Western Ferries
Check prices & times »Western Ferries runs the fast, frequent car ferry across the Firth of Clyde between Gourock and Dunoon. It sails from McInroy's Point, just west of Gourock, to Hunter's Quay at the north end of Dunoon, in around 20 minutes.
A privately owned company operating since 1973, it's known for its turn-up-and-go service: there's no need to book. This route links Scotland's central belt with the Cowal peninsula and Argyll. This guide covers the crossing, the ships and how it works.
Western Ferries route
| Route | Type | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| McInroy's Point (Gourock) – Hunter's Quay (Dunoon) | car & passenger | ~20 min | every 15–20 min |
A single high-frequency route across the Firth of Clyde, running 365 days a year with no booking needed.
The route
The crossing runs from McInroy's Point, at the western edge of Gourock, to Hunter's Quay at the north end of Dunoon — a short hop of around 20 minutes across the Firth of Clyde.
It's a lifeline link between the central belt and the Cowal peninsula, saving a long drive around by Loch Lomond. Sailings run from early morning to late at night, 365 days a year, delivering around 32,000 crossings annually.
Turn up and go
Western Ferries' defining feature is that there's no booking and no check-in. You simply drive to the terminal, park as directed in the waiting area, and board the first available ferry.
With departures every 20 minutes for most of the day — and every 15 minutes at peak times — you rarely wait long. You pay on board, which keeps things simple for a short, frequent crossing.
The ships
A few things worth knowing about the fleet:
- Four modern ferries: roll-on roll-off vessels carrying cars and passengers, named in the "Sound of" series
- Accessibility: all vessels are designed for easy wheelchair access, with lounges on the same level as the car deck
- New vessels: two further ferries were ordered in 2025, expected to join the fleet in late 2026
- Capacity: at peak times the service can move a high volume of cars each hour in each direction
Western Ferries or CalMac?
There are two ways across from Gourock to Dunoon. CalMac runs a separate passenger-only service between the two town centres, near the rail and pier connections. For taking a car, Western Ferries is the direct, turn-up-and-go option. See our Scotland ferry guides for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What route does Western Ferries run?
The Firth of Clyde crossing between McInroy's Point (Gourock) and Hunter's Quay (Dunoon), taking around 20 minutes.
Do I need to book Western Ferries?
No — it's a turn-up-and-go service. You drive to the terminal, wait in the marshalling area and board the next ferry, paying on board.
How often do Western Ferries sail?
Every 20 minutes for most of the day, and every 15 minutes at peak times, 365 days a year.
How is Western Ferries different from CalMac at Dunoon?
Western Ferries runs the car ferry between the edges of Gourock and Dunoon; CalMac runs a passenger-only service between the two town centres.
Can I take my car with Western Ferries?
Yes — it's a roll-on roll-off car and passenger service, and taking a car is its main purpose.