FerryConnect

Scotland

Wemyss Bay → Rothesay (Isle of Bute)

The Clyde crossing to the Isle of Bute from Wemyss Bay, whose Victorian station connects directly to the pier. It is an easy car-free day trip from Glasgow to Rothesay and Mount Stuart.

⏱ About 35m🚢 1 operator📅 Roughly hourly, 10–14 sailings a day each way (winter 2026/27)🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Wemyss Bay to Rothesay (Isle of Bute) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay (Isle of Bute) takes About 35m across the Firth of Clyde, operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac). Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: roughly hourly, 10–14 sailings a day each way (winter 2026/27).

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

Return crossing: Rothesay (Isle of Bute) to Wemyss Bay

Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) also sails Rothesay (Isle of Bute) to Wemyss Bay, taking About 35m. From Rothesay the first boat leaves at 06:25 on weekdays (07:05 on Saturdays, 08:05 on Sundays) and the last at 19:00.

Wemyss Bay to Rothesay (Isle of Bute) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Winter 2026/27: roughly hourly. 14 sailings from Wemyss Bay on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (07:15–20:05), 10 on Wednesdays (fewer in the afternoon for vessel maintenance), 13 on Saturdays (08:05–20:05) and 11 on Sundays (09:05–20:05); crossings take 35 minutes.

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

Return: From Rothesay the first boat leaves at 06:25 on weekdays (07:05 on Saturdays, 08:05 on Sundays) and the last at 19:00.

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

Official Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →

Source: CalMac Wemyss Bay–Rothesay winter 2026/27 timetable. Verified 2026-10-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Wemyss Bay and Rothesay (Isle of Bute)

📐 7 Nautical Miles
Wemyss Bay⇄Rothesay (Isle of Bute)
⏱ About 35m · 📐 7 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)35mCalMac Ro-Pax ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

7 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Wemyss Bay station adjoins the pier, with trains from Glasgow Central (about 1 hour)
  • Rothesay pier is in the town centre, with buses around Bute

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Wemyss BayGourock → Dunoon20m – 25m · CalMac Ferries, Western FerriesNearby alternative crossingLargs → Great Cumbrae (Millport)About 10m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingColintraive (Cowal) → Rhubodach (Isle of Bute)About 5m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingGourock → KilcregganAbout 13m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingTarbert (Loch Fyne) → PortavadieAbout 25m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingClaonaig (Kintyre) → Lochranza (Isle of Arran)About 30m · CalMac Ferries
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay?
35 minutes, with sailings roughly every hour: 14 a day on most weekdays in CalMac’s winter 2026/27 timetable, 10 on Wednesdays, 13 on Saturdays and 11 on Sundays.
How often does the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay (Isle of Bute) ferry sail?
Winter 2026/27: roughly hourly. 14 sailings from Wemyss Bay on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (07:15–20:05), 10 on Wednesdays (fewer in the afternoon for vessel maintenance), 13 on Saturdays (08:05–20:05) and 11 on Sundays (09:05–20:05); crossings take 35 minutes. CalMac Bute winter timetable 19 October 2026 – 25 March 2027; no sailings on 25 December and 1 January. This is the pattern published in the CalMac Wemyss Bay–Rothesay winter 2026/27 timetable (checked 2026-10-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay (Isle of Bute)?
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay (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 Wemyss Bay to Rothesay (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 Wemyss Bay to Rothesay (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.
How far is Wemyss Bay from Rothesay (Isle of Bute) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 7 nautical miles (roughly 13 km).