FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist)

The summer route from Mallaig to Lochboisdale on South Uist, giving rail travellers on the West Highland Line a direct link to the southern Outer Hebrides; in winter the service runs from Oban.

⏱ About 3h 30m🚢 1 operator📅 Five days a week in the winter periods when the ship sails to Mallaig; otherwise from Oban🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist) takes About 3h 30m across the Sea of the Hebrides, operated by CalMac Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: five days a week in the winter periods when the ship sails to Mallaig; otherwise from Oban.

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 2026-10-29.

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

Return crossing: Lochboisdale (South Uist) to Mallaig

CalMac Ferries also sails Lochboisdale (South Uist) to Mallaig, taking About 3h 30m. From Lochboisdale in the same periods: Mondays at 07:00 and Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:10 (Sundays 10:20), arriving in Mallaig 3½ hours later.

Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Winter 2026/27: Mallaig sailings run only on 19–22 October, 23 November – 27 January, 5–26 February and 2–25 March: Mondays at 11:10 and Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 14:30, taking 3½ hours. At other times in winter Lochboisdale is served from Oban instead (via Castlebay from 23 October to 16 November).

CalMac South Uist winter timetable 19 October 2026 – 25 March 2027; no sailings on 25 December and 1 January.

Published departure times

  • 11:10 (Mon)
  • 14:30 (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)

Return: From Lochboisdale in the same periods: Mondays at 07:00 and Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:10 (Sundays 10:20), arriving in Mallaig 3½ hours later.

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

Official CalMac Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →

Source: CalMac Mallaig/Oban–Lochboisdale winter 2026/27 timetable. Verified 2026-10-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Mallaig and Lochboisdale (South Uist)

📐 49 Nautical Miles
Mallaig⇄Lochboisdale (South Uist)
⏱ About 3h 30m · 📐 49 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
CalMac Ferries3h 30mMV Lord of the Isles

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

49 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Mallaig station (trains via Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street) is about 5 minutes’ walk from the terminal
  • Local buses stop opposite the Lochboisdale terminal

Tips for the Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist) Crossing

  • Vehicles check in 45 minutes and foot passengers 30 minutes before departure
  • There is no shop in Lochboisdale; the nearest is in Daliburgh, 3 miles away

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from MallaigMallaig → Armadale (Isle of Skye)30m – 45m · Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)Also sails from MallaigMallaig → Isle of EiggAbout 1h 20m · CalMac FerriesAlso sails from MallaigMallaig → Isle of Muck1h 45m direct · CalMac FerriesAlso sails from MallaigMallaig → Isle of Rùm1h 25m direct – about 2h 45m via Eigg · CalMac FerriesAlso sails from MallaigMallaig → Isle of CannaAbout 2h 50m via Rùm · CalMac FerriesOnward from Lochboisdale (South Uist)Eriskay → Ardmhor (Isle of Barra)About 40m · CalMac Ferries
⚓ Mallaig Ferry Terminal guide⚓ Lochboisdale Ferry Terminal guide⛴ All ferries from Mallaig🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist)?
The crossing typically takes About 3h 30m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist) ferry sail?
Winter 2026/27: Mallaig sailings run only on 19–22 October, 23 November – 27 January, 5–26 February and 2–25 March: Mondays at 11:10 and Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 14:30, taking 3½ hours. At other times in winter Lochboisdale is served from Oban instead (via Castlebay from 23 October to 16 November). CalMac South Uist winter timetable 19 October 2026 – 25 March 2027; no sailings on 25 December and 1 January. This is the pattern published in the CalMac Mallaig/Oban–Lochboisdale winter 2026/27 timetable (checked 2026-10-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist)?
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 Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist) 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 Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist) 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 Mallaig to Lochboisdale (South Uist) 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 Mallaig from Lochboisdale (South Uist) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 49 nautical miles (roughly 91 km).