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United Kingdom → United Kingdom

Lochboisdale to Mallaig Ferry

A departure from Lochboisdale can land at Mallaig or Oban in winter. Select the named mainland arrival on the sailing before deciding which station, road or pickup to use.

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Check Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry prices & availability

Check whether CalMac lands at Mallaig or Oban on your date. Select Lochboisdale–Mallaig when the sailing arrives at Mallaig. For an Oban arrival, use the Oban guide and official timetable below. Search all ferry routes

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Winter arrivals in Oban

For the scheduled South Uist services from 23 October to 22 November 2026, the mainland arrival is Oban. The route uses the combined Castlebay timetable through 16 November and the direct Oban schedule from 17 to 22 November. Check the port before booking your mainland train.

Official CalMac timetable, booking and service notices · Read the Lochboisdale to Oban route guide

Route guide

Leaving South Uist for the correct mainland terminal

To plan a return to Mallaig, read the Lochboisdale departure across to the Mallaig arrival in the winter 2026/27 mainland-port timetable (PDF). For 23 October–16 November 2026, CalMac uses a separate combined Oban timetable. For 17–22 November its main table still shows Oban arrivals. Mallaig services are scheduled again from 23 November.

If the ferry lands at Oban, book onward rail or collection from Oban. A Mallaig train does not serve that ferry arrival. If it lands at Mallaig, look for trains on the Fort William line and allow time to disembark before reaching the station.

The combined timetable also operates on 28 January–4 February and 27 February–1 March 2027. Routes can involve a call at Castlebay and not every day offers a South Uist departure. Read the sequence of port calls in combined Oban, Lochboisdale and Castlebay timetable (PDF). Verify any later change in CalMac’s winter tidal amendments for Lochboisdale.

At Lochboisdale the operator’s boarding minima are 45 minutes for vehicle parties and 30 minutes for foot passengers. Book passengers and vehicles in advance and tell a driver meeting you on the mainland the actual arrival port and date. See CalMac’s South Uist route and current booking information.

Check the total cost for everyone travelling, including any vehicle, reserved seat, cabin or other option offered. A later arrival in Mallaig may affect your next connection or accommodation, so compare the whole journey as well as the fare.

For the return journey priced as a single, one adult with a car totals £92.10 on the published winter tariff. That adds the £14.05 adult fare to the £78.05 vehicle fare. Select the right passenger or vehicle category if the group changes. See the CalMac fares valid to 25 March 2027.

Travelling the other way? Read the Mallaig to Lochboisdale ferry guide.

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Ferry companies

Ferry operators on the Lochboisdale–Mallaig route

CalMac’s South Uist timetable combines information for two different mainland ports. When an Oban column contains the arrival and the Mallaig column has a dash, a passenger cannot book that sailing to Mallaig.

CalMac

For a return to the mainland in early November 2026, select a dated Lochboisdale departure in the combined Oban, Lochboisdale and Castlebay timetable (PDF). Some rows start at Castlebay. A time against the Barra port alone is not a South Uist departure.

Once the mainland port is settled, compare space for the actual party and vehicle. A CalMac car fare does not include its driver. Use the passenger and vehicle columns together, and verify the sailing remains available. See CalMac’s South Uist route and current booking information.

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Departure and arrival ports

Departing Lochboisdale and arriving in Mallaig

Departure · United Kingdom

Lochboisdale Ferry Port

Lochboisdale is CalMac’s ferry gateway on South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. Mallaig is the normal summer mainland connection; limited winter dates can use Oban or a combined itinerary. Check the named mainland port before booking a rail journey, planning a drive or arranging island transport.

Leave sufficient time to reach Lochboisdale from elsewhere on South Uist. The ship may be heading for a different mainland terminal in the combined-service weeks, so compare the destination on the booking with the service notice at check-in.

Check whether the sailing uses Mallaig or Oban.
Read the seasonal timetable alongside service-status notices.

Explore Lochboisdale port and destination guide

Mallaig harbour and Highland coastline on the west coast of Scotland

Arrival · United Kingdom

Mallaig Ferry Port

Reserve passenger and vehicle spaces for the departure you intend to use before arranging the drive to Mallaig.

If your ticket names Mallaig, use Mallaig station or the road towards Fort William for onward planning. If your ticket names Oban, give that change to anyone meeting you. These mainland ports cannot be used interchangeably.

Explore Mallaig port and destination guide

On board

Your Lochboisdale–Mallaig crossing

Use the facilities listed for the ship on your departure. Vessel assignments and onboard services can change.

Seats and cabins

Compare the seating or cabin options offered on your chosen sailing. Check what is included in the fare and book the accommodation you need before travel.

Food and drink

Catering depends on the vessel and departure time. Check the ship’s facilities if you are relying on a meal during the crossing.

Luggage and vehicles

Select the passenger and vehicle categories that match your journey. Keep essential items with you and follow the crew’s instructions for luggage and vehicle decks.

Assistance and pets

Arrange assistance and any pet travel with the operator in advance. Check the options for the exact ship and sailing before confirming the booking.

Before departure

Prepare for check-in at Lochboisdale

For your Lochboisdale to Mallaig sailing, keep the booking confirmation and any identification required by the operator ready. Check ticket collection, check-in and boarding instructions before leaving for Lochboisdale.

Your departure terminal

Use the terminal named on the Lochboisdale booking confirmation. Plan the approach, parking or drop-off before departure; the town centre or railway station may be some distance from check-in.

Passenger and vehicle details

Check names and travel details before you arrive. If taking a vehicle, enter its full dimensions and include trailers, roof loads or rear-mounted equipment where required.

Travel documents

Use current official guidance for documents, entry permissions and any vehicle or pet requirements that apply to your journey. Requirements depend on your circumstances and can change.

After arriving

Continue your journey from Mallaig

Mallaig itself is easily walkable; trains, buses, ferries and local road transport provide onward connections along the west coast and to the islands.

The railway station, village centre and CalMac terminal are all close together, making connections straightforward on foot.

Trains connect Mallaig with Fort William and Glasgow through some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery.

A vehicle is useful for Arisaig, Morar, beaches and Road to the Isles stops, but is not essential for a short village stay.

For an onward connection from Mallaig, include time to leave the ship and terminal. Check local transport for the actual arrival day, especially if the ferry arrives early in the morning or late at night. A nearby hotel or a later connection may give more flexibility if the crossing is delayed.

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Other ferry options

Compare routes for your Lochboisdale to Mallaig journey

The Oban service is the published winter alternative on specified dates. Compare its actual mainland arrival with any onward rail or road plans. If a booking is affected by tide or daylight changes, use CalMac’s dated notice before arranging collection.

Lochboisdale → ObanAnother departure from Lochboisdale. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route Armadale → MallaigAnother crossing arriving in Mallaig. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route

Return journey: Mallaig to Lochboisdale · Browse all ferry routes

Common planning questions

Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry FAQs

Where do I arrange a mainland pickup in early November 2026?

For scheduled South Uist arrivals during the 23 October–16 November combined programme, use the Oban arrival in CalMac’s timetable. Check that the dated sailing departs Lochboisdale rather than Castlebay.

What if the timetable gives a different sailing time from the standard week?

CalMac publishes separate tidal changes as well as winter port substitutions. Read the notice for the date and direction you are travelling and follow the instructions for your booked sailing.

How long is the ferry from Lochboisdale to Mallaig?

A standard Mallaig sailing in the winter table can take about 3 hours 30 minutes. A sailing shown to Oban has a different duration. Use the departure and arrival in the same row and check whether a combined or tidal amendment applies.

Which ferry operators should I compare for Lochboisdale to Mallaig?

CalMac runs this South Uist service. Compare the Mallaig and Oban columns, including the combined timetable where indicated, before interpreting the results from the booking form.

Where do I check in for the ferry from Lochboisdale?

Can I travel with a vehicle or as a foot passenger?

Walk-on passengers and booked vehicles can travel on the relevant sailing. Vehicles and their passengers must be ready at least 45 minutes before departure from Lochboisdale. The walk-on deadline is 30 minutes.

How can I find the best Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry fare?

The winter table valid to 25 March 2027 lists £14.05 for an adult single and £78.05 for a car single. The driver is extra. Check the passenger total and the mainland arrival before comparing prices.

How do I continue my journey after arriving in Mallaig?

Mallaig itself is easily walkable; trains, buses, ferries and local road transport provide onward connections along the west coast and to the islands. Allow time to disembark and reach your onward transport before a timed connection.

Can I book the return ferry from Mallaig to Lochboisdale?

Use the return-trip option in the search and check both directions and dates before booking. The Mallaig to Lochboisdale guide covers the opposite departure port. Availability and sailing times can differ between the two legs.

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Check the sailing from Lochboisdale, arrival in Mallaig and travel options before confirming your reservation.

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