FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Colintraive (Cowal) → Rhubodach (Isle of Bute)

A five-minute hop across the narrow Kyles of Bute linking the north end of Bute with the Cowal peninsula — the back door to Bute for drivers coming from Argyll rather than from Glasgow via Wemyss Bay.

⏱ About 5m🚢 1 operator📅 Every 30 minutes through the day, from 05:30 Monday–Saturday and 08:30 on Sundays🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute) takes About 5m across the Kyles of Bute, operated by CalMac Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: every 30 minutes through the day, from 05:30 Monday–Saturday and 08:30 on Sundays.

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: Rhubodach (Isle of Bute) to Colintraive (Cowal)

CalMac Ferries also sails Rhubodach (Isle of Bute) to Colintraive (Cowal), taking About 5m. Sailings from Rhubodach leave 10 minutes after each Colintraive departure.

Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Departs every 30 minutes; first sailing 05:30 Monday–Saturday, 08:30 Sunday; last around 20:55

Return: Sailings from Rhubodach leave 10 minutes after each Colintraive departure.

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

Official CalMac Ferries timetable →

Source: CalMac Colintraive–Rhubodach summer 2026 timetable. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Colintraive (Cowal) and Rhubodach (Isle of Bute)

📐 0.2 Nautical Miles
Colintraive (Cowal)⇄Rhubodach (Isle of Bute)
⏱ About 5m · 📐 0.2 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Ready to cross from Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute)?

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

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
CalMac Ferries5mMV Loch Dunvegan

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

0.2 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • A West Coast Motors bus stop is about 30 metres from the Colintraive terminal
  • Rothesay, Bute’s main town, is about 8.5 miles from Rhubodach; there is no public transport at the Rhubodach slipway

Tips for the Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute) Crossing

  • Turn-up-and-go: check in 5 minutes before departure
  • The nearest fuel on the Cowal side is 30 miles away in Strachur

Related Ferry Crossings

Nearby alternative crossingWemyss Bay → Rothesay (Isle of Bute)About 35m · Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)Nearby alternative crossingTarbert (Loch Fyne) → PortavadieAbout 25m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingGourock → Dunoon20m – 25m · CalMac Ferries, Western FerriesNearby alternative crossingGourock → KilcregganAbout 13m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingLargs → Great Cumbrae (Millport)About 10m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingClaonaig (Kintyre) → Lochranza (Isle of Arran)About 30m · CalMac Ferries
⚓ Rhubodach Slipway guide🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute)?
The crossing typically takes About 5m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute) ferry sail?
Departs every 30 minutes; first sailing 05:30 Monday–Saturday, 08:30 Sunday; last around 20:55. This is the pattern published in the CalMac Colintraive–Rhubodach summer 2026 timetable (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute)?
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 Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute) 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 Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute) 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 Colintraive (Cowal) to Rhubodach (Isle of Bute) 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.