Getting around Scotland by ferry

Scotland's various ferry services are  a great way to explore the unique beauty of our coasts and islands - all with fantastic views to soak in along the way. There is plenty to do on the islands, and many different routes you can take to get there; take the ferry to amazing destinations like Shetland and Orkney, and learn how to make the most of your journey with our island itineraries, including a guide on how to have an island hopping holiday on the west coast.

Caledonian MacBrayne, generally known as CalMac, operates all main services on the Firth of Clyde and to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, sailing to over 30 west coast destinations. Mainland ports which serve the islands in the west include Oban and Kennacraig in Argyll, and Mallaig and Ullapool in the Highlands. There are also smaller local operators like Western Isles Cruises which provide daily services to locations on the west coast such as Inverie and Tarbet in Loch Nevis from Mallaig.

For CalMac ferries, it's recommended to book tickets in advance wherever possible, although you can normally buy foot passenger tickets on the day of travel. If planning on making multiple ferry journeys, you can consider purchasing an Island Hopping ticket which combines multiple journeys.

Always check the journey information before you travel, for details on baggage allowance, checking in times and delays or cancellations due to weather conditions.

CalMac also runs a regular service between Dunoon and Gourock, which can be combined with a train ticket from Glasgow Central and only takes an hour and a half in total. Local operator Western Ferries (Clyde)  also operates a daily service between Gourock and Dunoon which sets sail every 15 minutes during peak times.

If you're planning a trip to the Small Isles, Arisaig Marina offers scheduled trips. There are several crossings each week to the islands of Eigg & Muck, with additional sailings to Rum, Canna and Loch Coruisk on select Sundays throughout the summer months. Day trippers to these incredible islands have plenty of time on the island of their choice to explore the landscape, observe wildlife or just soak up the atmosphere of island life.

NorthLink Ferries operate nightly car ferries from Aberdeen in the north east to Lerwick in Shetland, with stops en route on alternative days at Orkney's main port, Kirkwall. Travel time is around 12 hours direct, and just over 14 hours via Orkney.

Shetland's inter-island ferries are run in conjunction with the local council, and information about routes and timetables can be found on the Shetland Islands Council website.

NorthLink Ferries also operate car ferry services from Scrabster in Caithness to Stromness on Orkney, which takes around an hour and a half.

Scotland's ferries aren't just a convenient way of getting to your desired destination. They offer journeys which can be adventures in themselves. Discover what you can see on some of the country's island ferry routes. Find out more about travelling around Scotland using the great public transport links or with a tour. 

• Getting around Scotland
• Tours
• Easy public transport trips 

Another great way to explore Scotland at your own pace is to bring a campervan or motorhome. Be aware that most ferry companies will not allow passengers with campervans or motorhomes to board without a confirmed space for their vehicle. At ports on certain routes, vehicles which don't have a confirmed space in advance are not permitted to join standby queues for the next available sailing. To join the next sailing, a confirmed space is required. Be sure to check with the ferry operator in advance.

Check which ferry routes require a confirmed space for campervans or motorhomes