Scotland’s Island Ferry Routes
Scotland’s ferry routes are some of Britain’s most scenic and romantic journeys, connecting mainland Scotland to its spectacular island communities. From the short crossing to Arran to the epic journey to Stornoway, from the scenic route through the Sound of Islay to the dramatic crossing to Barra, Scotland’s ferries offer travel experiences beyond mere transportation.
This guide reveals Scotland’s essential ferry routes, explaining where they go, what makes each special, and how to plan your island-hopping adventure.
Understanding Scotland’s Ferry Operators
Three main operators serve Scotland’s islands:
Caledonian MacBrayne: The largest operator, serving the Inner Hebrides. Runs routes from mainland ports (Oban, Mallaig, Kennacraig, Uig) to Hebridean islands.
Serco NorthLink: Operates routes to the Northern Isles (Orkney, Shetland) plus some Inner Hebridean services from Uig and Tarbert.
Local operators: Small operators serving specific islands or shorter routes.
Essential Inner Hebrides Routes
1. Glasgow to Arran (CalMac)
The Glasgow to Arran route is Scotland’s shortest major ferry, crossing the Firth of Clyde in approximately 55 minutes. The journey offers spectacular views of the Ayrshire coast and Arran’s dramatic profile.
From: Ardrossan (near Glasgow) To: Brodick (Arran) Duration: 55 minutes Frequency: Several crossings daily year-round Cost: Approximately £35-45 per car plus passengers
What makes this route special is its accessibility and Arran’s immediate scenic impact. The ferry is comfortable, the crossing short, and Arran rises dramatically from the sea, creating an instant island atmosphere.
Best for: First-time island visits, short getaways, car-free travellers.
2. Oban to Mull (CalMac)
Oban to Craignure (Mull) is one of Scotland’s most popular ferry routes, crossing the Sound of Mull in approximately 45-55 minutes. The journey offers views across to the Morvern peninsula and the Inner Hebrides.
From: Oban To: Craignure (Mull) Duration: 45-55 minutes Frequency: Multiple crossings daily year-round Cost: Approximately £60-80 per car plus passengers
What makes this route special is its scenic quality and Mull’s immediate access. The Sound of Mull is beautiful, and Mull’s dramatic landscape greets you immediately on arrival.
Best for: Mull exploration, first-time Hebrides visitors.
3. Kennacraig to Islay and Jura (CalMac)
The Kennacraig route connects the mainland to Islay (and Jura via a connecting service). The crossing takes approximately 2 hours and passes through spectacular scenery, including the Paps of Jura.
From: Kennacraig (near Tarbert) To: Port Ellen or Port Askaig (Islay) Duration: Approximately 2 hours Frequency: 2-4 crossings daily Cost: Approximately £100-150 per car plus passengers
What makes this route special is the spectacular journey and Islay’s immediate charm. The Sound of Islay crossing is beautiful, and Jura’s Paps are visible on clear days. Islay’s distilleries welcome you on arrival.
Best for: Whisky lovers, scenic ferry journeys, multi-island exploration.
4. Mallaig to the Small Isles (CalMac)
Mallaig connects to the Small Isles (Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna) and also to Skye. These are some of Scotland’s most spectacular ferry journeys, with dramatic mountain scenery.
From: Mallaig To: Armadale (Skye) - 30 minutes To: Eigg - 1 hour 15 minutes To: Rum - 1 hour 30 minutes To: Muck/Canna - 2-3 hours depending on schedule Frequency: 1-3 crossings daily (varies by island) Cost: Approximately £30-80 per car plus passengers
What makes these routes special is the dramatic scenery. Mallaig sits beneath the Cuillin mountains, and the crossings offer spectacular views across to the Small Isles with their dramatic profiles.
Best for: Serious island-hoppers, scenic ferry enthusiasts, car-free travellers.
Essential Outer Hebrides Routes
5. Uig to Harris and North Uist (CalMac)
The Uig to Tarbert (Harris) route crosses the Minch to the Outer Hebrides in approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. The journey can be rough but offers spectacular views across to the Hebrides.
From: Uig To: Tarbert (Harris) Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes Frequency: 1-3 crossings daily Cost: Approximately £150-200 per car plus passengers
What makes this route special is its wildness and Harris’s dramatic arrival. The crossing can be rough, but the views across to the Hebrides are spectacular, and Harris’s lunar landscape greets you dramatically.
Best for: Outer Hebrides exploration, adventurous travellers.
6. Uig to North Uist (CalMac)
A shorter but equally scenic route from Uig to Lochmaddy (North Uist). The crossing takes approximately 2 hours and offers spectacular Hebridean scenery.
From: Uig To: Lochmaddy (North Uist) Duration: Approximately 2 hours Frequency: 1-2 crossings daily Cost: Approximately £120-170 per car plus passengers
What makes this route special is its Outer Hebrides introduction. The crossing shows the Hebrides’ distinctive character, and North Uist’s flat landscape greets you on arrival.
Best for: Outer Hebrides exploration, scenic ferry journeys.
Northern Isles Routes (Serco NorthLink)
7. Aberdeen to Orkney (Serco NorthLink)
The Aberdeen to Lerwick (Orkney) route is Scotland’s longest ferry crossing, taking approximately 12-14 hours overnight. The journey crosses the North Sea and offers the chance to spot marine wildlife.
From: Aberdeen To: Lerwick (Orkney) via Kirkwall Duration: 12-14 hours overnight Frequency: 3-4 crossings weekly (varies by season) Cost: Approximately £300-500 per car plus passengers
What makes this route special is its epic quality. This is a proper overnight ferry journey with cabins, restaurant, and the chance to wake up in the Northern Isles. The North Sea can be rough, but the experience is unforgettable.
Best for: Adventure seekers, Northern Isles exploration, epic journeys.
8. Aberdeen to Shetland (Serco NorthLink)
The Aberdeen to Lerwick (Shetland) route is even longer than the Orkney crossing, taking approximately 13-15 hours overnight. This is Scotland’s most remote ferry journey.
From: Aberdeen To: Lerwick (Shetland) Duration: 13-15 hours overnight Frequency: 2-3 crossings weekly (varies by season) Cost: Approximately £350-600 per car plus passengers
What makes this route special is its remoteness. This is the journey to Britain’s northernmost community, crossing open ocean to reach Shetland’s distinctive Norse-influenced culture.
Best for: Ultimate island adventure, Norse heritage interest.
Scenic Routes Worth Taking
9. Oban to Colonsay (CalMac)
The Oban to Colonsay route is a short but spectacular crossing, taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. The journey passes between islands with spectacular Hebridean scenery.
From: Oban To: Colonsay Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Frequency: 2-3 crossings daily Cost: Approximately £80-120 per car plus passengers
What makes this route special is Colonsay’s immediate wildness. The small island feels genuinely remote, and the crossing shows why—it’s surrounded by open sea and scattered islands.
Best for: Remote island exploration, car-free travellers.
10. Oban to Lismore (CalMac)
Oban to Lismore is another short but scenic route, taking approximately 50 minutes to the famous island of Lismore.
From: Oban To: Lismore Duration: 50 minutes Frequency: 5-6 crossings daily Cost: Approximately £60-90 per car plus passengers
What makes this route special is Lismore’s beauty and accessibility. The crossing is short but scenic, and Lismore’s landscape greets you dramatically on arrival.
Best for: Short island visits, cycling holidays, car-free travellers.
Planning Your Island-Hopping Trip
By region: Plan geographically to minimise backtracking:
- Argyll and Bute: Arran, Islay, Jura, Colonsay
- Inner Hebrides south: Mull, Iona, Staffa
- Inner Hebrides north: Skye, Raasay, Small Isles
- Outer Hebrides: Harris and Uist, Barra, Benbecula
- Northern Isles: Orkney, Shetland
By experience:
- Beginner: Start with Arran or Bute—short crossings, good facilities
- Intermediate: Mull or Islay—scenic journeys, good infrastructure
- Advanced: Small Isles or Northern Isles—rougher crossings, more remote
Booking Tips
Book in advance: Popular routes and times book out weeks ahead, especially in summer.
Flexible dates: Midweek crossings are generally less crowded and sometimes cheaper.
Cabin bookings: Overnight crossings (Northern Isles) require cabin booking for comfort.
Foot passengers: Foot passenger crossings are often much cheaper than taking a car. Consider car hire on the island.
Weather monitoring: Many routes are weather-dependent. Check forecasts and be prepared for cancellations.
Ferry Travel Tips
Arrive early: Especially with a car. Arrive at least 1 hour before sailing.
Seasickness: Inner Hebrides crossings can be rough. Bring medication if needed.
Food and drink: Ferries have cafés but bring supplies if you have dietary requirements.
Cabins: On overnight crossings, book a cabin in advance. Cabins book out quickly.
Wildlife spotting: Look for dolphins, porpoises, whales, and seabirds during crossings.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-August): Best weather but busiest. Book well in advance.
Spring/Autumn (April-May, September-October): Good weather, fewer crowds, better prices.
Winter (November-March): Some routes have reduced schedules. Weather can be rough but scenery atmospheric.
Island-Hopping Itineraries
Week in the Inner Hebrides: Day 1-2: Arran Day 3-5: Islay and Jura Day 6-7: Mull and Iona
Two weeks in the Hebrides: Week 1: Arran, Islay, Jura Week 2: Mull, Iona, Staffa
Northern Isles epic: Days 1-2: Journey to Orkney Days 3-5: Orkney exploration Days 6-7: Journey to Shetland Days 8-10: Shetland exploration
Ferry Etiquette
Respect crew: Follow crew instructions. They’re experienced in challenging conditions.
Keep noise down: Overnight ferries have cabins. Respect other passengers’ sleep.
Clean up after yourself: Use bins provided. Don’t leave rubbish.
Queue patiently: Ferries operate on strict schedules. Don’t hold up boarding.
A Final Thought
Scotland’s ferry routes are more than transportation—they’re journeys through spectacular scenery, connections to island communities, and adventures in themselves. From the short crossing to Arran to the epic journey to Shetland, each route offers a different experience of Scotland’s maritime heritage.
The key is to embrace the journey itself, not just the destination. The crossing through the Sound of Islay, the dramatic arrival in Harris, the epic overnight to the Northern Isles—these are experiences that shape your island adventure.
So plan your island-hopping trip, embrace the ferry journeys, and discover Scotland’s islands properly. The crossings are part of the adventure, not just a means to an end.
Scotland’s ferry routes connect mainland to communities that have developed distinctive cultures over centuries. These maritime journeys are your introduction to those island worlds. Enjoy the crossing, the scenery, and the anticipation of island discovery.
This guide reveals Scotland’s essential ferry routes from Arran to Shetland, explaining what makes each crossing special and how to plan island-hopping adventures. Scotland’s ferries offer spectacular journeys beyond mere transportation, connecting communities and landscapes across dramatic maritime passages.