Ferries to Arran
Getting to Arran by ferry
Isle of Arran by Ferry
There are many ferry departures to the Isle of Arran. Still, you can choose between only two routes: the ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick and the ferry from Claonaig to Lochranza (which departs from Tarbert during the winter). Ardrossan is well connected to the Scottish railway network and can be reached directly from Glasgow Central.
Ferries to Brodick & Lochranza
Arran is renowned for its diverse natural beauty and offers many activities, making it a popular tourist destination. On this page, you’ll find more information about travelling to the Isle of Arran, including routes to Brodick and Lochranza. Be sure to check out the map to see all ferry routes.
Map: ferry routes and crossing to the Isle of Arran
About the crossings to Arran
The crossings around the Isle of Arran are very seasonal. In addition, bad weather or tides can affect sailings. Therefore, check the status of the crossings in advance. For CalMac sailings, you can find information about this on the Service status & info page.
Ferry to Brodick
- Route Ardrossan – Brodick
Most travellers heading to the Isle of Arran take the ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick. Ardrossan is about a 45-minute drive from Glasgow and just over two hours from the English-Scottish border.
The crossing has a pleasant duration of around one hour—long enough to enjoy the views and have a snack or drink on board.
We recommend booking this crossing well in advance, especially during the busy summer months, as it’s a popular route and can fill up quickly. To ensure a favourable sailing time, make sure to book your ticket early.
- Other routes: Troon – Brodick and Brodick – Campbeltown (summertime only)
The Troon to Brodick ferry crossing is a relatively new route, offering an alternative to the Ardrossan to Brodick route. It also serves as a backup option when sailings from Ardrossan are disrupted, such as during bad weather.
There is also a ferry from Troon to Brodick in peak season, mostly from the end of March until the end of October. Troon is a bit to the South from Ardrossan. In the summertime there is also a ferry from Ardrossan to Campbeltown with a stopover in Brodick. So you can get from and to Brodick from Campbeltown as well.
Ferries to Lochranza
- Routes: Claonaig and Tarbert to Lochranza
You won’t find a large ferry terminal on this route. Instead, there’s a small ferry that you can drive or walk on and off. This ferry operates from Claonaig in summer and from Tarbert in winter.
Reaching Tarbert or Claonaig requires a significant detour from the Scottish mainland or an additional ferry. As such, this route is mainly used by locals or visitors already staying in the area. It’s also popular with island hoppers.
The Claonaig/Tarbert—Lochranza ferry operates as a ‘turn up and go’ service, meaning you don’t need to buy a ticket in advance or make a reservation.
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- Approaching Isle of Arran by ferry from Ardrossan
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- ferry terminal Brodick
About the Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is located in the Firth of Clyde and is the sixth largest island in Scotland. The capital of Arran is Lamlash.
Arran is often considered a microcosm of Scotland itself, offering a blend of mountains, castles, beaches, golf courses, breweries, and cheese makers all on one relatively small island.
Island Hopping with CalMac’s Ferry Network
CalMac Ferries Ltd, also known as Caledonian MacBrayne, is Scotland’s largest ferry operator, owned by the Scottish Government. It serves the main islands on Scotland's west coast, including the Hebrides and the Isle of Arran [1]Caledonian MacBrayne, Wikipedia.org.
The area is ideal for island hopping, allowing visitors to experience the unique atmospheres and landscapes of various islands. Check out our ferry map of the Hebrides for an overview of all available routes and connections.
Ferry schedule / timetable Arran
Prices and availability for the crossings to Arran
You can find and compare the various crossings to Arran and neighbouring Islands in this booking module.
How early should you arrive
Check-In Requirements
Check-in is required 10 minutes prior to departure for both vehicles and passengers. Late check-in may result in your vehicle being refused carriage.
Additional Information
- In summer, the ferry to Lochranza operates from Claonaig.
- In winter, the ferry departs instead from Tarbert.
- If you’re travelling as a foot passenger and bringing your bike, please be sure to add your bike(s) to your booking. This applies to foot passengers only. The ticket for your bike will be free of charge.
- CalMac also operates numerous routes to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, if you want to go Island Hopping this might be interesting.
- More info on Arran on; Visit Arran and Taste of Arran.
- There are some seasonal ferries from Troon to Brodick and Campbeltown to Brodick.
Useful for travellers to Scotland
References
| ↑1 | Caledonian MacBrayne, Wikipedia.org |
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Where is the best place to leave a car if going on the ferry with cycles
Hi Simon,
You can find a bit more about parking on this page: https://www.calmac.co.uk/article/7749/Is-there-free-parking-at-the-port
Good luck!