FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Oban → Castlebay (Isle of Barra)

The long sea crossing from Oban to Barra, arriving under Kisimul Castle in Castlebay — the southern gateway to the Outer Hebrides and the start of the island chain north to Lewis.

⏱ 4h 45m – 7h🚢 1 operator📅 Daily in summer, plus a Wednesday sailing via Coll and Tiree🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra) takes 4h 45m – 7h across the Sea of the Hebrides, operated by CalMac Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: daily in summer, plus a Wednesday sailing via Coll and Tiree.

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: Castlebay (Isle of Barra) to Oban

CalMac Ferries also sails Castlebay (Isle of Barra) to Oban, taking 4h 45m – 7h. Sailings leave Castlebay early — usually 06:55 — and reach Oban before midday.

Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Daily from Oban at 13:10 (13:30 at weekends), plus a 07:00 Wednesday sailing via Coll and Tiree

Summer 2026 timetable; no Coll/Tiree–Barra sailing on 8 and 15 July.

Published departure times

  • 07:00
  • 13:10
  • 13:30

Return: Sailings leave Castlebay early — usually 06:55 — and reach Oban before midday.

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

Official CalMac Ferries timetable →

Source: CalMac Oban–Castlebay summer 2026 timetable. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Oban and Castlebay (Isle of Barra)

📐 74 Nautical Miles
Oban⇄Castlebay (Isle of Barra)
⏱ 4h 45m – 7h · 📐 74 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
CalMac Ferries4h 45m direct; about 7h via Coll and TireeMV Isle of Lewis

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

74 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Castlebay town centre is 350 metres from the harbour; the local bus stop is 200 metres from the terminal
  • Oban railway station is 50 metres from the Oban terminal

Tips for the Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra) Crossing

  • Vehicles check in 45 minutes and foot passengers 30 minutes before departure
  • Continue north by the Barra–Eriskay ferry to reach the Uists

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from ObanOban → Craignure46m · Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)Also sails from ObanOban → Isle of Colonsay2h 15m – 2h 25m · CalMac FerriesAlso sails from ObanOban → Isle of CollAbout 2h 40m · CalMac FerriesAlso sails from ObanOban → Isle of Tiree3h 20m – 3h 50m · CalMac FerriesAlso sails from ObanOban → Isle of LismoreAbout 55m · CalMac FerriesAlso sails from ObanGallanach (Oban) → Isle of KerreraAbout 5m · CalMac Ferries
⚓ Oban Ferry Terminal guide⚓ Castlebay Pier guide⛴ All ferries from Oban🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra)?
The crossing typically takes 4h 45m – 7h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra) ferry sail?
Daily from Oban at 13:10 (13:30 at weekends), plus a 07:00 Wednesday sailing via Coll and Tiree. Summer 2026 timetable; no Coll/Tiree–Barra sailing on 8 and 15 July. This is the pattern published in the CalMac Oban–Castlebay summer 2026 timetable (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra)?
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 Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra) 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 Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra) 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 Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra) 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 Oban from Castlebay (Isle of Barra) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 74 nautical miles (roughly 137 km).