Ferries in Scotland

Scotland has several major ferry terminals connecting the country with Northern Ireland, Orkney and Shetland, and the Continent.

 

There are also numerous minor ferry ports, many not much more than simple slipways, serving Scotland's many inhabited islands. This means there are over 50 ferry routes, mainly up and down the west coast, such as between the mainland and the Outer Hebrides.

 

Belfast - Cairnryan
Stena Line connects Dumfries & Galloway in the far south west of Scotland, with Belfast in Northern Ireland. This service takes from 2-3 hours depending on which craft you take.

 

Larne - Troon/Cairnryan
P&O Irish Sea runs a regular and fast service from Ireland to Scotland, with crossings between Larne in Northern Ireland and Troon (Ayrshire) or Cairnryan (Dumfries & Galloway).

 

Ferries on the River Clyde and to the Hebrides
Caledonian MacBrayne (generally abbreviated to 'CalMac') runs services on the River Clyde and to the Hebrides, sailing to 21 islands altogether. They have two types of reduced-fare pass. If you're taking more than one ferry, it's worth asking about the discounted Island Hopscotch tickets. If you're going to be taking a lot of ferries, you might be better off with an Island Rover, which entitles you to 8 or 15 consecutive days' unlimited ferry travel. It does not, however, guarantee you a place on any ferry, so you still need to book ahead.

 

Ferries to Orkney and Shetland
Car ferries to Orkney and Shetland from Aberdeen and from Scrabster near Thurso are currently run by NorthLink Ferries. Pentland Ferries run a car ferry from Gills Bay, near John o'Groats, to St. Margarets Hope, Orkney, while John o'Groats Ferries run a summer-only passenger ferry from John O'Groats to Burwick in Orkney. Sail to the outer Orkney islands with Orkney Ferries.

 

Useful links
www.stenaline.co.uk 
www.calmac.co.uk
www.northlinkferries.co.uk
www.poirishsea.com
www.western-ferries.co.uk

www.jogferry.co.uk

www.pentlandferries.co.uk

www.orkneyferries.co.uk