Ferries in Scotland

Plan the route that fits your journey

Scottish ferry planning begins with the right network. CalMac serves the Clyde and Hebrides, while NorthLink connects the Scottish mainland with Orkney and Shetland. Pentland Ferries offers another mainland–Orkney route. Orkney Ferries and Shetland Islands Council then provide separate inter-island services.

A single island name can hide several different arrival points. Bute has Rothesay and Rhubodach; Mull has Craignure, Fishnish and Tobermory; Hoy has Lyness and Moaness. A route that works well with a car may be awkward without one. Use the named ports to judge the full journey, rather than choosing solely by the shortest crossing.

Reserve scarce vehicle space before fixing a multi-island itinerary. Where tickets are sold separately, a late first ferry does not necessarily protect the next reservation. Weather, tides and vessel changes can affect the network, so allow flexibility before a mainland flight or a time-critical appointment.