FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Ardrossan → Brodick (Isle of Arran)

The main ferry to the Isle of Arran, crossing the Firth of Clyde from Ardrossan’s rail-connected harbour to Brodick, the island’s principal village. It is the quickest route to Arran from Glasgow by train.

⏱ About 55m🚢 1 operator📅 Five return sailings most days in summer 2026 (four on Sundays), plus a late Friday sailing🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran) takes About 55m across the Firth of Clyde, operated by CalMac Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: five return sailings most days in summer 2026 (four on Sundays), plus a late Friday sailing.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: calmac.co.uk · assets.calmac.co.uk · calmac.co.uk · calmac.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: Brodick (Isle of Arran) to Ardrossan

CalMac Ferries also sails Brodick (Isle of Arran) to Ardrossan, taking About 55m. The first sailing from Brodick leaves at 08:20 and the last at 19:20 Monday–Thursday (21:40 on Fridays), each arriving in Ardrossan 55 minutes later.

Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Five return sailings Monday–Thursday and Saturday, six on Fridays and four on Sundays (summer 2026 timetable)

Summer timetable 27 March – 18 October 2026; winter timetable 19 October 2026 – 25 March 2027. No Ardrossan sailings 7 September – 8 October 2026 (services diverted to Troon).

Published departure times

  • 07:00
  • 09:45
  • 12:30
  • 15:20
  • 18:00

Return: The first sailing from Brodick leaves at 08:20 and the last at 19:20 Monday–Thursday (21:40 on Fridays), each arriving in Ardrossan 55 minutes later.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official CalMac Ferries timetable →

Source: CalMac Ardrossan–Brodick summer 2026 timetable. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Ardrossan and Brodick (Isle of Arran)

📐 11 Nautical Miles
Ardrossan⇄Brodick (Isle of Arran)
⏱ About 55m · 📐 11 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ Compare All Operators

Ready to cross from Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran)?

Check live availability, fares and sailing times with Direct Ferries.

Compare on Direct Ferries→
🏨Port Hotels (Ardrossan)
Rates →
🚆Port Trains & Buses
Schedules →
🚗Car Hire at Quay
Compare →
🎟Things to do in Brodick (Isle of Arran)
Tours →

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
CalMac Ferries55mMV Caledonian Isles

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

11 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Ardrossan Harbour railway station, with trains to Glasgow Central, is about 150 metres from the terminal
  • At Brodick, island buses and a taxi rank are beside the terminal building

Tips for the Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran) Crossing

  • Vehicles must check in 30 minutes before departure and foot passengers 10 minutes before
  • CalMac warns of limited space for high-sided vehicles on some weekend sailings between April and September

Related Ferry Crossings

Onward from Brodick (Isle of Arran)Troon → Brodick (Isle of Arran)About 1h 20m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingLargs → Great Cumbrae (Millport)About 10m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingClaonaig (Kintyre) → Lochranza (Isle of Arran)About 30m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingWemyss Bay → Rothesay (Isle of Bute)About 35m · Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)Nearby alternative crossingColintraive (Cowal) → Rhubodach (Isle of Bute)About 5m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingTarbert (Loch Fyne) → PortavadieAbout 25m · CalMac Ferries
⚓ Brodick Pier guide⛴ All ferries from Brodick🏝 Ferries to Arran🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ardrossan harbour open for Arran ferries in autumn 2026?
CalMac closed Ardrossan for harbour upgrade works from 7 September to 8 October 2026; Arran sailings ran from Troon to Brodick during that period. Check CalMac service status before travelling.
How long is the ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran)?
The crossing typically takes About 55m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran) ferry sail?
Five return sailings Monday–Thursday and Saturday, six on Fridays and four on Sundays (summer 2026 timetable). Summer timetable 27 March – 18 October 2026; winter timetable 19 October 2026 – 25 March 2027. No Ardrossan sailings 7 September – 8 October 2026 (services diverted to Troon). This is the pattern published in the CalMac Ardrossan–Brodick summer 2026 timetable (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran)?
CalMac Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Ardrossan to Brodick (Isle of Arran) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Ardrossan from Brodick (Isle of Arran) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 11 nautical miles (roughly 20 km).