Ferry to Scotland
Ferries to Scotland
The number of international routes to Scotland is somewhat limited. For example, from the European mainland, you’ll need to travel via England. The crossing from Amsterdam to Newcastle is the closest option for reaching Scotland.
Ireland or Northern Ireland to Scotland?
There are several options from Northern Ireland. You can sail from Larne and Belfast to Cairnryan in Scotland, a popular route with around 1.8 million passengers per year.
If you're travelling without a vehicle, you can also take a small but fast ferry from Ballycastle to Islay or Kintyre. Check out the map on this page for all the crossings available.
You can use the booking module and select Scotland as your destination to find all the crossings to and within Scotland. If you want to sail from the continent to Hull or Newcastle you can play around a bit and select the UK.
Ferry Map: ferry routes to Scotland.
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.
Stena Line and P&O Ferries operate large ferries between Larne, the Belfast area, and Cairnryan. This is the shortest possible crossing from Ireland/Northern Ireland to the UK when travelling by car.
Alternatively, you can travel from Northern Ireland (or Belfast specifically) to Scotland on a smaller, fast ferry designed for foot passengers only. This route takes you towards the Scottish Hebrides.
Crossings to Scotland
Ferry to Scotland guide
From Northern Ireland to Scotland
Although Cairnryan is just a small road with a few houses, most tourists from Northern Ireland choose these crossings. From here, you can easily continue your journey by car.
For a short summer trip to Kintyre or Islay, you can opt for a small pedestrian ferry with Kintyre Express. From there, you can continue your journey by ferry to the Hebrides or the Firth of Clyde region. Tickets can be booked directly with Kintyre Express.
Ferry from Mainland Europe to Scotland
If you're looking for a ferry to Scotland from continental Europe, you'll need to travel via England. The most direct route is the Amsterdam (IJmuiden) to Newcastle ferry. From Newcastle, you can drive to Scotland in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
An alternative to the Amsterdam-Newcastle route is the Rotterdam-Hull ferry. However, Scotland is quite a bit further from Hull, with a drive time of approximately 3.5 hours.
You can also book a ferry from France to the southern parts of the UK, but be aware that it's still a very long drive if your final destination is Scotland.
The Scottish islands: Hebrides
Do you want to travel to the islands in the northwest of Scotland? Then check out the following guides: Ferries to Hebrides and ferries to the Outer Hebrides.
Popular Scotland to Hebrides connections
Other Scotland-Related Guides
In the past, there were still existing connections from, for example, Norway to Scotland (read our indirect guide), but nowadays, you have to travel via the Netherlands, France, or through the Eurotunnel when you travel from the south.
Indirectly to Scotland: France and Holland to the UK
We've written extensive travel guides for people who want to travel to the UK from France or to the UK from the Netherlands. If that's the way you want to reach Scotland, those guides will help you choose the proper connection.
As mentioned above, though: The Amsterdam to Newcastle connection might be the best option if you want to travel in this direction.
Travel tip: To Scotland book early
The prices for the ferries rise sharply as the boats fill up. Especially during peak season, the ferries and parking decks fill up quickly. Therefore, book far in advance and avoid high costs, this is especially valid for the connection from Amsterdam to Newcastle.
Yes from Cairnryan you can travel to Larne and Belfast in Nothern Ireland.
yes, if you leave from Larne of Belfast you can reach Scotland directly and travel further to other cities in Scotland.
While there is a lot of demand for this route (for instance Glasgow to Dublin) there is no connection going from Glasgow to Ireland or Northern Ireland. In Glasgow, there are only smaller transport ferries active to pass the River Clyde in Scotland.
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Ferry Guides for Scotland
Everything you need to know before booking your ferry trip
All crossings to Scotland
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