a bit further south. One ferry connects all of these isles, with most ferries departing from Mallaig.
  • The Southern Hebrides: This region includes Mull, Coll, Tiree, Jura, Islay, and Gigha. The main harbours for this area are Oban and Kennacraig.
  • The Isle of Arran and Great Cumbrae: These islands are part of the Firth of Clyde.

CalMac ferries operate in this area, including those departing from Uig on the Isle of Skye.

Oban-Craignure

CalMac Ferries
11 miles
48 minutes
Up to 7 times per day
From: £4.00
Fast Ferry
kintyre express

Ballycastle-Port Ellen

Kintyre Express
29 miles
1 Hour
Up to 5 times per week
From: £60.00

Uig-Tarbert

CalMac Ferries
31 miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: £8.00

Mallaig-Rum

CalMac Ferries
17 Miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 4 times per week
From: £6.00

Lochaline-Fishnish

CalMac Ferries
2 miles
18 minutes
Up to 14 times per day
From: £3.00

Kilchoan-Tobermory

CalMac Ferries
5 Miles
36 minutes
Up to 7 times per day
From: £4.00

Kennacraig-Port Ellen

CalMac Ferries
30 miles
2h 12 mins.
Up to 3 times per day
From: £9.00

Mallaig-Muck

CalMac Ferries
20 Miles
2h 20 mins.
Up to 3 times per week
From: £6.00

Gallanach-Kerrera

CalMac Ferries
1 miles
12 minutes
Up to 16 times per day
From: £4.00

Tayinloan-Gigha

CalMac Ferries
2.8 miles
20 mins.
Up to 10 times per day
From: £3.00

Oban-Tiree

CalMac Ferries
52 miles
3h 50 mins.
Once per week
From: £13.00

Uig-Lochmaddy

CalMac Ferries
31 miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: £8.00

Ferries to Skye and Raasay

The Isle of Skye and the Isle of Raasay are located in the northern part of the Inner Hebrides. While there is a bridge to the Isle of Skye from Kyle of Lochalsh, you can also take the ferry. The bridge is a faster option if youโ€™re on the west side of Loch Linnhe. Additionally, multiple ferries from the Outer Hebrides connect to Skye.

Raasay can only be reached by ferry from Skye. Below, youโ€™ll find the routes, but you can also check out the Isle of Skye page for a handy map and more details.

Also, read our blog: The Isle of Skye: Fairytales Do Exist!

Uig-Tarbert

CalMac Ferries
31 miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: £8.00

Uig-Lochmaddy

CalMac Ferries
31 miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: £8.00

Sconser-Raasay

CalMac Ferries
3 Miles
25 Minutes
Up to 11 times per day
From: £3.00

Glenelg-Skye

Glenelg-Skye Ferry
10 mins.
Up to 30 times per day
From: £4.00

Mallaig-Armadale

CalMac Ferries
5 Miles
30 minutes
Up to 8 times per day
From: £4.00

Ferries to the Small Isles (Eigg, Muck, Rum, Canna)

If you want to visit one of the Small Isles, you can take the CalMac ferry. This ferry departs from Mallaig and stops at all the islands, allowing you to travel between them as well.

Mallaig-Rum

CalMac Ferries
17 Miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 4 times per week
From: £6.00

Mallaig-Muck

CalMac Ferries
20 Miles
2h 20 mins.
Up to 3 times per week
From: £6.00

Mallaig-Canna

CalMac Ferries
25 miles
2h 50 mins.
Up to 3 times per week
From: £7.00

Mallaig-Eigg

CalMac Ferries
14 Miles
1h 20mins.
Up to 3 times per week
From: £5.00

Arisaig-Rum

Arisaig Marine
16 miles
2.5 hours
Once per week
From: £5.00

Arisaig-Eigg

Arisaig Marine
10 miles
1 Hour
Up to 3 times per week
From: £4.00

Arisaig-Muck

CalMac Ferries
14 Miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 3 times per week
From: £6.00

Travel tip: Check the route status

The crossings around the Hebrides are very seasonal. In addition, bad weather or tides can affect sailings. Therefore, check in advance the status of the crossings. For CalMac sailings, you can find information about this on the Service status & info page.

Ferries to the Southern Hebrides (Mull, Coll, Tiree, Colonsay, Gigha, Islay, Jura)

The Southern Hebrides are located near the Firth of Clyde region and encompass the southern part of the Inner Hebrides. This region includes several large islands, such as Islay, Jura, and Mull.

Oban-Craignure

CalMac Ferries
11 miles
48 minutes
Up to 7 times per day
From: £4.00
Fast Ferry
kintyre express

Ballycastle-Port Ellen

Kintyre Express
29 miles
1 Hour
Up to 5 times per week
From: £60.00

Lochaline-Fishnish

CalMac Ferries
2 miles
18 minutes
Up to 14 times per day
From: £3.00

Kilchoan-Tobermory

CalMac Ferries
5 Miles
36 minutes
Up to 7 times per day
From: £4.00

Kennacraig-Port Ellen

CalMac Ferries
30 miles
2h 12 mins.
Up to 3 times per day
From: £9.00

Gallanach-Kerrera

CalMac Ferries
1 miles
12 minutes
Up to 16 times per day
From: £4.00

Tayinloan-Gigha

CalMac Ferries
2.8 miles
20 mins.
Up to 10 times per day
From: £3.00

Oban-Tiree

CalMac Ferries
52 miles
3h 50 mins.
Once per week
From: £13.00

Coll-Tiree

CalMac Ferries
13 miles
55 Mins.
Up to 5 times per week
From: £4.00

Oban-Lismore

CalMac Ferries
7 miles
55 Mins.
Up to 4 times per day
From: £4.00

Kennacraig-Port Askaig

CalMac Ferries
25 miles
1h 55 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: £9.00

Feolin-Port Askaig

Argyll & Bute Council
1 miles
6 minutes
Up to 25 times per day
From: £2.00

Travel tip: Check the route status

The crossings around the Hebrides are very seasonal. In addition, bad weather or tides can affect sailings. Therefore, check in advance the status of the crossings. For CalMac sailings you can find information about this on the Service status & info page.

Ferries Firth of Clyde (Bute, Arran, Cumbrae, Kintyre, Dunoon)

The Firth of Clyde is formed by the Clyde Estuary and sea lochs to the north of the Firth and Loch Ryan in the south of the area. Bute, Arran, Ailsa Craig, and the Cumbraes are islands in this area. The outer boundary where the Firth of Clyde meets the Irish Sea extends from the southern tip of the Mull of Kintyre to Corsewall Point.[1]Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Volume 3 Number 3: Clyde Ecosystem Review, www.gov.scot

Various ferries sail in this area, as seen in the picture.

Firth of Clyde Ferries

Firth of Clyde Ferries

Popular
calmac ferries

Ardrossan-Campbeltown

CalMac Ferries
34 miles
2h 36 mins.
Up to 3 times per week
From: £37.00

Ardrossan-Brodick

CalMac Ferries
13 miles
54 minutes
Up to 6 times per day
From: £5.00

Largs-Cumbrae

CalMac Ferries
1 mile
10 mins.
Up to 6 times per day
From: £4.00

Gourock-Dunoon

CalMac Ferries, Western Ferries
3 Miles
20 Minutes
Up to 84 times per day
From: £4.00

Wemyss Bay-Rothesay

CalMac Ferries
7 miles
36 minutes
Up to 17 times per day
From: £4.00

Kilcreggan-Gourock

CalMac Ferries
2 miles
13 mins.
Up to 12 times per day
From: £4.00

Claonaig-Lochranza

CalMac Ferries
4.5 miles
30 minutes
Up to 9 times per day
From: £4.00

Tarbert-Portavadie

CalMac Ferries
4 miles
30 minutes
Up to 10 times per day
From: £3.00

Colintraive-Rhubodach

CalMac Ferries
6 minutes
Up to 30 times per day
From: £2.00

Tarbert-Lochranza

CalMac Ferries
12 miles
40 mins.
Up to 7 times per day
From: £4.00

Tayinloan-Gigha

CalMac Ferries
2.8 miles
20 mins.
Up to 10 times per day
From: £3.00
Fast Ferry
kintyre express

Ballycastle-Campbeltown

Kintyre Express
31 miles
1h 30 mins.
Up to 5 times per week
From: £80.00

About the Scottish Hebrides

Picture of Ardoil (Lewis) in the Outer Hebrides

Picture of Ardoil (Lewis) in the Outer Hebrides

The Hebrides stretch across the west coast of Scotland. It is a popular destination due to its nature and variety of activities. This ranges from hiking to windsurfing and other water sports.

Culture is also an important reason people travel to the Hebrides. For example, Scottish Gallic is still spoken on the islands. You will also find nice villages and local whiskey makers.

Before Corona, about 219 thousand people visited to the Outer Hebrides islands, of which 42% were visiting the islands for the first time.[2]Outer Hebrides, Visitscotland.orgOuter That means that there are many people who regularly return to the islands.

Island hopping thanks to Calmac's ferry network

Calmac ferry

Calmac Ferry sailing to the Hebrides

CalMac Ferries Ltd, also known as Caledonian MacBrayne, is a ferry operator owned by the Scottish Government. It is the largest ferry operator to the main islands on the west coast of Scotland.[3]Caledonian MacBrayne, Wikipedia.org

Because there are some islands and ferry connections, the area is very suitable for Island hopping. In this way, you get to know different islands' unique atmospheres and nature. More information about Island hopping can be found on a page on the CalMac website. Several example routes can be found here. Of course, you can also simply map out your own route.

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2 Comments
  1. Can you take dogs on the ferry to Arran?

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All crossings to and within Scotland

John O Groats-Burwick

John O'Groats Ferries
7 miles
40 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: £18.00
Popular
calmac ferries

Ardrossan-Campbeltown

CalMac Ferries
34 miles
2h 36 mins.
Up to 3 times per week
From: £37.00

Ardrossan-Brodick

CalMac Ferries
13 miles
54 minutes
Up to 6 times per day
From: £5.00

Oban-Lochboisdale

CalMac Ferries
87 miles
5 Hours
Up to 5 times per week
From: £13.00

Oban-Craignure

CalMac Ferries
11 miles
48 minutes
Up to 7 times per day
From: £4.00

Largs-Cumbrae

CalMac Ferries
1 mile
10 mins.
Up to 6 times per day
From: £4.00
Fast Ferry
kintyre express

Ballycastle-Port Ellen

Kintyre Express
29 miles
1 Hour
Up to 5 times per week
From: £60.00

Gourock-Dunoon

CalMac Ferries, Western Ferries
3 Miles
20 Minutes
Up to 84 times per day
From: £4.00

Oban-Castlebay

CalMac Ferries
85 miles
5h 15 mins.
Up to 8 times per week
From: £18.00

Uig-Tarbert

CalMac Ferries
31 miles
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: £8.00

Ullapool-Stornoway

CalMac Ferries
54 miles
2h 45 mins.
Up to 3 times per day
From: £12.00

Wemyss Bay-Rothesay

CalMac Ferries
7 miles
36 minutes
Up to 17 times per day
From: £4.00

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References
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