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Ferry to Hebrides

How to travel to the Hebrides by ferry

Mallaig-Armadale

Scotland ⇔ Skye
30 minutes
From: 4,00

Oban-Craignure

Scotland ⇔ Mull
48 minutes
From: 4,00

Uig-Tarbert

Skye ⇔ Lewis
1h 45 mins.
From: 8,00

Ullapool-Stornoway

Scotland ⇔ Lewis
2h 45 mins.
From: 12,00

Ferry to the Hebrides

The Hebridean Islands consist of two groups. These are the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides. The latter archipelago is a little further off the coast of mainland Scotland. There are quite a few ferry services to the islands. Most are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries, or CalMac for short.
 
You can look at the map with all crossings for a good overview of all ferry lines.

We've also included the Firth of Clyde crossings, as they could be part of your trip to the Hebrides.

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Map with crossings to the Scottish Hebrides

On the map, it is already reasonably well visible where the inner and outer Hebrides are located. The strip of islands in the northwest is considered part of the Outer Hebrides. This is also where you can find the longer ferry crossings. The inner Hebrides are islands close to the Scottish coast and are all easily accessible by short ferry crossings. 

Further south, you will find areas such as the Kintyre Peninsula, Isle of Arran, and Isle of Great Cumbrae. These areas are part of the Firth of Clyde region.

You can click on the map to find more information on specific routes or keep on scrolling for more information.

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 Outer Hebrides

Let's first have a look at the ferries to the Outer Hebrides. 

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

Ferry to Lewis in Ullapool

Ferry to Lewis in Ullapool

Outer Hebrides

Uig-Tarbert

Skye ⇔ Lewis
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: 8,00

Ullapool-Stornoway

Scotland ⇔ Lewis
2h 45 mins.
Up to 3 times per day
From: 12,00

Oban-Lochboisdale

Scotland ⇔ Uist
5 Hours
Up to 5 times per week
From: 13,00

Oban-Castlebay

Scotland ⇔ Barra
5h 15 mins.
Up to 8 times per week
From: 18,00
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Ferries to the Inner Hebrides

The ferry lines in the Inner Hebrides can be divided into three regions. In addition, you have the Firth of Clyde. This region is not officially part of the Hebrides but is close enough to be relevant to those wishing to travel by ferry in the area.

  1. Skye and Raasay belong to the most Northern part of the Inner Hebrides.
  2. You can find Eig, Muck, Rum, and Canna a bit more to the South. These isles are known as the Small Isles. One ferry connects all of these isles. Most ferries in this area depart from Mallaig.
  3. Mull, Coll, Tiree, Jura, Islay, and Gigha are part of the Southern Hebrides. Oban and Kennacraig are important harbors for this region.
  4. The isle of Arran and Great Cumbrae are part of the Firth of Clyde.  
CalMac ferry leaving Uig on the Isle of Skye

CalMac ferry leaving Uig on the Isle of Skye.

Ferries to Skye and Raasay

The Isle of Skye and the Isle of Raasay are located in the Northern part of the Inner Hebrides. There is a bridge to the Isle of Skye from Kyle of Lochalsh, but you can also take the ferry. The bridge is faster if you are on the west side of Loch Linnhe. From the Outer Hebrides, you can also take multiple ferries to Skye. 

Also, read our blog: The Isle of Skye: Fairytales do exist!

Raasay can only be reached by ferry from Skye. Below you will find the routes, but you can also take a look at the Isle of Skye page for a handy map and additional explanation.

Skye & Raasay

Mallaig-Armadale

Scotland ⇔ Skye
30 minutes
Up to 8 times per day
From: 4,00

Uig-Tarbert

Skye ⇔ Lewis
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: 8,00

Glenelg-Skye

Glenelg ⇔ Skye
10 mins.
Up to 30 times per day
From: 4,00

Uig-Lochmaddy

Skye ⇔ Uist
1h 45 mins.
Up to 2 times per day
From: 8,00
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Ferries to the Small Isles (Eig, Muck, Rum, Canna)

If you want to go to one of the Small Isles, you can take the ferry from CalMac. This sails from Maillag and goes past all the islands. With this boat, you can also travel between the islands.

Small Isles

Mallaig-Rum

Scotland ⇔ Rum
1h 45 mins.
Up to 4 times per week
From: 6,00

Mallaig-Muck

Scotland ⇔ Muck
2h 20 mins.
Up to 3 times per week
From: 6,00

Mallaig-Eigg

Scotland ⇔ Eigg
1h 20mins.
Up to 3 times per week
From: 5,00

Arisaig-Rum

Scotland ⇔ Rum
2.5 hours
Once per week
From: 5,00
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Ferries to the Southern Hebrides (Mull, Coll, Tiree, Colonsay, Gigha, Islay, Jura)

The Southern Hebrides are located near the Firth of Clyde region. It encompasses the southern part of the inner Hebrides. Some large islands, such as Islay, Jura, and Mull, are part of this region.

Southern Hebrides

Oban-Craignure

Scotland ⇔ Mull
48 minutes
Up to 7 times per day
From: 4,00
Fast Ferry
kintyre express

Ballycastle-Port Ellen

1 Hour
Up to 5 times per week
From: 60,00

Kennacraig-Port Ellen

Scotland ⇔ Islay
2h 12 mins.
Up to 3 times per day
From: 9,00

Lochaline-Fishnish

Scotland ⇔ Mull
18 minutes
Up to 14 times per day
From: 3,00
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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

Firth of Clyde

Popular
calmac ferries

Ardrossan-Campbeltown

Scotland ⇔ Kintyre
2h 36 mins.
Up to 3 times per week
From: 37,00

Ardrossan-Brodick

Scotland ⇔ Isle of Arran
54 minutes
Up to 6 times per day
From: 5,00

Claonaig-Lochranza

30 minutes
Up to 9 times per day
From: 4,00

Gourock-Dunoon

UK ⇔ UK
20 Minutes
Up to 84 times per day
From: 4,00
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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the routes are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac).

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

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