Mallaig serves Lochboisdale on selected dates. In winter 2026/27, some sailings depart from Oban, so check the mainland port before buying a train ticket or setting off by road.
First check whether CalMac sails from Mallaig or Oban on your date. Use the Mallaig–Lochboisdale comparison if Mallaig is the confirmed departure. For an Oban sailing, use the Oban guide and official timetable below. Search all ferry routes
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On scheduled sailings from 23 October to 22 November 2026, use Oban for South Uist. The combined service with Castlebay operates through 16 November, followed by the direct Oban service on scheduled dates from 17 to 22 November. Only select Mallaig in the comparison form when the operator lists it on your travel date.
Official CalMac timetable, booking and service notices · Read the Oban to Lochboisdale route guide
CalMac’s winter timetable covers both Mallaig and Oban. The combined Oban–Lochboisdale/Castlebay schedule applies from 23 October to 16 November 2026. The direct service also uses Oban on scheduled dates from 17 to 22 November. Check the departure column in the winter 2026/27 mainland-port timetable (PDF).
The base timetable returns to Mallaig from 23 November 2026 on scheduled sailing days. Further combined Oban periods run from 28 January to 4 February and 27 February to 1 March 2027. Daylight and low tides can also alter a sailing. Consult combined Oban, Lochboisdale and Castlebay timetable (PDF) and CalMac’s winter tidal amendments for Lochboisdale.
For a train journey, Mallaig and Oban are different destinations. A booking to Mallaig via Fort William will not take you to the Oban ferry terminal. Choose your rail destination only after you have confirmed the CalMac crossing and the actual departure port for that day.
On this route, CalMac asks vehicles and their passengers to be ready 45 minutes before departure; foot-passenger check-in closes 30 minutes ahead. Include those margins when comparing a Mallaig train connection with an Oban alternative. See CalMac’s South Uist route and current booking information.
Plan the two port connections as part of the same itinerary. For Mallaig to Lochboisdale, compare where the ferry leaves and where it arrives, then check your transfer or driving time on each side. If the return journey uses a different mainland or island port, allow for that change when arranging accommodation and onward travel.
For the outward crossing, CalMac’s winter 2026/27 single fare is £14.05 for an adult and £78.05 for a car. The driver needs a passenger ticket, making £92.10 for one adult with a car before any other passengers or vehicle categories. See the CalMac fares valid to 25 March 2027.
Travelling the other way? Read the Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry guide.
CalMac
Use the operator’s current route information to confirm the timetable, vessel and travel options for your preferred date.
Check the seasonal timetable and service status together: some winter periods use a different mainland port or a combined itinerary.
Mallaig is a working harbour and CalMac ferry gateway on the West Highland coast. Check the destination on your booked sailing, then allow time to reach boarding from the railway station or your road journey.
Use Mallaig pier only for a departure shown in the Mallaig column. A dash there with a time in the Oban column means the mainland boarding point has changed. Contact CalMac if an existing booking and the published notice appear to conflict.
Check the seasonal timetable and service status together: some winter periods use a different mainland port or a combined itinerary.
Reserve passenger and vehicle spaces for the departure you intend to use before arranging the drive to Mallaig.
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.
Lochboisdale is the South Uist port even when the mainland terminal changes. A Castlebay call refers to Barra. Check the actual South Uist arrival in the combined table before arranging an island pickup.
Reserve passenger and vehicle spaces for the departure you intend to use before arranging the drive to Mallaig.
For Mallaig to Lochboisdale, compare the journey to the departure terminal, boarding time, the crossing and the connection after arrival. Read the arrival date as well as the clock time before fitting the sailing around a hotel stay or onward transport.
Enter every passenger and select the travel type offered for your Mallaig to Lochboisdale sailing. If taking a vehicle, use its correct dimensions and include anything carried on a rack or trailer. Review the itinerary and included options before accepting the fare.
Compare the seating or cabin categories offered on the vessel for your departure. The available choices can differ between sailings, so read what is included in the price. Confirm assistance, accessibility or pet arrangements with the operator before completing the booking.
Check the operator’s current timetable and service notices for Mallaig to Lochboisdale. A route guide does not guarantee every departure or ticket type is available through the comparison service. If the option you need is missing, consult the operator’s dated calendar directly.
Winter mainland-port arrangements checked on 1 November 2026. Check the operator’s current timetable and service notices before travel.
CalMac’s published 23 October–16 November timetable uses Oban and combines South Uist with the Castlebay service. Check which dates actually serve Lochboisdale. The 17–22 November table also lists Oban as the mainland port.
They are separate island ports. Read the Lochboisdale arrival on the combined sailing table, and book the South Uist destination you actually need.
CalMac publish route information for this crossing. Follow the operator links on this page for the latest timetable and service notices.
Use the departure and arrival times for the sailing you select, including the arrival date and local time zone. Published route descriptions are a planning guide rather than a guarantee for every departure.
Open the ferry search page and enter the two ports, travel dates and passenger details. Add your vehicle where required. If your preferred service is not listed, consult the operator’s published timetable.
Compare current sailings, passenger fares, vehicle prices and accommodation, then choose the crossing that works best for your journey.
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