Scotland has one of the most extensive ferry networks in Europe, with well over 30 routes serving more than 20 islands. Nearly all of them are run by two operators — CalMac on the west coast and Hebrides, and NorthLink to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland.
This guide lists the main routes by region, so you can find the crossing that serves your island. Crossing times are approximate and vary by vessel and season — always check the operator's live timetable before you travel.
Clyde and Arran routes
~55 min
Check Prices »~30 min
Check Prices »~35 min
Check Prices »~5 min
Check Prices »~10 min
Check Prices »~25 min
Check Prices »| Route | Operator | Duration | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ardrossan–Brodick (Arran) | CalMac | ~55 min | View » |
| Claonaig–Lochranza (Arran) | CalMac | ~30 min | View » |
| Wemyss Bay–Rothesay (Bute) | CalMac | ~35 min | View » |
| Colintraive–Rhubodach (Bute) | CalMac | ~5 min | View » |
| Largs–Cumbrae Slip (Cumbrae) | CalMac | ~10 min | View » |
| Gourock–Dunoon | CalMac | ~25 min | View » |
Southern Hebrides: Islay, Colonsay and Gigha
~2h 5m
Check Prices »~2h 20m
Check Prices »~2h 20m
Check Prices »~20 min
Check Prices »| Route | Operator | Duration | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennacraig–Port Askaig (Islay) | CalMac | ~2h 5m | View » |
| Kennacraig–Port Ellen (Islay) | CalMac | ~2h 20m | View » |
| Oban–Colonsay | CalMac | ~2h 20m | View » |
| Tayinloan–Gigha | CalMac | ~20 min | View » |
Inner Hebrides: Mull, Coll, Tiree and neighbours
~45 min
Check Prices »~18 min
Check Prices »~35 min
Check Prices »~10 min
Check Prices »~2h 45m–4h
Check Prices »~50 min
Check Prices »| Route | Operator | Duration | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oban–Craignure (Mull) | CalMac | ~45 min | View » |
| Lochaline–Fishnish (Mull) | CalMac | ~18 min | View » |
| Tobermory–Kilchoan (Mull/Ardnamurchan) | CalMac | ~35 min | View » |
| Fionnphort–Iona | CalMac | ~10 min | View » |
| Oban–Coll–Tiree | CalMac | ~2h 45m–4h | View » |
| Oban–Lismore | CalMac | ~50 min | View » |
Skye, Raasay and the Small Isles
~45 min
Check Prices »~25 min
Check Prices »varies
Check Prices »| Route | Operator | Duration | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mallaig–Armadale (Skye) | CalMac | ~45 min | View » |
| Sconser–Raasay | CalMac | ~25 min | View » |
| Mallaig–Small Isles | CalMac | varies | View » |
Outer Hebrides: Lewis, Harris, the Uists and Barra
~2h 30m
Check Prices »~1h 40m
Check Prices »~1h 45m
Check Prices »~1 hour
Check Prices »~5 hours
Check Prices »~40 min
Check Prices »| Route | Operator | Duration | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ullapool–Stornoway (Lewis) | CalMac | ~2h 30m | View » |
| Uig–Tarbert (Harris) | CalMac | ~1h 40m | View » |
| Uig–Lochmaddy (North Uist) | CalMac | ~1h 45m | View » |
| Berneray–Leverburgh (Harris) | CalMac | ~1 hour | View » |
| Oban–Castlebay (Barra) | CalMac | ~5 hours | View » |
| Ardmhor–Eriskay | CalMac | ~40 min | View » |
Northern Isles: Orkney and Shetland
~1h 30m
Check Prices »~6 hours
Check Prices »~12h+ overnight
Check Prices »~1 hour
Check Prices »| Route | Operator | Duration | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrabster–Stromness (Orkney) | NorthLink | ~1h 30m | View » |
| Aberdeen–Kirkwall (Orkney) | NorthLink | ~6 hours | View » |
| Aberdeen–Lerwick (Shetland) | NorthLink | ~12h+ overnight | View » |
| Gill's Bay–St Margaret's Hope (Orkney) | Pentland Ferries | ~1 hour | View » |
Orkney and Shetland are served by NorthLink, with a fast alternative to Orkney from Pentland Ferries.
Booking Scottish ferry routes
A few things worth knowing across the whole network:
- Two timetables: a fuller summer schedule (late March–late October) and a reduced winter one.
- Vehicles: book ahead on popular routes in summer — car deck space sells out before passenger space.
- Turn-up-and-go: some short Clyde crossings (like Colintraive–Rhubodach and Largs–Cumbrae) can't be pre-booked and run first-come, first-served.
- Fares: CalMac uses Road Equivalent Tariff pricing; NorthLink has Visitor and Islander fares.
- Operators: see our CalMac and NorthLink guides for full detail on each.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ferry routes are there in Scotland?
Well over 30, serving more than 20 islands — most run by CalMac on the west coast and NorthLink to Orkney and Shetland.
Who runs Scottish ferry routes?
Mainly CalMac (west coast and Hebrides) and NorthLink (Orkney and Shetland), plus smaller operators like Pentland Ferries and Western Ferries.
What's the longest ferry route in Scotland?
Aberdeen to Lerwick in Shetland, at 216 miles by sea — the longest internal ferry route in the UK.
Which Scottish ferries are turn-up-and-go?
Several short Clyde crossings, such as Colintraive–Rhubodach and Largs–Cumbrae, can't be pre-booked and run first-come, first-served.