Isle of Arran by ferry
Arran is known as a versatile island in terms of nature and there is also a lot to do. It is therefore a popular island among tourists. That also means that there are many ferry departures to the Isle of Arran. However, you can only choose from two ferries. These are the ferry from Ardrossan to Arran and the ferry from Claonaig to Lochranza (in winter this ferry sails from Tarbert).
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Map with crossings to the isle of Arran
The map shows 3 ferry routes but only 2 ferries sail to the island. During summer a ferry departs from Claonaig and in the winter the same ferry leaves from Tarbert.
- During peak season, there also is the Ardrossan-Campbeltown and Brodick Campbeltown connection. Both only operate a couple of months per year.
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.
Also on this page
Ferry to Brodick
Ferry sailing to Arran
Most people travelling to the Isle of Arran will take the ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick. Ardrossan is around a 45-minute drive from Glasgow and can be reached just over two hours from the English-Scottish border.
The crossing has a pleasant duration. With an hour, it is not too long but not too short either. You have enough time to enjoy the view and have a snack and a drink on board.
We do recommend booking this crossing in time. It is a popular route that can get fully booked on the busier days in the summer. So if you want to sail at a favourable time, book your ticket well in advance.
Ferry terminal Brodick
Ferry to Lochranza
The departure of the ferry in Claonaig
You will not find a large ferry terminal on this route. There is only a small ferry here that you can drive/walk on and off. This ferry sails from Claonaig in summer and from Tarbert in winter.
To get to Tarbert or Claonaig you have to make a big detour from a Scottish mainland or take a ferry. This ferry is therefore, mainly used by people who are already recreating or living in the area. It is also a nice ferry for island hoppers.
The Claonaig/Tarbert – Lochranza ferry is operated as a ‘turn up and go' service. That means you don't have to buy a ticket in advance or make a reservation.
About the Isle of Arran
Approaching the Isle of Arran by ferry from Ardrossan
The isle of Arran is located in the Firth of Clyde area and it is the sixth largest island in Scotland.
Arran is also seen as a place where all facets of Scotland come together on a relatively small island. You will find mountains, castles, beaches, golf courses, breweries and cheese makers.
Island hopping thanks to Calmac's ferry network
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. [1]Caledonian MacBrayne, Wikipedia.org. The ferries connect The Hebrides and the Isle of Arran with Scotland.
The area is very suitable for Island hopping. In this way, you get to know different islands' unique atmospheres and nature. Check our handy ferry map of the Hebrides to get a good view of the possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ferry crossings are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac).
The ferry to Arran departs from Ardrossan and is only £5.00 for a foot passenger. Two passengers with a car cost around £25,50.
The ferry crossings in the area are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac). This is a company owned by the Scottish government and therefore they are able to keep the prices pretty low.
The most popular ferry to Arran departs from Ardrossan. It is also possible to travel from Kintyre Peninsula. A ferry departs here from Tarbert (winter) and Claonaig (summer).
Use our ferry guides and maps
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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!