The Isle of Arran is the most accessible of Scotland's larger islands, and the ferry is a straightforward hop across the Firth of Clyde. The main route is Ardrossan to Brodick, run by CalMac, taking around 55 minutes and sailing year-round, with a train station right beside the mainland terminal that makes it easy even without a car.
Often called "Scotland in miniature," Arran packs mountains, beaches, castles, distilleries and golf courses onto one island small enough to drive around in a day. This guide covers the routes, how to book, and what to do when you arrive.
Arran ferry routes
Ardrossan–Brodick
- OperatorCalMac
- Duration~55 min
- AvailabilityYear-round, main route
Troon–Brodick
- OperatorCalMac
- Duration~55 min
- AvailabilityUsed when sailings are routed there
Claonaig–Lochranza
- OperatorCalMac
- Duration~30 min
- AvailabilitySummer only, from Kintyre
| Route | Operator | Duration | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ardrossan–Brodick | CalMac | ~55 min | Year-round, main route |
| Troon–Brodick | CalMac | ~55 min | Used when sailings are routed there |
| Claonaig–Lochranza | CalMac | ~30 min | Summer only, from Kintyre |
Ardrossan–Brodick is the main route for anyone coming from Glasgow and the Central Belt. The Claonaig–Lochranza crossing is a handy summer link if you're already on the Kintyre peninsula.
Getting to Ardrossan and Rail & Sail
Ardrossan Harbour is just over 30 miles from Glasgow, with the ferry terminal right next to Ardrossan Harbour railway station — direct trains from Glasgow Central take around 45 minutes to an hour. That close rail connection is what makes Arran so easy as a foot passenger.
CalMac's Rail & Sail ticket combines the train from Glasgow Central and the ferry crossing to Brodick in a single fare, often cheaper than buying them separately, and is one of the simplest ways to reach a Scottish island without a car.
Arriving at Brodick
Brodick is Arran's main town and ferry terminal, sitting on a broad bay beneath the island's highest peak. Stagecoach buses meet each arriving ferry and run to villages all around the island, and car hire and taxis are available at the terminal.
If you've brought a car, getting around is simple — there's essentially one road around the coast and two across the middle.
The ships on the route
The Ardrossan to Brodick crossing has, after years of well-documented delays, seen the arrival of the new MV Glen Sannox, one of the two long-awaited dual-fuel ferries built for CalMac, which entered service in January 2025.
Larger vessels on the route have a cafeteria, a licensed bar, a shop, lounges and a soft play area for children. On some sailings the smaller MV Alfred operates, which has more limited facilities and restrictions on larger motorhomes, so check before you travel if you're in a big vehicle.
Booking and when to travel
Booking rules depend on whether you're taking a vehicle.
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Vehicles: booking ahead is essential, especially in summer — the car deck sells out well before foot passenger space
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Foot passengers: much more flexible, but book ahead in peak season to be safe
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Motorhomes: check vehicle restrictions if the smaller MV Alfred is operating your sailing
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Concessions: SPT Ferry Card, Companion and Blue Badge concessions can be applied online
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Pets: travel free
Things to do on Arran
For an island you can drive around in a day, Arran has an unusual amount packed in:
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Goatfell: the island's highest peak at 874m, with a summit trail starting near Brodick
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Brodick Castle: a Victorian baronial castle with rhododendron gardens and bay views
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Arran Distillery: at Lochranza in the north, the island's first legal distillery
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Machrie Moor: a group of prehistoric standing stone circles on the west side
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Holy Isle: a short hop from Lamlash, with walking trails and a Buddhist retreat
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Food: Arran is known as "Scotland's food island" — cheese, oatcakes, seafood and whisky
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry to Arran?
The main Ardrossan to Brodick crossing takes around 55 minutes.
Can you get to Arran by train and ferry?
Yes — CalMac's Rail & Sail ticket combines the train from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan with the ferry to Brodick in one fare, and the mainland terminal is right beside the station.
Do I need to book the Arran ferry in advance?
For vehicles, yes — especially in summer, as the car deck sells out fast. Foot passengers have more flexibility.
Is there more than one ferry route to Arran?
Yes — Ardrossan to Brodick is the main year-round route; a summer service also runs from Claonaig to Lochranza from the Kintyre peninsula.
Which port does the Arran ferry leave from?
Ardrossan on the Ayrshire coast is the main port; some sailings are routed from Troon instead.
Are pets allowed on the Arran ferry?
Yes, pets travel free on CalMac ferries.