FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Tarbert (Loch Fyne) → Portavadie

An hourly car ferry across Loch Fyne between the Kintyre fishing village of Tarbert and Portavadie on Cowal, cutting out a long drive round the head of the loch.

⏱ About 25m🚢 1 operator📅 Hourly, daily, 08:00–18:00 from Tarbert (from 09:00 on Sundays)🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie ferry at a glance

The ferry from Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie takes About 25m across the Loch Fyne, operated by CalMac Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: hourly, daily, 08:00–18:00 from Tarbert (from 09:00 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: Portavadie to Tarbert (Loch Fyne)

CalMac Ferries also sails Portavadie to Tarbert (Loch Fyne), taking About 25m. Sailings leave Portavadie at half past each hour, 08:30–18:30.

Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Hourly from Tarbert on the hour, 08:00 (not Sundays) to 18:00; from Portavadie on the half hour

Published departure times

  • 08:00
  • 09:00
  • 10:00
  • 11:00
  • 12:00
  • 13:00
  • 14:00
  • 15:00
  • 16:00
  • 17:00
  • 18:00

Return: Sailings leave Portavadie at half past each hour, 08:30–18:30.

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 Tarbert–Portavadie summer 2026 timetable. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Tarbert (Loch Fyne) and Portavadie

📐 3 Nautical Miles
Tarbert (Loch Fyne)⇄Portavadie
⏱ About 25m · 📐 3 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
CalMac Ferries25mMV Isle of Cumbrae

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

3 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Buses serve Tarbert village from the turning circle; a local taxi can be booked
  • Buses stop at the top of the Portavadie slipway; Tighnabruaich is 5 miles away

Tips for the Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie Crossing

  • Not bookable: buy a ticket in advance and arrive 10 minutes before departure
  • A 19:00 sailing runs on Fridays and Saturdays in June–early August only on request by 16:00

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Tarbert (Loch Fyne)Kennacraig → Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen)2h – 2h 20m · Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)Nearby alternative crossingColintraive (Cowal) → Rhubodach (Isle of Bute)About 5m · 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 crossingLargs → Great Cumbrae (Millport)About 10m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingTayinloan (Kintyre) → Isle of GighaAbout 20m · CalMac Ferries
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie?
The crossing typically takes About 25m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie ferry sail?
Hourly from Tarbert on the hour, 08:00 (not Sundays) to 18:00; from Portavadie on the half hour. This is the pattern published in the CalMac Tarbert–Portavadie summer 2026 timetable (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie?
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 Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie 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 Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie 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 Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie 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 Tarbert (Loch Fyne) from Portavadie by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 3 nautical miles (roughly 6 km).